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 explosion of harsh language that usually vilifies or condemns an idea






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






3. Vague - not easily defined






4. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






11. Not taking a position






12. A narrative or description with a secondary or symbolic meaning underlying the literal meaning






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






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






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






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






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






18. The claim or point that the writer is making






19. The act or practice of envisioning things in an ideal form; seeing things as they could be






20. A variety of literary devices i.e. - anaphora - repeating






21. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






22. (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






23. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






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






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






26. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






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






28. Essay that presents information in order of importance - either most important to least important or vice versa






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






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






31. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






32. Neoclassical principles of drama






33. Abab cdcd efef gg






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






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






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






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






38. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






39. An exception to a proposed general rule






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






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






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






43. Verb used to express conditional or counterfactual statements - i.e. 'If I were rich'






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






45. 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'






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






47. Understatement created through double negative






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






49. Short narrative of an amusing - unusual - revealing or interesting event






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