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. A verbal (often preceded by 'to') that functions as a noun adjective or adverb






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






3. Grating - inharmonious sounds






4. The pattern of rhymes within a given poems






5. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






6. Language that describes specific - observable things






7. As opposed to concrete language it represents thoughts






8. The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature






9. A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature






10. 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






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






12. An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing






13. As distinguished from Apollonian - the word refers to sensual - pleasure-seeking impulses






14. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






15. The manner in which an author uses and arranges words - shapes ideas - forms sentences and creates a structure to convey ideas






16. The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction






17. A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line






18. A term used to describe literary forms such as novel - play and essay






19. The correspondence of a verb with its subject in person and number and of a pronoun with its antecedent in person - number - and gender






20. The interpretation or analysis of a text






21. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that causes the hero considerable anguish






22. The dictionary definition of a word. contrast with connotation






23. An imitation of a work meant to ridicule its style and subject






24. A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated






25. A word or phrase representing that which can be seen - touched - tasted - smelled - or felt






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






27. A sentence with one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses






28. The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines of a poem






29. A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface






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






31. A parody of traditional epic form






32. A form of verse usually consisting of three four line units called quatrains and a concluding couplet






33. A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






34. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






35. A short - pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment






36. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. the characteristic emotion that pervades a work or part of a work--the spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






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






38. The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry






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






40. A short tale often with nonhuman characters from which a useful lesson may be drawn






41. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






42. A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature






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






44. The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem






45. A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity






46. A forceful sermon - lecture or tirade






47. A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time






48. A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






49. The main idea or meaning - often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built






50. A sentence with two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses