Test your basic knowledge |

Literary And Rhetorical Vocab

Subject : english
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. Novels written for mass consumption - often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots






2. A humorous play on words - using similar sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings






3. A false name or alias used by writers






4. The main character in a work of literature






5. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






6. One of the ancient greek goddesses presiding over the arts. the imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer






7. An indirect or subtle - usually derogatory implication in expression - an insinuation






8. Language that describes specific - observable things






9. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






10. A structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative






11. A verbal ending in 'ing'_ that functions in a sentence as a noun.






12. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry






13. A term used to describe literary forms such as novel - play and essay






14. The origin or derivation of a word






15. A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term






16. A short - pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment






17. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






18. Literally 'seize the day'; enjoy life while you can - a common theme in literature






19. A novel focusing on and describing social customs and habits of a particular social group






20. The depiction of people - things and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect






21. The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry






22. A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface






23. A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation






24. A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






25. Word choice characterized by simple - often one or two syllable nouns - adjectives - and adverbs






26. A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action






27. Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation






28. A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






29. In contrast to literal language - implies meanings






30. A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place






31. A metaphor embedded in a sentence rather than expressed directly as a sentence






32. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






33. A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature






34. Ordinary or familiar - used to describe diction






35. An extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places






36. A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line






37. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






38. A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words - clauses or sentences






39. A lyric poem usually marked by serious - respectful and exalted feelings toward the subject






40. A sentence with two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses






41. The emotional tone in a work of literature






42. A brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature






43. A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character






44. A form of verse or prose that tells a story






45. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






46. A version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






47. The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events - including exposition - rising action - climax - falling action and resolution






48. A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse - often marked by punctuation






49. Two or more independent clauses






50. The total environment for the action in a novel or play. it includes time - place - historical milieu and social - political and even spiritual circumstances