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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. Comparison of two things that are similar in several respects in order to prove a point or clarify an idea






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






3. To give human attributes or qualities to something nonliving or nonhuman






4. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






5. 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'






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






7. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






8. Language chosen by the writer






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






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






11. ... - used to indicate omission of words or letters






12. An exaggeration or overstatement






13. That which comes before; the antecedent of a pronoun is the noun to which the pronoun refers






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






15. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






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






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






18. Opposing point of view






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






20. Lines rhymed by their final two syllables - i.e. running and gunning






21. Essay pattern in which the writer shows the immediate and underlying causes that led to an event or situation






22. Helping verb (often be - have - or do) - i.e. 'I am working on it'






23. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






24. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






25. To write around a subject - evasively - say nothing






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






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






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






29. Abab cdcd efef gg






30. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






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






32. Can be verified






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






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






35. 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






36. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






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






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






39. Something that is implied






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






41. Type of faulty reasoning in which the writer attempts to support a statement by repeating the statement in different or stronger language






42. Verb used to express conditional or counterfactual statements - i.e. 'If I were rich'






43. The juxtaposition of incongruous or conflicting ideas that reveals a truth or insight






44. 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






45. The verb and its object and modifiers






46. A type of literature that exposes idiocy - corruption - or other human folly - through humor - exaggeration - irony






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






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






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






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