Test your basic knowledge |

CLEP College Composition

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. Essay that presents information in order of specificity - beginning with a general theme and focuses on a specific topic of interest - often the 5 paragraph essay






2. An indirect attack or insinuation






3. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






4. Short narrative of an amusing - unusual - revealing or interesting event






5. A preference or inclination - especially one that inhibits impartial judgment






6. To illustrate how a claim can be true in some ways and false in others






7. Neoclassical principles of drama






8. Imagined - even while it may possess truthful elements - it cannot be verified






9. Further information about the subject (predicate must contain the verb)






10. A short quotation or verse that precedes text that sets the tone or provides a setting






11. Lines rhymed by their final two syllables - i.e. running and gunning






12. Condemn by seeming to offer praise - ie 'well - I could not have done better myself'






13. One of many conjunctive adverbs






14. Language chosen by the writer






15. The verb and its object and modifiers






16. Reasoning by which a general statement is reached on the basis of particular examples






17. A concept or idea without a specific example; idealized generalizations






18. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






19. The metaphor forms the basis for the entire work - extends throughout the work or passage






20. The official 'headquarters' of a state or nation - its actual location or area






21. ... - used to indicate omission of words or letters






22. Refers to the way the writer lets readers know what will be discussed - a framing statement gives the reader some sense of what to expect






23. To write around a subject - evasively - say nothing






24. Understatement created through double negative






25. Comparison of two things that are similar in several respects in order to prove a point or clarify an idea






26. A phrase that refers to a person or object by single important feature of that person or object






27. The main character who opposes the protagonist - usually the villain






28. The pause that breaks a line of Old English verse






29. A figure of speech in the form of a question posed for persuasive effect without the expectation of a reply






30. Helping verb (often be - have - or do) - i.e. 'I am working on it'






31. Third person narrator sees and knows all without constraints of time - space. Can digress into contemplative or philosophical forays - often voicing the viewpoint of the author (mostly found in fiction)






32. The speaker - author - or narrator's attitude toward a person - place - idea - or thing






33. A type of literature that exposes idiocy - corruption - or other human folly - through humor - exaggeration - irony






34. A negative statement






35. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






36. Expressly stated






37. Quality in literature that appeals to the audience's emotions






38. The claim or point that the writer is making






39. Referring to phrases that suggest an interplay of the senses - ie 'hot pink' or 'golden voice'






40. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






41. Main idea of an essay - what the writer hope to prove is true






42. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






43. A formula of deductive argument that consists of 3 propositions - the major premise - minor premise - and conclusion






44. A verb used for issuing commands - 'Do it now!'






45. An example that is particularly apt for the situation at hand






46. The perspective from which a story is written






47. Basically an 'either or' situation - typically a moral decision






48. One of many prepositions






49. An explosion of harsh language that usually vilifies or condemns an idea






50. The order of words in a sentence - also the types and structures of sentences