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Unit 1: Colonial and Early National (1620-1830)

Study guide for CLEP CLEP American Literature — Unit 1: Colonial and Early National (1620-1830). Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

100

Practice Questions

12

Flashcards

4

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

Puritan literature and plain style
Enlightenment prose (Franklin, Paine)
early American poetry (Bradstreet, Wheatley)
captivity and slave narratives

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 100.

Q1EASY

Which nonfiction work is an account of the Pilgrims' journey to America?

A) The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
B) The History of Plymouth Plantation
C) A Model of Christian Charity
D) The New England Primer
E) The Bay Psalm Book
Show Answer

Answer: B — The History of Plymouth Plantation is correct because it's an account by William Bradford.

Q2MEDIUM

Which author-character pair is known for exploring the American Dream?

A) Fitzgerald-Nick Carraway
B) Hemingway-Nick Adams
C) Faulkner-Quentin Compson
D) Salinger-Holden Caulfield
E) Miller-Willy Loman
Show Answer

Answer: A — Fitzgerald-Nick Carraway is correct because Fitzgerald's own experiences with wealth influence Nick's narrative.

Q3EASY

The Bluest Eye features which character's struggle?

A) Scout Finch's
B) Hester Prynne's
C) Pecola Breedlove's
D) Janie Crawford's
E) Celie's
Show Answer

Answer: C — Pecola Breedlove's is correct because Pecola Breedlove's struggle is central to The Bluest Eye.

Q4EASY

According to Frederick Douglass, what effect did owning slaves have on owners?

A) It made them more compassionate
B) It gave them a sense of morality
C) It corrupted their character
D) It had no impact on them
E) It improved their social standing
Show Answer

Answer: C — It corrupted their character is correct because owning slaves corrupted owners' character.

Q5MEDIUM

Narrative describing the life of Linda Brent is

A) Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
B) Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
C) My Bondage and My Freedom
D) The Slave Mother
E) The Narrative of Sojourner Truth
Show Answer

Answer: B — Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl is correct because Linda Brent is Jacobs' pseudonym.

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Study Tips for Unit 1: Colonial and Early National (1620-1830)

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — CLEP tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

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