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






2. The primary position taken by a writer or speaker






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






4. A person with powers greater than that of a normal being






5. The freedom of a poet in writing






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






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






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






9. Series of events






10. (usually long) dramatic speech by a single speaker






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






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






13. Written to persuade audience of the truth (or falsehood) the speaker wishes to make understood






14. Dictionary definition of a word






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






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






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






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






19. A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way






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






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






22. A final settlement






23. Writing that records the conversation that occurs inside a character's head






24. Giving human characteristics to something that not human






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






26. Harsh - cutting language or tone intended to ridicule






27. Recurring at regular intervals






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






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






30. A word imitating the sound it represents






31. Light and humorous drama with a happy ending






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






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






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






35. An evil or wicked person; antagonist






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






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






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






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






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






41. A comedy characterized by broad satire and improbable situations






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






43. The process by which the writer develops a character






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






45. Words mean exactly what they say






46. The repetition of consonants (or consonant patterns) especially at the ends of words






47. Word choice






48. Conjoining contradictory terms






49. 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






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