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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. Example - this white wine goes well with this fish






2. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






3. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






4. List of details that reinforces a concept






5. The assigning of human attributes - such as emotions or physical characteristics - to nonhumans - usually plants or animals. Differs from personification in that it is a pattern applied to a nonhuman character throughout the entire literary work






6. A group of words acting as a noun - i.e. 'Playing the guitar is extremely difficult'






7. A type of poem that takes the form of a lament for the dead sung by a shepherd






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






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






10. Verb in present tense - 'Bettina plays with children'






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






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






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






14. To make fun of






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






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






17. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






18. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






19. A line of iambic hexameter; the final line of a Spenserian stanza is alexandrine






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






21. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






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






23. An event or experience that causes disappointment because it is less exciting than what was expected






24. A figure of speech in which two contradictory elements are combined for effect - i.e. 'random order'






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






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






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






28. The claim or point that the writer is making






29. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






30. The commentator does not mean what she writes






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






32. The juxtaposition of incongruous or conflicting ideas that reveals a truth or insight






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






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






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






36. Expressly stated






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






38. A phrase or saying that has two meanings - one being sexual or provocative in nature






39. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






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






41. Open - honest communication






42. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






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






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






45. Vague - not easily defined






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






47. 'ed' form of a verb - 'Bettina played with the children'






48. The work is narrated using a name or third person pronoun ie - he - she - etc.






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






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