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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. Consists of a single independent clause






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






3. The building housing lawmakers of a state or nation






4. Verb in present tense - 'Bettina plays with children'






5. The rhythm of phrases or sentences created through repetitive elements






6. Acronym for basic elements of nonfictional text - speaker - occasion - audience - purpose - subject - tone






7. Example - I think that your sweater is lovely






8. Consists or two or more simple sentences joined by a common and coordinating conjunction - or by a semicolon






9. A metaphor using 'like' or 'as' in the comparison






10. An error of reasoning based on faulty use of evidence






11. A phrase that refers to a person or object by single important feature of that person or object






12. A group of words acting as a noun - i.e. 'Playing the guitar is extremely difficult'






13. The use of parallel elements in sentences or in the structure of an essay or prose passage ie - essay consisting of 4 paragraphs - each beginning with a question followed by the answer






14. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






15. (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






16. The main character - usually the hero






17. 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






18. Main idea of an essay - what the writer hope to prove is true






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






20. Unconjugated verb with 'to' in front of it






21. Saying less than is warranted by the situation in order to emphasize reality






22. 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'






23. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






24. Vowel rhyme






25. Essay that presents information about two or more things - events - or ideas in order to compare them






26. To place side by side in order to show similarities or differences






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






28. Rarely used - the writer uses the pronoun 'you' making the reader an active participant in the work






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






30. Essay that presents information in order of occurrence - or sequence of events






31. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






32. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






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






34. The verb and its object and modifiers






35. Essay that presents information in order of importance - either most important to least important or vice versa






36. Ideas or things that can mean many things to many people - such as peace - honor






37. A figure of speech in which two contradictory elements are combined for effect - i.e. 'random order'






38. A type of poem that takes the form of a lament for the dead sung by a shepherd






39. Example - this white wine goes well with this fish






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






41. A saying or expression that proposes to tell the truth






42. Open - honest communication






43. One of many conjunctive adverbs






44. One of many prepositions






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






46. Understatement created through double negative






47. Essay that presents information about the causes of some known or likely outcome - how different causes contribute to the outcome






48. A phrase that refers to a person or object by a single important feature - ie 'the pen is mightier than the sword'






49. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






50. The official 'headquarters' of a state or nation - its actual location or area