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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. Narrator tells a story; events unfold through time






2. A regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem






3. Unrhymed verse without a consistent metrical pattern






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






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






6. A stanza consisting of two successive lines of verse






7. To display emotions and ideas






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






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






10. Light and humorous drama with a happy ending






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






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






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






14. Unrhymed verse (usually in iambic pentameter)






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






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






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






18. Dictionary definition of a word






19. A category or type of literary or artistic work






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






21. The series of conflicts building up to a climax






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






23. A mournful poem - especially lamenting the dead






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






25. Emotional appeal






26. 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






27. 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






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






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






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






31. Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense






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






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






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






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






36. A short story teaching a lesson






37. An event or action in a work of literature that serves to intensify and develop the conflict.






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






39. A play on words






40. The grammatical arrangement of words in sentences






41. The final actions or solution of the plot






42. The opposite of exaggeration; less than intended.






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






44. The repetition of sounds at the ends of words






45. Dramatic speech to oneself






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






47. Words mean exactly what they say






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






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






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