CLEP College Composition Modular Practice Test

10 free sample questions with answers and explanations. See how you'd score on the real CLEP exam.

Question 1Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

The approach of using renewable energy sources can be met with the objection that

A
A) it is too expensive
B
B) it is too efficient
C
C) it is too widely available
D
D) it is too heavily regulated
E
E) it is too rarely used

Explanation

It is too expensive is correct because the high upfront costs of transitioning to renewable energy sources can be a significant barrier to adoption, making it a common objection to this approach.

Question 2Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

The phenomenon of social media addiction can be elaborated by

A
A) discussing its benefits
B
B) examining its impact on mental health
C
C) providing a historical context
D
D) analyzing its economic effects
E
E) creating a work of fiction

Explanation

Examining its impact on mental health is correct because it provides a detailed and nuanced understanding of the phenomenon, allowing for a deeper exploration of its causes and consequences.

Question 3Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

The statement 'climate change is real' is a claim that can be supported by

A
A) a personal opinion
B
B) scientific evidence
C
C) a historical event
D
D) a work of fiction
E
E) a mathematical equation

Explanation

Scientific evidence is correct because it provides factual data and research to support the claim, making it a strong and credible form of evidence.

Question 4Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

A study finds that a new medication is effective in treating a disease, but the sample size is small and the study was funded by the pharmaceutical company that produces the medication. What is a potential concern with this evidence?

A
A) The study's findings are likely to be generalizable to the larger population
B
B) The small sample size is not a concern because the study was well-designed
C
C) The pharmaceutical company's funding may have influenced the study's results
D
D) The study's results are likely to be replicated in future studies
E
E) The medication is likely to be safe and effective for all patients

Explanation

The pharmaceutical company's funding may have influenced the study's results is correct because financial interests can create conflicts of interest, potentially leading to biased results or selective reporting, which can impact the validity and reliability of the evidence.

Question 5Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

A researcher uses a survey to collect data on people's attitudes towards a new policy. What is a potential source of bias in this study?

A
A) The survey questions are too long and complicated
B
B) The sample is representative of the population
C
C) The researcher is unbiased and has no stake in the policy's success
D
D) The survey is administered online, which may exclude certain demographics
E
E) The policy is widely popular and uncontroversial

Explanation

The survey being administered online, which may exclude certain demographics is correct because this method may not reach people without access to the internet or those who are less comfortable with technology, potentially leading to an unrepresentative sample and biased results.

Question 6Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

A researcher claims that a new diet is effective for weight loss, citing a study with a sample size of 10 participants. What is the primary limitation of this evidence?

A
A) The study was conducted over a short period of time
B
B) The sample size is too small to be representative of the population
C
C) The researcher has a personal stake in the diet's success
D
D) The study was not peer-reviewed
E
E) The diet is too restrictive

Explanation

The sample size being too small is correct because a sample of 10 participants is not sufficient to accurately represent the larger population, making it difficult to generalize the findings and limiting the reliability of the evidence.

Question 7Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

Which rhetorical effect does the use of oxymoron create?

A
A) Clarity
B
B) Confusion
C
C) Emphasis
D
D) Irony
E
E) Tension

Explanation

Tension is correct because oxymoron, or the combination of two contradictory words, creates a sense of tension or paradox, highlighting the complexity or nuance of an idea.

Question 8Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

What is the effect of using anaphora in a speech?

A
A) To create a sense of urgency
B
B) To convey a sense of importance
C
C) To add emphasis and rhythm
D
D) To provide evidence
E
E) To establish credibility

Explanation

To add emphasis and rhythm is correct because anaphora, or the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, creates a rhythmic effect and draws attention to the repeated phrase.

Question 9Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

Which rhetorical effect does repetition create?

A
A) Emphasis
B
B) Hyperbole
C
C) Metaphor
D
D) Allusion
E
E) Irony

Explanation

Emphasis is correct because repetition draws attention to a particular idea or phrase, making it more memorable and prominent in the text.

Question 10Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis

Which type of essay structure involves presenting a problem and then offering a solution?

A
A) Problem-solution
B
B) Cause-and-effect
C
C) Comparative
D
D) Narrative
E
E) Expository

Explanation

Problem-solution is correct because it involves identifying a problem, analyzing its causes and effects, and then proposing one or more solutions, applying critical thinking to address the issue effectively.

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