CLEP German Language Practice Test

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

Question 1Unit 4: Vocabulary in Context

What is meant by the phrase 'disjecta membra' in the context of Scott's work?

A) completed novels

B) fragmentary writings

C) Die Familie von Ratcliffe

D) Die Legende von Thrawn Janet

Explanation

Disjecta membra refers to Scott's unfinished or fragmented writings, such as the opening of 'The Lord of Ennerdale'.

Question 2Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

What was the significance of the horn and sword in the story Scott intended to write, as mentioned in the passage?

A) Sie waren Symbole der Liebe und des Friedens

B) They were central to the ancient legend concerning Thomas of Hercildoune

C) Sie waren nur Dekoration in der Geschichte

D) They were meant to represent the struggle between good and evil in the story

Explanation

The passage states that Scott based his story on an ancient legend concerning the horn and sword of Thomas of Hercildoune, indicating their central role.

Question 3Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

What type of novels were popular among young women like Miss Lydia Languish's maid and Catherine Morland in the late 18th and early 19th centuries?

A) Romane der Aufklärung

B) Romances of sensibility and fashionable scandal

C) Historische Biografien

D) Wissenschaftliche Abhandlungen

Explanation

The passage mentions 'novels of sensibility and of fashionable scandal' as the type of novels popular among young women.

Question 4Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

What is the author's attitude towards the Gothic genre, as expressed in the passage?

A) The author is critical of the genre's focus on horror and the supernatural

B) Der Autor ist ein großer Bewunderer der Gotik und ihrer romantischen Elemente

C) The author is neutral and simply describing the genre's characteristics

D) The author is using the Gothic genre to comment on the social issues of his time

Explanation

The author's tone and language suggest a critical attitude towards the Gothic genre, with phrases like 'unregenerate days' implying a sense of nostalgia and detachment.

Question 5Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

What type of literature does Belinda Waters crave after becoming tired of romantic novels?

A) Philosophische Abhandlungen

B) Tales of terror

C) Historische Biografien

D) Wissenschaftliche Studien

Explanation

Belinda craves 'sterner stuff' and enjoys 'tales of terror' to read at night, as stated in the passage.

Question 6Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

What is the author's attitude towards the title 'The Mystery of the Abbey'?

A) The author finds it intriguing and suspenseful

B) Der Autor hält es für einen Scherz

C) The author believes it accurately reflects the book's content

D) The author is neutral and does not express an opinion

Explanation

The author states that the title is 'merely a hoax', indicating a mocking tone towards the title 'The Mystery of the Abbey'.

Question 7Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

What is the author's opinion about the impact of Jane Austen's parody of the novels of Mrs. Radcliffe on their popularity?

A) It was highly effective in reducing their popularity

B) Es war zu subtil, um die Popularität der Romane von Mrs. Radcliffe ernsthaft zu beeinträchtigen

C) It led to a significant increase in the sales of Mrs. Radcliffe's novels

D) It had no impact on the popularity of the novels of Mrs. Radcliffe

Explanation

The author states that Jane Austen's parody was 'too quiet and subtle' to have disturbed the popularity of the novels of Mrs. Radcliffe.

Question 8Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

What is the outcome of Catherine's search for a mysterious manuscript?

A) She finds a cryptic message that confirms her suspicions

B) Sie hält eine Wäsche-Rechnung in ihren Händen

C) She discovers a hidden journal belonging to General Tilney

D) She uncovers a dark secret about the Tilney family's past

Explanation

The passage states 'If the evidence of sight might be trusted she held a washing bill in her hands', indicating Catherine's disappointment and humiliation.

Question 9Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

What is notable about Catherine Morland's family background, as presented in the passage?

A) She is an only child

B) Sie stammt aus einer Familie mit sieben Kindern

C) Her mother died at her birth

D) Her father is tyrannical

Explanation

The passage states that Catherine is 'one of a family of seven', which contrasts with typical heroines of the time.

Question 10Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

What was the likely reason the publisher did not release Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey for many years?

A) Die Verlagsausgaben waren zu hoch

B) The publisher did not think it was a good romance novel

C) The book was too long and needed editing

D) The publisher realized the book's satire could harm the popularity of the Gothic fiction genre

Explanation

The passage states the publisher probably realized the mock romance would endanger the popularity of the prevailing mode in fiction, implying the satire in Northanger Abbey could harm the Gothic genre's popularity.

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