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. Word choice






2. 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






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






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






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






6. A mournful poem - especially lamenting the dead






7. A contradiction or dilemma






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






9. A brief - cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.






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






11. The series of conflicts building up to a climax






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






13. The grammatical arrangement of words in sentences






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






15. The process by which the writer develops a character






16. The choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work






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






18. An expression that cannot be understood if taken literally






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






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






21. The final resolution or outcome of the main complication






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






23. A play on words






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






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






26. A category or type of literary or artistic work






27. The event that sets the plot into motion - triggering the conflict






28. Recurring at regular intervals






29. Before the main part or actually story






30. Narrator tells a story; events unfold through time






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






32. An evil or wicked person; antagonist






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






34. The prevailing psychological state






35. Words mean exactly what they say






36. (tall): short piece of fiction






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






38. A final settlement






39. A stanza consisting of two successive lines of verse






40. To display emotions and ideas






41. The repetition of similar vowels in the stressed syllables of successive words






42. A short story teaching a lesson






43. 1. Categorical Design 2. Chronologically: time order 3. Spatially: geographically 4. Cause & Effect






44. The primary position taken by a writer or speaker






45. The final actions or solution of the plot






46. Giving human characteristics to something that not human






47. Light and humorous drama with a happy ending






48. The general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people






49. Dictionary definition of a word






50. Address to an absent or imaginary person