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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. Can be verified






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






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






4. The perspective from which a story is written






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






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






7. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






8. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






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






11. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






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






13. One of many conjunctive adverbs






14. (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






15. The main character - usually the hero






16. One of many prepositions






17. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






19. The opposite of an idea used to emphasize a point






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






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






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






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






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






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






26. Refers to the way the writer lets readers know what will be discussed - a framing statement gives the reader some sense of what to expect






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






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






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






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






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






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






33. An exaggeration or overstatement






34. Opposing point of view






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






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






37. Example - I think that your sweater is lovely






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






39. 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)






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






41. A verb acting as a noun - usually 'ing' form of the verb






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






43. Vowel rhyme






44. Type of faulty reasoning in which the writer attempts to support a statement by repeating the statement in different or stronger language






45. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






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






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






48. Neoclassical principles of drama






49. 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






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