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CLEP College Composition

Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. The rhythm of phrases or sentences created through repetitive elements






2. Imagined - even while it may possess truthful elements - it cannot be verified






3. A concept or idea without a specific example; idealized generalizations






4. A narrative or description with a secondary or symbolic meaning underlying the literal meaning






5. A verb acting as a noun - usually 'ing' form of the verb






6. The verb and its object and modifiers






7. The metaphor forms the basis for the entire work - extends throughout the work or passage






8. Words that mean the opposite of their literal meaning - i.e. 'how wonderful that you wrecked your car!'






9. Language that is not meant to be taken literally - such as metaphor - simile - personification - metonymy






10. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






11. A speaker directly addresses something or someone not living - that cannot answer back






12. A word that introduces a subordinate clause - i.e. 'Since you're awake - I'll turn on the radio'






13. A comparison of two unlike things in order to show or more clearly or in a new way






14. Third-person narrator tells another's story using third-person pronouns






15. An event or experience that causes disappointment because it is less exciting than what was expected






16. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






17. Vague - not easily defined






18. A comic tool of satire - ridiculous exaggeration or distortion






19. Words whose sounds mimic their meaning - buzz - woof






20. Repetition of the same consonant two or more times in short succession






21. Essay that presents information in order of specificity - beginning with a general theme and focuses on a specific topic of interest - often the 5 paragraph essay






22. To move off point






23. A formula of deductive argument that consists of 3 propositions - the major premise - minor premise - and conclusion






24. Can be verified






25. (1) a short poetic nickname; (2) a term used to describe the name or title of a person -ie 'The Great Emancipator' for Abraham Lincoln; (3) an abusive slur






26. A kind or more gentle word to dilute the meaning in order to evade responsibility for a more disturbing word - i.e. 'passed on' instead of 'died'






27. The assigning of human attributes - such as emotions or physical characteristics - to nonhumans - usually plants or animals. Differs from personification in that it is a pattern applied to a nonhuman character throughout the entire literary work






28. Language chosen by the writer






29. A humorous imitation of an original text meant to ridicule - often used in satire






30. Basically an 'either or' situation - typically a moral decision






31. A preference or inclination - especially one that inhibits impartial judgment






32. A short quotation or verse that precedes text that sets the tone or provides a setting






33. Short narrative of an amusing - unusual - revealing or interesting event






34. A figure of speech in which sharply contrasting ideas are juxtaposed in a balanced or parallel phrase or grammatical structure - i.e. 'to err is human; to forgive - divine'






35. A derogatory term used to described poorly written poetry of little or no literary value






36. A negative statement






37. Humorous or ironic statement not meant to be taken literally






38. An explosion of harsh language that usually vilifies or condemns an idea






39. The pause that breaks a line of Old English verse






40. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






41. Clever use of language to amuse the reader - but more to make a point






42. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge






43. Further information about the subject (predicate must contain the verb)






44. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






45. A verb used for issuing commands - 'Do it now!'






46. Reasoning by which a general statement is reached on the basis of particular examples






47. A reference to something in culture - history or literature that expands the depth of the text that allows the reader to make a 'connection'






48. A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting






49. Vowel rhyme






50. List of details that reinforces a concept