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 list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work






2. The anglo-saxon language spoken in what is now england from approximately 450 to 1150 AD






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






4. A person - scene - event - or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set






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






6. The organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular syntax or pattern of words






7. The main character in a work of literature






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






9. As opposed to concrete language it represents thoughts






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






11. Similar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is






12. A complex sentence in which the main clause comes first and the subordinate clause follows






13. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






14. A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived






15. Novels written for mass consumption - often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots






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






17. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem. two rhyming lines in iambic pentameter is sometimes called a heroic couplet






18. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






19. 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






20. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase. contrast with denotation






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






22. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






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






25. A poem or prose selection that laments or meditates on the passing or death of something or someone of value






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






27. Personal - reflective poetry that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject






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






29. The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death






30. A french verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes






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






32. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase can be understood in two ways especially when one meaning is risque






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






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






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






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






37. A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things






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






39. A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words






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






41. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






42. One independent clause and no dependent clause






43. A narrator with unlimited awareness - understanding - and insight of characters - setting - background and all other elements of the story






44. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






45. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






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






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






49. A german word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal






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