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52-66 AP Language and Composition Flashcards

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7953531338MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for another, suggesting some similarity. Usually identified by comparing objects directly, using words like "was" or "is". (Ex. The wicked stepmother is evil. She was a cold-hearted snake.)0
7953531339MoodThe atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice (diction). Syntax is often a creator of mood since word order, sentence length, strength and complexity also affect pacing. Setting, tone, and events can all affect it.1
7953531340Non-sequiturStatement that does not logically follow another.2
7953531341ObjectivityAn author's stance that distances himself from personal involvement. (Free from bias).3
7953564443OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of the words. When the word sounds like the idea it communicates: "murmur", "gurgle", "roar", "buzz". If you identify this in a passage, make sure to explain WHY the author chose to use it. How does it impact the passage?4
7953576131OversimplificationWhen the writer denies the complexity of an idea. (Using simple terms to make issue simple). (Ex. To be successful in life, just have a nice smile).5
7953589667OxymoronA rhetorical antithesis -- "wise fool", "eloquent silence", "jumbo shrimp". Apparently contradictory terms are grouped together and suggest a paradox.6
7953593938ParadoxA seemingly contradictory statement which is actually true. An idea which embeds a contradiction. (Ex. "You can't get a job without the experience, and you can't get experience without getting a job".)7
7953600529ParallelismAKA parallel construction. Sentence construction which places equal grammatical constructions near each other or repeats patterns two or more times. IT IS THE REPETITION OF STRUCTURE NOT THE REPETITION OF IDEAS IN DIFFERENT WORDS. It may involve two or three modifiers in a row or repeated beginnings of longer sentences. The author might repeat a preposition or verbal phrase. (Ex. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities begins with "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..etc..etc".) Used to add emphasis, organization, or sometimes just to add flow to the piece. (Ex. Julius Caesar: "I came, I saw, I conquered".)8
7953616385ParentheticalParentheses are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence. It is almost considered an aside, a whisper, and should be used sparingly for effect, rather than repeatedly. Parentheses can also be used to set off dates and numbers. (Ex. In a short time (and the time is getter shorter by the gallon) America will be plum out of oil.)9
7953624598ParodyAn exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes. It borrows words or phrases from an original and pokes fun at it. This is also a form of allusion, since it is referencing a previous text, event, etc. (Ex. The Simpsons often do parodies of Shakespeare plays. Saturday Night Live also does parodies of famous persons and events.)10
7953634431Passive VoiceThe subject of the sentence receives the action. It is often overused, leaving writing to seem lifeless. When possible, focus on using active voice. (ex. The books were grabbed by the boy on his way out the door.) See also Active Voice.11
7953639293Pedanticadj. - observing strict adherence to formal rules or literal meaning at the expense of a wider view. This can also refer to the author's tone, as overly scholarly and academic. (showing off knowledge ?? diction ??).12
7953649657PersonaThe fictional mask or narrator that tells a story.13
8060615542PersonificationA type of figurative language which attributes human qualities to non-human subjects. (Ex. The ocean roared in anger at the ship and its crew.)14

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