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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. 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






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






3. Humorous imitation






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






5. A regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem






6. Exaggeration






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






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






9. Word choice






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






11. Light and humorous drama with a happy ending






12. A message that digresses from the main subject






13. Point of view in which the narrator is outside of the story - an observer; can be limited or omniscient






14. A stanza consisting of two successive lines of verse






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






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






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






18. The repetition of sounds at the ends of words






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






20. The overall emotion created by a work of literature






21. Anything that stands for or represents something else






22. The use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms






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






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






25. Conjoining contradictory terms






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






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






28. A category or type of literary or artistic work






29. An expression that cannot be understood if taken literally






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






31. Address to an absent or imaginary person






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






33. An evil or wicked person; antagonist






34. 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






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






36. Attitude or mood towards a subject






37. Dictionary definition of a word






38. The final actions or solution of the plot






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






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






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






42. 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






43. The main (good) character






44. Suggestions or hints






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






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






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






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






49. A short story teaching a lesson






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