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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. Rarely used - the writer uses the pronoun 'you' making the reader an active participant in the work






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






3. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






10. Essay that presents information about a problem followed by a description of one or more solutions






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






12. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






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






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






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






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






17. Clever use of language to amuse the reader - but more to make a point






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






19. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






21. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






23. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






24. Understatement created through double negative






25. Ideas or things that can mean many things to many people - such as peace - honor






26. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






28. Language chosen by the writer






29. Not taking a position






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






31. Information distributed to promote a specific cause usually of a biased or misleading nature






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






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






34. 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






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






36. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






37. Words that mean the opposite of their literal meaning - i.e. 'how wonderful that you wrecked your car!'






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






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






40. Quiet reflection upon a topic






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






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






44. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






45. Humorous or ironic statement not meant to be taken literally






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






47. A kind or more gentle word to dilute the meaning in order to evade responsibility for a more disturbing word - i.e. 'passed on' instead of 'died'






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






49. Language that is not meant to be taken literally - such as metaphor - simile - personification - metonymy






50. The perspective from which a story is written