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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. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






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






3. 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






4. Comparison of two things that are similar in several respects in order to prove a point or clarify an idea






5. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






7. A saying or expression that proposes to tell the truth






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






9. An exaggeration or overstatement






10. A type of literature that exposes idiocy - corruption - or other human folly - through humor - exaggeration - irony






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






12. Not taking a position






13. Example - I think that your sweater is lovely






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






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






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






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






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






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






20. That which comes before; the antecedent of a pronoun is the noun to which the pronoun refers






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






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






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






24. To place side by side in order to show similarities or differences






25. Expressly stated






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






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






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






29. The commentator does not mean what she writes






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






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






32. A negative statement






33. Vague - not easily defined






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






35. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






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






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






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






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






40. A verb acting as a noun - usually 'ing' form of the verb






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






42. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






43. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






44. The claim or point that the writer is making






45. Quiet reflection upon a topic






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






47. To give human attributes or qualities to something nonliving or nonhuman






48. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






49. Referring to local custom or sayings; regional language or behavior






50. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence