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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. Unconjugated verb with 'to' in front of it






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






3. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






4. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






5. An indirect attack or insinuation






6. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






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






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






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






10. (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






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






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






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






14. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge






15. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






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






17. A humorous imitation of an original text meant to ridicule - often used in satire






18. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






19. Language chosen by the writer






20. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






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






23. Expressly stated






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






25. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






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






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






28. An example that is particularly apt for the situation at hand






29. One of many prepositions






30. Can be verified






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






32. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






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






34. 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






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






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






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






38. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






46. One of many subordinating conjunctions






47. Helping verb (often be - have - or do) - i.e. 'I am working on it'






48. An attack on an opposing view to weaken - invalidate - or make it less credible






49. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






50. Observable - measurable - easily perceived