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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. Someone to whom private matters are confided






2. The highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding






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






4. Words mean exactly what they say






5. An expression that cannot be understood if taken literally






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






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






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






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






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






11. The use of elevated language over ordinary language






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






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






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






15. Unrhymed verse without a consistent metrical pattern






16. The perspective from which a story is told






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






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






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






20. The final actions or solution of the plot






21. The series of conflicts building up to a climax






22. Unrhymed verse (usually in iambic pentameter)






23. (tall): short piece of fiction






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






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






26. A contradiction or dilemma






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






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






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






30. The overall emotion created by a work of literature






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






32. Dictionary definition of a word






33. Harsh - cutting language or tone intended to ridicule






34. Humorous imitation






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






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






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






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






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






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






41. A verse form consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme






42. A final settlement






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






44. Word choice






45. Figure of speech; comparison not using like or as






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






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






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






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






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