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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. An exaggeration or overstatement






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






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






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






5. 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)






6. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






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






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






10. Language chosen by the writer






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






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






13. Vowel rhyme






14. Open - honest communication






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






16. A figure of speech in which two contradictory elements are combined for effect - i.e. 'random order'






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






18. A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting






19. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






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






22. The verb and its object and modifiers






23. (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






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






25. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






26. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






27. The perspective from which a story is written






28. Quiet reflection upon a topic






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






30. A short quotation or verse that precedes text that sets the tone or provides a setting






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






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






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






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






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






36. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






37. A comparison of two unlike things in order to show or more clearly or in a new way






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






39. A figure of speech in which sharply contrasting ideas are juxtaposed in a balanced or parallel phrase or grammatical structure - i.e. 'to err is human; to forgive - divine'






40. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






41. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






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






43. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






44. Unconjugated verb with 'to' in front of it






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






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






47. 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






48. An explanatory reference at the bottom of a page of text






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






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