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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. 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'






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






3. 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






4. A phrase that refers to a person or object by a single important feature - ie 'the pen is mightier than the sword'






5. 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






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






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






8. One of many conjunctive adverbs






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






10. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






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






12. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






13. 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






14. 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)






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






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






17. An error of reasoning based on faulty use of evidence






18. The claim or point that the writer is making






19. Clever use of language to amuse the reader - but more to make a point






20. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






21. The main character - usually the hero






22. The pause that breaks a line of Old English verse






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






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






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






26. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






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






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






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






31. Abab bcbc cdcd ee






32. A figure of speech






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






34. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






35. To illustrate how a claim can be true in some ways and false in others






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






37. The perspective from which a story is written






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






39. Information distributed to promote a specific cause usually of a biased or misleading nature






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






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






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






43. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






44. An indirect attack or insinuation






45. Opposing point of view






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






47. A rhyme ending on the final stressed syllable - i.e. know and snow






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






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






50. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge