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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. One of many subordinating conjunctions






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






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






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






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






8. Essay pattern in which the writer shows the immediate and underlying causes that led to an event or situation






9. A thing - idea - or person that stands for something else






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






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






12. One of many conjunctive adverbs






13. Not taking a position






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






15. 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






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






17. 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)






18. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






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






20. An exaggeration or overstatement






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






22. Essay that presents information in order of occurrence - or sequence of events






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






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






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






26. Example - I think that your sweater is lovely






27. Imagined - even while it may possess truthful elements - it cannot be verified






28. A metaphor using 'like' or 'as' in the comparison






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






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






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






32. The perspective from which a story is written






33. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






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






36. Humorous or ironic statement not meant to be taken literally






37. The claim or point that the writer is making






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






39. List of details that reinforces a concept






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






41. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






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






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






44. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






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






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






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






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






49. An exception to a proposed general rule






50. Abab cdcd efef gg