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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 contradiction or dilemma






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






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






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






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






6. 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






7. 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






8. A distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing






9. A play on words






10. The process by which the writer develops a character






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






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






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






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






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






16. An idea that is implied or suggested






17. An evil or wicked person; antagonist






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






19. The prevailing psychological state






20. Point of view






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






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






23. A group of lines in a poem






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






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






26. The perspective from which a story is told






27. A word imitating the sound it represents






28. (tall): short piece of fiction






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






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






31. A message that digresses from the main subject






32. Anything that stands for or represents something else






33. Exaggeration






34. A category or type of literary or artistic work






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






36. The parts before or after a word or statement that influence its meaning






37. The use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms






38. A worn-out idea or overused expression






39. Giving human characteristics to something that not human






40. Before the main part or actually story






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






42. Word choice






43. A regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem






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






45. The main (good) character






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






47. Suggestions or hints






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






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






50. A short story teaching a lesson