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. Sentence with interrogative pronouns






2. The general form - pattern - and manner of expression of a work of literature






3. A term often used as a synonym for realism; also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic






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






5. In poetry - the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them






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






7. A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation






8. 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






9. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






10. The origin or derivation of a word






11. A narrator with unlimited awareness - understanding - and insight of characters - setting - background and all other elements of the story






12. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; less subtle than irony






13. A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero






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






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






16. A phrase - idea or event that through representation serves to unify or convey a theme in a work of literature






17. An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society






18. The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction






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






20. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. the characteristic emotion that pervades a work or part of a work--the spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






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






22. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects - without using like or as






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






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






25. A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea






26. A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true






27. A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter - rhyme or some other plan






28. The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals - used mostly in poetry






29. A familiar grouping of words - especially words that habitually appear together and thereby convey meaning by association






30. A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present






31. Personal - reflective poetry that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject






32. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 AD






33. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose






34. Grating - inharmonious sounds






35. The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker






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






37. The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied






38. A sentence that departs from the usual word order of english sentences by expressing its main thought only at the end. in other words - the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support






39. The main idea or meaning - often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built






40. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






41. A form of verse usually consisting of three four line units called quatrains and a concluding couplet






42. A concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






43. A verse with five poetic feet per line






44. A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics






45. A forceful sermon - lecture or tirade






46. A complex sentence in which the main clause comes first and the subordinate clause follows






47. The act of determining the meter of a poetic line. the pattern is called scansion. if a verse doesn't 'scan' its meter is irregular






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






49. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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