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. Drama dealing with the downfall of a heroic or noble character






2. A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work






3. Writing or speech that is not meant to be taken literally - often creating comparisons






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






5. (tall): short piece of fiction






6. A question asked for an effect - not actually requiring an answer; emphasizing the obvious






7. Figure of speech; comparison not using like or as






8. Emotional appeal






9. Dictionary definition of a word






10. The repetition of sounds at the ends of words






11. A transition to an earlier event or scene that interrupts the normal chronological development of the story






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






13. The use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms






14. How a sentence was formed to convey an emotion - image - or aspect of language.






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






16. A contradiction or dilemma






17. The series of conflicts building up to a climax






18. The perspective from which a story is told






19. The speaker - voice - or character assumed by the author of a piece of writing






20. A word imitating the sound it represents






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






22. A message that digresses from the main subject






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






24. A short story teaching a lesson






25. (usually long) dramatic speech by a single speaker






26. Attitude or mood towards a subject






27. 1. Categorical Design 2. Chronologically: time order 3. Spatially: geographically 4. Cause & Effect






28. Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense






29. Giving human characteristics to something that not human






30. A final settlement






31. Someone to whom private matters are confided






32. The freedom of a poet in writing






33. A worn-out idea or overused expression






34. Extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places; often dealing with love






35. Narrator tells a story; events unfold through time






36. Witty language used to convey insults or scorn; poking fun at the foibles of society






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






38. A reference to a well-known person - place - event - literary work - or work of art






39. The event that sets the plot into motion - triggering the conflict






40. Harsh - cutting language or tone intended to ridicule






41. A distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing






42. Poetry that uses the appearance of the verse lines on the page to suggest or imitate the poem's subject






43. A stanza consisting of two successive lines of verse






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






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






46. Substitution of an inoffensive term for one that is less pleasant






47. An expression that cannot be understood if taken literally






48. The use of elevated language over ordinary language






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






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