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 simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited






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






3. 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






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






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






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






7. 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






8. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






9. A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words






10. 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






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






12. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






16. in literature - the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem






17. The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem






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






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






20. The main character in a work of literature






21. A form of verse or prose that tells a story






22. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






23. deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient greek and roman culture; implies formality - objectivity - simplicity and restraint






24. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; less subtle than irony






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






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






27. A novel focusing on and describing social customs and habits of a particular social group






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






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






30. A concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






31. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






32. Language that describes specific - observable things






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






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






35. The origin or derivation of a word






36. Ordinary or familiar - used to describe diction






37. Providing hints of things to come in a story or play






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






39. A work of literature dealing with rural life






40. The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied






41. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






42. A return to an earlier time in a story or play in order to clarify present actions or circumstances






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






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






45. An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society






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






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






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






49. A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language






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