English Practice Questions

CLEP College Composition Practice Questions

CLEP College Composition — Try a free CLEP college composition practice test with sample questions on rhetoric, revision, research, citation, and timed writing. Every answer comes with an explanation so you learn the why, not just the what.

50
Total Questions
2 hours
Time Limit
50 (ACE credit recommendation)
Passing Score
$95
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 650+ CLEP College Composition practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

A writer is drafting an op-ed for a general audience of local residents about a proposed bike lane. Which choice best reflects an appeal to logos?

AAnyone who cares about this neighborhood should be ashamed to oppose the project.
BAs a lifelong cyclist and former city planner, I know exactly what this street needs.
CA traffic study found that similar bike lanes reduced collisions by 30 percent on comparable streets.
DImagine your child pedaling to school without a single worry in the world.
2

Read this draft sentence: 'The new policy was implemented by the committee, and it was reviewed by the board, and it was approved by the mayor.' Which revision is most concise and best varies the sentence structure?

AAfter the committee implemented the policy, the board reviewed it and the mayor approved it.
BThe policy was implemented, reviewed, and approved by the committee, the board, and the mayor.
CThe committee implemented the policy, and it was reviewed, and the mayor approved it.
DThe new policy, which was implemented by the committee, was reviewed by the board and was then approved.
3

A student is researching the effects of sleep on academic performance. Which source is the most credible for a college-level research paper?

AAn anonymous blog post titled 'Why Sleep Doesn't Matter'
BA popular news site's headline summarizing a single survey
CA wellness company's product page about sleep supplements
DA peer-reviewed journal article reporting a controlled study of university students
4

A writer wants to include a direct quotation from page 47 of a book in an essay that uses MLA style. Which in-text citation is correct, assuming the author's name, Rivera, is not mentioned in the sentence?

A(Rivera, 2019, p. 47)
B(Rivera 47)
C(2019: 47)
D(Rivera, page 47, 2019)
5

During a timed essay, a writer has about 30 minutes to respond to an argument prompt. Which plan makes the best use of that time?

ASpend a few minutes outlining a thesis and main points, draft the essay, and save the last few minutes to proofread
BDraft the introduction until it feels perfect, then write the rest as time allows
CWrite continuously without planning so the essay is as long as possible
DSkip the conclusion and use all the time to develop one body paragraph in depth

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About the CLEP College Composition

Format & Structure

Total Questions
50
Time Limit
2 hours
Format
50 multiple choice + 2 essays

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
50 (ACE credit recommendation)
Registration Fee
$95

Frequently Asked Questions

What is on the CLEP College Composition?

The CLEP College Composition measures the writing skills taught in a typical first-year college composition course. It covers conventions of standard written English, revision skills, ability to use sources, rhetorical analysis, and argument. The multiple-choice section is paired with two essays, one argument essay and one synthesis essay.

How many questions are on the CLEP College Composition?

You'll answer 50 multiple-choice questions in 50 minutes, then write two essays in 70 minutes. That's roughly two hours of total working time. The essays are scored by college faculty and combined with your multiple-choice results.

What score do I need to pass CLEP College Composition?

CLEP scores run from 20 to 80, and the American Council on Education recommends credit at a score of 50. That said, each college sets its own cutoff. Some schools want a 50, others ask for higher, so check your school's CLEP policy before you register.

How much does the CLEP College Composition cost?

The CLEP registration fee is $95, and testing centers may charge an additional administration fee. Military members and some others can have the fee covered through DANTES funding. It's worth asking your school's testing office about any discounts.

How should I use a CLEP college composition practice test?

Work through CLEP composition practice questions in a timed setting so you get used to the pace. Then review every explanation, including the ones you got right. Pair that with timed essay drafts, since the essays are a big part of your result.

What kinds of college composition CLEP questions will I see?

Expect college composition CLEP questions on revising sentences and paragraphs, spotting weak or unclear phrasing, evaluating sources, and applying citation conventions. Some items are based on a short passage and ask about the writer's purpose or choices. Questions on MLA-style and APA-style source use show up too.

Are the essays scored by a computer?

No - the essays are read and scored by college English faculty, typically through a scoring session, not by software. They look at how well you take a position, develop ideas, organize your writing, and use language. A clear thesis and well-chosen evidence go a long way.

Can I retake the CLEP College Composition?

Yes, but you must wait three months before sitting for the same subject again. If you retake it sooner, the score won't be reported. Use that gap to target weak areas with more practice questions and timed writing.

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