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. A reference to something in culture - history or literature that expands the depth of the text that allows the reader to make a 'connection'






2. A figure of speech in which sharply contrasting ideas are juxtaposed in a balanced or parallel phrase or grammatical structure - i.e. 'to err is human; to forgive - divine'






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






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






5. A negative statement






6. One of many prepositions






7. An indirect attack or insinuation






8. A metaphor using 'like' or 'as' in the comparison






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






10. Third-person narrator tells another's story using third-person pronouns






11. A narrative or description with a secondary or symbolic meaning underlying the literal meaning






12. A speaker directly addresses something or someone not living - that cannot answer back






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






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






15. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






16. Essay pattern in which the writer shows the immediate and underlying causes that led to an event or situation






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






18. The verb and its object and modifiers






19. An explanatory reference at the bottom of a page of text






20. An error of reasoning based on faulty use of evidence






21. A thing - idea - or person that stands for something else






22. Opposing point of view






23. Saying less than is warranted by the situation in order to emphasize reality






24. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






25. A comparison of two unlike things in order to show or more clearly or in a new way






26. Consists or two or more simple sentences joined by a common and coordinating conjunction - or by a semicolon






27. Understatement created through double negative






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






29. The use of parallel elements in sentences or in the structure of an essay or prose passage ie - essay consisting of 4 paragraphs - each beginning with a question followed by the answer






30. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






31. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






32. An attack on an opposing view to weaken - invalidate - or make it less credible






33. A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting






34. A phrase that refers to a person or object by a single important feature - ie 'the pen is mightier than the sword'






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






36. Vowel rhyme






37. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






38. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






39. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






40. Acronym for basic elements of nonfictional text - speaker - occasion - audience - purpose - subject - tone






41. Words whose sounds mimic their meaning - buzz - woof






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






43. Can be verified






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






45. Essay that presents information about two or more things - events - or ideas in order to compare them






46. Verb used to express conditional or counterfactual statements - i.e. 'If I were rich'






47. A figure of speech






48. Essay that presents information in order of occurrence - or sequence of events






49. An exception to a proposed general rule






50. The rhythm of phrases or sentences created through repetitive elements