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. An exception to a proposed general rule






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






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






4. Something that is implied






5. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






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






7. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






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






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






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






11. The perspective from which a story is written






12. The main character - usually the hero






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






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






15. A derogatory term used to described poorly written poetry of little or no literary value






16. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






17. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






18. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






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






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






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






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






23. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






24. Abab cdcd efef gg






25. One of many conjunctive adverbs






26. A comic tool of satire - ridiculous exaggeration or distortion






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






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






29. Repetition of the same consonant two or more times in short succession






30. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






31. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






32. A negative statement






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






34. 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






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






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






37. Language chosen by the writer






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






39. The commentator does not mean what she writes






40. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






42. Vague - not easily defined






43. 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






44. 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)






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






46. A word that introduces a subordinate clause - i.e. 'Since you're awake - I'll turn on the radio'






47. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






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






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






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