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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 claim or point that the writer is making






2. An exception to a proposed general rule






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






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






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






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






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






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






9. Abab cdcd efef gg






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






11. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






12. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






13. Not taking a position






14. 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'






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






16. Example - I think that your sweater is lovely






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






26. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






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






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






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






30. Quiet reflection upon a topic






31. The commentator does not mean what she writes






32. A negative statement






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






34. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






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






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






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






38. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






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






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






41. A type of poem that takes the form of a lament for the dead sung by a shepherd






42. 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






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






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






45. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






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






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






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






50. To make fun of