Test your basic knowledge |

SAT Subject Test: Literature

Subjects : sat, literature
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 group of lines in a poem






2. Opposition between characters or forces (especially motivating the development of the plot)






3. The attribution of human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects






4. The primary position taken by a writer or speaker






5. When - where - and the weather in which the story takes place






6. A fixed idea or conception of a character or an idea that does not allow for any individuality; often based on religious/social/racial prejudices






7. The general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people






8. A regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem






9. Narrator tells a story; events unfold through time






10. A couplet consisting of two rhymed lines of iambic pentamenter and written in an elevated style






11. Unstable or critical situation - usually turning point - in which the outcome will make a decisive difference






12. The telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.






13. The use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; or - incongruity between what is expected and what actually happens






14. A poem in which a speaker addresses a silent listener






15. Artistic representation that aims for visual accuracy; accepting the facts






16. Exposition tells or explains how to do something; includes ideas and facts about the focus subject






17. The prevailing psychological state






18. Using elements that can be either factual or impressionistic that act to 'paint a picture'






19. Someone to whom private matters are confided






20. A story that is usually passed down orally and becomes part of a community's tradition






21. A brief - cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.






22. A short - witty saying expressing a single thought or observation






23. The process by which the writer develops a character






24. A traditional story presenting supernatural characters and episodes that help explain natural events






25. A long - lyrical poem - usually serious or meditative in nature with complete stanza forms






26. A story about mythical or supernatural beings or events; often handed down orally






27. The grammatical arrangement of words in sentences






28. Description that appeals to the senses (sight - sound - smell - touch - taste)






29. Serves by contrast to call attention to another's good qualities






30. Exaggeration






31. An event or action in a work of literature that serves to intensify and develop the conflict.






32. A final settlement






33. A verse form consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme






34. A person with powers greater than that of a normal being






35. The final actions or solution of the plot






36. The opposite of exaggeration; less than intended.






37. Word or phrase describing a person or thing; descriptive phrase characterizing a person (often contemptous)






38. The different patterns of development or methods of organization that can be used for self-expression - providing information - persuasion - and entertainment






39. The freedom of a poet in writing






40. A comedy characterized by broad satire and improbable situations






41. Background introducing the characters - setting - and basic situation






42. Written to convince the reader of an opinion or point






43. The repetition of consonants (or consonant patterns) especially at the ends of words






44. Recurring at regular intervals






45. Writing that records the conversation that occurs inside a character's head






46. Symbolism; substituting the name of an attribute or feature for the name of the thing itself (as in 'they counted heads') or with which it is closely identified






47. Use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse






48. The use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms






49. The choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work






50. The highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding