Test your basic knowledge |

Literary And Rhetorical Vocab

Subject : english
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 resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction






2. In contrast to literal language - implies meanings






3. A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind






4. A brief explanation - summary - or evaluation of a text or work of literature






5. A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action






6. As opposed to concrete language it represents thoughts






7. The interpretation or analysis of a text






8. The main character in a work of literature






9. Literally 'seize the day'; enjoy life while you can - a common theme in literature






10. A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea






11. A familiar grouping of words - especially words that habitually appear together and thereby convey meaning by association






12. A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true






13. In poetry - the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them






14. A sentence that follows the customary word order of english sentences - ie subject verb object. the main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses






15. A subordinate or minor collection of events in an novel or play - usually connected to the main plot






16. The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature






17. An indirect or subtle - usually derogatory implication in expression - an insinuation






18. The high point - or turning point - of a story or play






19. Two or more independent clauses






20. A false name or alias used by writers






21. Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or non-human objects






22. The origin or derivation of a word






23. A synonym for poetry. also - a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry






24. The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that surprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene






25. Language or dialect of a particular country - Language of a clan or group - Plain everyday speech






26. A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place






27. A sentence that departs from the usual word order of english sentences by expressing its main thought only at the end. in other words - the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support






28. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






29. One in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale.






30. A parody of traditional epic form






31. French term for the world of books - criticism - and literature in general






32. A reference to a person - place - or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea






33. A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse - but sometimes with a satirical thrust






34. The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader - a viewer or the world at large






35. Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation






36. The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object






37. The language of a work and its style; words - often highly emotional - used to convince or sway an audience






38. One independent clause and no dependent clause






39. A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation






40. Word choice characterized by simple - often one or two syllable nouns - adjectives - and adverbs






41. A forceful sermon - lecture or tirade






42. A latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events but at some other critical point






43. The main idea isn't completed until the end of the sentence






44. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






45. An episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits






46. Language that describes specific - observable things






47. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






48. A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter - rhyme or some other plan






49. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects - without using like or as






50. A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term