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






2. The generic name for a figure of speech such as image - symbol - simile and metaphor






3. The correspondence of a verb with its subject in person and number and of a pronoun with its antecedent in person - number - and gender






4. The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature






5. One in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale.






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






7. A subordinate or minor collection of events in an novel or play - usually connected to the main plot






8. A reference to a person - place - or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea






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






10. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






11. A literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response






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






13. The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object






14. A character or force in a work of literature that - by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict






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






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






17. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






18. The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death






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






20. The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature






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






22. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






23. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that causes the hero considerable anguish






24. A character whose name appears in the title of the novel or play; also known as the eponymous character






25. A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature






26. A latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events but at some other critical point






27. A parody of traditional epic form






28. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






29. An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form






30. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem. two rhyming lines in iambic pentameter is sometimes called a heroic couplet






31. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






32. A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work






33. 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






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






35. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






36. A term for the title character of a work of literature






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






38. A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse - but sometimes with a satirical thrust






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






40. As opposed to concrete language it represents thoughts






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






42. Ordinary or familiar - used to describe diction






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






44. A false name or alias used by writers






45. The emotional tone in a work of literature






46. Providing hints of things to come in a story or play






47. The main idea isn't completed until the end of the sentence






48. The language of a work and its style; words - often highly emotional - used to convince or sway an audience






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






50. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects