Test your basic knowledge |

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






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






3. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






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






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






6. To move off point






7. Refers to the way the writer lets readers know what will be discussed - a framing statement gives the reader some sense of what to expect






8. The verb and its object and modifiers






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






10. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






11. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






12. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






13. An explanatory reference at the bottom of a page of text






14. Essay that presents information about a problem followed by a description of one or more solutions






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






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






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






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






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






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






21. Condemn by seeming to offer praise - ie 'well - I could not have done better myself'






22. A rhyme ending on the final stressed syllable - i.e. know and snow






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






24. One of many prepositions






25. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






26. Referring to phrases that suggest an interplay of the senses - ie 'hot pink' or 'golden voice'






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






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






29. The work is narrated by the person 'I' - who can also be the protagonist - omniscient speaker. There can be multiple narrators of the same work






30. Referring to local custom or sayings; regional language or behavior






31. Vague - not easily defined






32. Consists of a single independent clause






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






34. The building housing lawmakers of a state or nation






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. Appearing in episodes - a long string of short individual scenes






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






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






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






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






41. Information distributed to promote a specific cause usually of a biased or misleading nature






42. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






43. Expressly stated






44. 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'






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






46. Vowel rhyme






47. 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'






48. Expressed of direct address - i.e. 'Sit - Bettina - sit!'






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






50. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge