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. Language chosen by the writer






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






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






4. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






5. An exaggeration or overstatement






6. The claim or point that the writer is making






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






8. 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






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






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






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






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






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






14. Not taking a position






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






16. 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






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






18. (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






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






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






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






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






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






24. Abab bcbc cdcd ee






25. Expressed of direct address - i.e. 'Sit - Bettina - sit!'






26. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






27. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






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






29. Something that is implied






30. One of many conjunctive adverbs






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






32. 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'






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






34. Imagined - even while it may possess truthful elements - it cannot be verified






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






36. The main character - usually the hero






37. Essay that presents information about the causes of some known or likely outcome - how different causes contribute to the outcome






38. The building housing lawmakers of a state or nation






39. Example - I think that your sweater is lovely






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






41. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






42. Expressly stated






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






44. Vague - not easily defined






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






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






47. The perspective from which a story is written






48. 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






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






50. The work is narrated by the person 'I' - who can also be the protagonist - omniscient speaker. There can be multiple narrators of the same work