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SAT Subject Test: Literature

Subjects : sat, literature
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 couplet consisting of two rhymed lines of iambic pentamenter and written in an elevated style






2. Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense






3. Drama dealing with the downfall of a heroic or noble character






4. The attribution of human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects






5. Subject






6. The juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling of balance






7. Identification with and understanding of another's situation - feelings - and motives






8. A story that is usually passed down orally and becomes part of a community's tradition






9. A traditional story presenting supernatural characters and episodes that help explain natural events






10. The telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.






11. A distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing






12. An event or action in a work of literature that serves to intensify and develop the conflict.






13. Something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred






14. Dictionary definition of a word






15. Point of view






16. Figure of speech; comparison using 'like' or 'as'






17. Writing or speech that is not meant to be taken literally - often creating comparisons






18. An idea that is implied or suggested






19. The reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions






20. Before the main part or actually story






21. Series of events






22. A poem in which a speaker addresses a silent listener






23. Written to convince the reader of an opinion or point






24. When - where - and the weather in which the story takes place






25. Giving human characteristics to something that not human






26. The final resolution or outcome of the main complication






27. The use of elevated language over ordinary language






28. Description that appeals to the senses (sight - sound - smell - touch - taste)






29. The repetition of sounds at the ends of words






30. Substitution of an inoffensive term for one that is less pleasant






31. A protagonist who is more ordinary than a traditional hero(ine) or one who is somewhat villainous






32. A form of language spoken by people in a particular region or group






33. Serves by contrast to call attention to another's good qualities






34. A story about mythical or supernatural beings or events; often handed down orally






35. A regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem






36. (absurd): plays stressing the irrational or illogical aspects of life - usually to show that modern life is pointless






37. A question asked for an effect - not actually requiring an answer; emphasizing the obvious






38. A final settlement






39. A fixed idea or conception of a character or an idea that does not allow for any individuality; often based on religious/social/racial prejudices






40. The use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; or - incongruity between what is expected and what actually happens






41. A mournful poem - especially lamenting the dead






42. A message that digresses from the main subject






43. A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work






44. Word choice






45. Harsh - cutting language or tone intended to ridicule






46. Narrator tells a story; events unfold through time






47. Opposition between characters or forces (especially motivating the development of the plot)






48. An expression that cannot be understood if taken literally






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






50. A character or force in conflict with the main character