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






2. The repetition of sounds at the ends of words






3. Symbolism; substituting the name of an attribute or feature for the name of the thing itself (as in 'they counted heads') or with which it is closely identified






4. A play on words






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






6. Giving human characteristics to something that not human






7. The speaker - voice - or character assumed by the author of a piece of writing






8. The primary position taken by a writer or speaker






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






10. Unstable or critical situation - usually turning point - in which the outcome will make a decisive difference






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






12. Harsh - cutting language or tone intended to ridicule






13. A short - witty saying expressing a single thought or observation






14. A type of poem - telling a story - meant to be sung; both lyrical and narrative in nature






15. Background introducing the characters - setting - and basic situation






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






17. Unrhymed verse without a consistent metrical pattern






18. Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense






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






20. The grammatical arrangement of words in sentences






21. Using elements that can be either factual or impressionistic that act to 'paint a picture'






22. A short moral story (often with animal characters)






23. Extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places; often dealing with love






24. Poetry that uses the appearance of the verse lines on the page to suggest or imitate the poem's subject






25. Use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse






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






27. Exaggeration






28. Witty language used to convey insults or scorn; poking fun at the foibles of society






29. The overall emotion created by a work of literature






30. A mournful poem - especially lamenting the dead






31. Humorous imitation






32. Narrator tells a story; events unfold through time






33. Subject






34. The opposite of exaggeration; less than intended.






35. Told from the narrator's point of view - using 'I' - 'me' - 'we' - 'our' - etc.






36. A transition to an earlier event or scene that interrupts the normal chronological development of the story






37. The main (good) character






38. The perspective from which a story is told






39. A figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole (or vice versa) - the specific for the general (or vice versa) - or the material for the thing made from it






40. Unrhymed verse (usually in iambic pentameter)






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






42. A long - lyrical poem - usually serious or meditative in nature with complete stanza forms






43. A category or type of literary or artistic work






44. An artistic movement emphasizing the imagination and characterized by incongruous juxtapositions and lack of conscious control






45. The use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot






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






47. The use of elevated language over ordinary language






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






49. The freedom of a poet in writing






50. The process by which the writer develops a character