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. The work of poets - particularly those of the seventeenth century - that uses elaborate conceits - is highly intellectual - and expresses the complexities of love and life






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






3. Language or dialect of a particular country - Language of a clan or group - Plain everyday speech






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






5. The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem






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






7. In contrast to literal language - implies meanings






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






9. A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated - often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected






10. Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or non-human objects






11. A french verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes






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






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






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






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






16. A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated






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






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






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






20. An adjective that follows a linking verb






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






22. Ordinary or familiar - used to describe diction






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






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






25. A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased






26. The interpretation or analysis of a text






27. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






29. As opposed to concrete language it represents thoughts






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






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






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






33. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






34. A synonym for poetry. also - a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry






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






36. A device employed in anglo-saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities






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






38. As distinguished from Apollonian - the word refers to sensual - pleasure-seeking impulses






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






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






41. A work of literature dealing with rural life






42. A short tale often with nonhuman characters from which a useful lesson may be drawn






43. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






44. The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that surprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene






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






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






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






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






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






50. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings