Test your basic knowledge |

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 distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing






2. A play on words






3. Dictionary definition of a word






4. Recurring at regular intervals






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






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






7. Giving human characteristics to something that not human






8. The freedom of a poet in writing






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






10. Before the main part or actually story






11. A couplet consisting of two rhymed lines of iambic pentamenter and written in an elevated style






12. An expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances






13. The use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms






14. A general truth or rule of conduct; a short saying






15. The perspective from which a story is told






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






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






18. Word or phrase describing a person or thing; descriptive phrase characterizing a person (often contemptous)






19. 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






20. The primary position taken by a writer or speaker






21. Anything that stands for or represents something else






22. A common meter in poetry consisting of an unrhymed line with five feet or accents - each foot containing an unaccented syllable and an accented syllable






23. Artistic representation that aims for visual accuracy; accepting the facts






24. A stanza consisting of two successive lines of verse






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






26. An evil or wicked person; antagonist






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






28. Events after the climax - leading to the resolution






29. Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense






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






31. Rural; of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor






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






33. The final actions or solution of the plot






34. The different patterns of development or methods of organization that can be used for self-expression - providing information - persuasion - and entertainment






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






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






37. A contradiction or dilemma






38. To inform the reader about something using facts - ideas and containing a focus subject






39. A reference to a well-known person - place - event - literary work - or work of art






40. Harsh - cutting language or tone intended to ridicule






41. Agreeable - pleasant - harmonious sound






42. Poetic meter that has one stressed and a varying amount of unstressed syllables






43. A mournful poem - especially lamenting the dead






44. Exposition tells or explains how to do something; includes ideas and facts about the focus subject






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






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






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






48. 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






49. The overall emotion created by a work of literature






50. Dramatic speech to oneself