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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. To move off point






2. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






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






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






5. To make fun of






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






7. Knowledge based on experience or observation - the view that experience - especially of the senses - is the only source of knowledge






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






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






10. A humorous imitation of an original text meant to ridicule - often used in satire






11. Opposing point of view






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






13. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






14. The main character - usually the hero






15. Quiet reflection upon a topic






16. Something that is implied






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






18. The opposite of an idea used to emphasize a point






19. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






20. Appearing in episodes - a long string of short individual scenes






21. The claim or point that the writer is making






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






23. A negative statement






24. Type of faulty reasoning in which the writer attempts to support a statement by repeating the statement in different or stronger language






25. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






27. 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






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






29. A figure of speech






30. 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'






31. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






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






33. Vowel rhyme






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






35. Unconjugated verb with 'to' in front of it






36. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






37. (1) a short poetic nickname; (2) a term used to describe the name or title of a person -ie 'The Great Emancipator' for Abraham Lincoln; (3) an abusive slur






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






39. The perspective from which a story is written






40. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






41. 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






42. Refined taste - tact - the ability to avoid distress or embarrassment






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






44. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






45. Example - this white wine goes well with this fish






46. One of many conjunctive adverbs






47. Expressly stated






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






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






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