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






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






3. The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker






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






5. 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






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






7. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose






8. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 AD






9. When the infinitive is interrupted with another word - typically an adverb or adverbial phrase






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






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






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






13. A version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






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






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






16. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






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






18. Issues a comand






19. As opposed to concrete language it represents thoughts






20. A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretations






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






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






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






24. In contrast to Dionysian - it refers to the most noble - godlike qualities of human nature and behavior






25. The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events - including exposition - rising action - climax - falling action and resolution






26. 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






27. A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before






28. A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero






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






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






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






32. A literary style used to poke fun at - attack or ridicule an idea - vice or foible - often for the purpose of inducing change






33. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






34. A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present






35. The depiction of people - things and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect






36. A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse - often marked by punctuation






37. 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






38. A kind of poetry without rhymed lines - rhythm or fixed metrical feet






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






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






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






42. Grating - inharmonious sounds






43. A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated - often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected






44. Language that describes specific - observable things






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






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






47. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






48. One independent clause and no dependent clause






49. In contrast to literal language - implies meanings






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