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CSET English Reading Understanding Text

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. A wise saying - usually short and to the point; similar to epigram or maxim






2. The use of a series of words - phrases - or sentences that have similar grammatical form






3. A figure of speech in which a comparison in implied but not stated (ex: The snow was a white blanket)






4. The central understanding about life as expressed in a work of literature; may be stated or expressed directly; usually implied or revealed gradually through events - dialogue - and outcome






5. The assignment/application of human characteristics to animals - inanimate object - or gods (ex: Sponge Bob - Bugs Bunny)






6. A philosophy that values human freedom and personal responsibility. Writers include: Jean - Paul Sartre - Kierkegaard - Camus - Nietzsche - Franz Kafka - and Simon de Beauvoir






7. An introductory section of a play - speech - or other literary work






8. Verse that tells a story






9. A statement or situation that seems to be contradictory but actually makes sense (ex: the more I learn - the less I know)






10. The rhythmic rise and fall of oral language






11. The perspective from which a story is told






12. A short saying that expresses a general ruth or gives practical advice - usually about behavior and morality; similar to adage or aphorism






13. An occurrence is the opposite of what was expected






14. A quotation from another work that suggests the main idea - or theme - of the work at hand






15. A form of dramatic poetry in which a speaker addresses a silent listener






16. One foot per line of poetry






17. A literary work in which all or most of the characters - events and setting stand for ideas or generalization about life; have a moral or lesson






18. The repetition of the same stressed vowel sounds and any succeeding sounds in two or more words






19. Type of diction; specialized language used in a particular profession or content area






20. The pattern of sound created by stressed and unstressed syllable - particularly in poetry






21. A figure of speech that uses the word 'like' or 'as' to compare two unlike things






22. Writing or speech that tells a story






23. A sudden intuitive recognition of the essence or meaning of something






24. The repetition of the same or similar vowel sounds in stressed syllables that end with different consonant sounds






25. The chief character in a literary work - usually one with admirable qualities






26. A narrator who gives a faulty or distorted account of the events in a story; a child as a narrator might misinterpret someone's actions






27. A figure of speech in which a part is used for a whole or a whole is used for its parts (ex: All hands on deck)






28. A pair of rhymed lines in iambic pentameter that work together to make a point or express an idea






29. Reference to a well - known person - place - or situation from history/art/music/work of literature






30. The repetition of final consonant sounds in words containing different vowels (ex: fresh cash - yard bird)






31. The repetition of a line or phrase in a poem at regular intervals - usually at the end of each stanza






32. A literary style in which the writer combines realistic characters - events - situations - and dialogue with elements that are magical - supernatural - or fantastic






33. The suggested or implied meaning associated with a word beyond its dictionary definition; can be positive - neutral - or negative






34. An emphasis on themes - characters - settings - and customs of a particular geographical region






35. A word or phrase that is so overused that it has lost its expressive power






36. The reader or the playgoer has information unknown to characters in the play






37. A type of narrative nonfiction recounting a period in the writer's life






38. Type of diction; language that shows disrespect for others or something sacred






39. The central character in a literary work - around whom the action revolves






40. The use of a word or phrase that imitates or suggests the sound it describes






41. A concluding statement or section added to a work of literature






42. The time and place in which the events of a literary work occur






43. Reversal of the usual word order for variety or emphasis (ex:A girl with a hat/In a dream I saw)






44. The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of one character






45. Poetry or lines of dramatic verse written in iambic pentameter






46. A break or pause (usually for sense) in the middle of a verse line - marked in prosody by a double vertical line (||)






47. Language used for descriptive effect rather than literal meaning and including at least one figure of speech (metaphor - simile - personification)






48. The literal - or dictionary - meaning of a word






49. A symbol - image - plot pattern - or character type that occurs often in literature - such as the hero on a dangerous quest






50. The use of words to create pictures in the reader's mind