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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. Consists of a single independent clause






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






3. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






4. A group of words acting as a noun - i.e. 'Playing the guitar is extremely difficult'






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






6. 'ed' form of a verb - 'Bettina played with the children'






7. 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






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






9. Understatement created through double negative






10. The claim or point that the writer is making






11. Open - honest communication






12. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






13. Essay that presents information about a problem followed by a description of one or more solutions






14. The verb and its object and modifiers






15. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






16. Something that is implied






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






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






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






20. A formula of deductive argument that consists of 3 propositions - the major premise - minor premise - and conclusion






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






22. Quiet reflection upon a topic






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






24. A concept or idea without a specific example; idealized generalizations






25. Quality in literature that appeals to the audience's emotions






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






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






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






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






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






31. Unconjugated verb with 'to' in front of it






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






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






34. A short quotation or verse that precedes text that sets the tone or provides a setting






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






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






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






38. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






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






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






41. A kind or more gentle word to dilute the meaning in order to evade responsibility for a more disturbing word - i.e. 'passed on' instead of 'died'






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






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






44. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






45. Opposing point of view






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






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






48. List of details that reinforces a concept






49. The order of words in a sentence - also the types and structures of sentences






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