AP Notes, Outlines, Study Guides, Vocabulary, Practice Exams and more!

AP English Language and Composition Set KP Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
11710127793Ad HominemAttacking a speaker's character instead of to their argument. (Latin for against the man). This common logical fallacy draws attention away from the real issues. Example: Don't vote for William Smith. He has been married three times.0
11712160300Ad Populum fallacyBasing a claim on popular opinion. Attempting to persuade by arguing our position is reasonable because so many other people are doing it or agree with it. An appeal to the prejudices of the masses.1
11710127740AllegoryUsing elements symbolically. An extended narrative in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and the writer intends a second meaning beneath the surface. The underlying meaning may be moral, religious, political, social, or satiric. in Animal Farm, George Orwell creates an allegory in order to criticize totalitarianism and the abuse of power. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is a religious allegory. The Lord of the Flies by William Golding is another allegory—the island represents the world.2
11710127806AlliterationRepetition of consonant sounds, usually at the beginnings of words that are close to one another; for example, "beautiful blossoms blooming between the bushes"3
11710127842AllusionA reference to something (e.g., a book, a movie, an historical event) that is presumed to be well known to the audience. Many writing have allusions to works by Shakespeare.4
11712367218AmbivalentHaving mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. A work can have an ambivalent tone.5
11710127794AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era. an event, object, custom, person, or thing that is out of order in time; some anachronisms are unintentional, such as when an actor performing Shakespeare forgets to take off his watch; others are deliberately used to achieve a humorous or satiric effect, such as the sustained anachronism of Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court6
11710127795Analogya comparison of two similar but different things, usually to clarify an action or a relationship, such as comparing the work of a heart to that of a pump7
11710127767AnaphoraAnaphora is the Greek term meaing exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences. Repetition of word, phrase, or clause repeated at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. Used by MLK in I Have a Dream Speech. Also by Charles Dickens' in Tale of Two Cities: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness . . .8
11710127811AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.9
11710127742AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.10
11711471706AppealA writer can make appeals to readers' needs; sense of tradition; ethics; emotions; logic/reason; authority; shared values.11
11712179599Appeal to Tradition fallacyArgument in which a speaker asserts that the status quo is better than any new idea or approach. The arguer suggests a course of action that is correct "because we've always done it this way." Example: We arrange desks in a classroom in orderly rows. Any other way has not been proven effective.12
11710127743AphorismA short witty statement of a principle or life truth. Early to bed and early to rise help make a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. -Ben Franklin13
11710127780ApologiaA written or spoken defense of one's beliefs and actions.14
11710127744ApostropheUsually in poetry but sometimes in prose; the device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person or to a place, thing, or personified abstraction "Oh, Captain, my Captain, our fearful trip is done..."15
11710127745ArgumentationWriting that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting reasoned arguments; persuasive writing is a form of argumentation.16
11710127746AssonanceThe repetition of vowel sounds between different consonants, such as in neigh/fade.17
11710127747AuthoritySupport for an argument that is based on recognized experts in the field.18
11710127865AutonomosIndependent, self-governing, not under the control of something or someone else.19
11712169945Bandwagon Effect FallacyThis fallacy is similar to Ad Populum, but relies on popularity or trendiness. The error in logic is obvious. Just because it is popular, it isn't necessarily correct.20
11712134710Begging the question fallacyWhen a speaker presumes certain things are facts when they have not yet been proven to be truthful. It lacks evidence. Example: Required courses such as freshman English are a waste of time. They should not be required.21
11711543125BiasA particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than scientific. Can be prejudiced.22
11710127748Burlesquebroad parody; whereas a parody will imitate and exaggerate a specific work, such as Romeo and Juliet, a burlesque will take an entire style or form, such as myths, and exaggerate it into ridiculousness23
11710127754CacophonyHarsh, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose; the opposite of euphony.24
11710127755CaricatureDescriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person's appearance or a facet of personality.25
11711924211Cause and EffectA relationship in which change in one variable causes change in another26
11711931221CharacterizeTo describe the character and qualities of someone or something27
11710127823ChiasmusA type of parallelism in which elements are reversed. "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." A rhetorical device in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form; e.g. 'Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds.'.28
11711926325CiteIdentifying a part of a piece of writing as being derived from a source.29
11711934453ClaimTo make an assertion of something you intend to prove.30
11711342507Claim of FactWhen you make a claim of fact, you are stating something is true and you want your audience to believe you. A fact can be verified in a variety of ways: • It is published in credible references; • It can be known by experience or observation; • It is measurable or quantifiable.31
11711366975Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad. When you make a claim of value you are making a judgment or evaluation. The value can be aesthetics (what is pleasing, beautiful, artistic) or morality (what is moral, right, good).32
11711385835Claim of PolicyA claim asserting that specific courses of action should be instituted as solutions to problems. Not everyone will agree that your proposal is correct, so you need to support your claim with evidence (data, examples, testimony) and appeals to values.33
11711938364ClarifyTo draw distinctions, to make more evident, to lessen confusion.34
11710127749Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing that might be inappropriate in formal writing35
11710127756ClassicismThe principles and styles admired in the classics of Greek and Roman literature, such as objectivity, sensibility, restraint, and formality.36
11711780555ClichéPhrase or expression that has been used so often that it has lost its value. They are repeated because they express a truth or a shared value, but to use clichés is a often a lazy shortcut.37
11710127757CoherenceQuality of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central idea, theme, or organizing principle.38
11711759178Colloquial expressionsThe use of slang in writing, often to create local color and to provide an informal tone. These elements of vernacular can help one to bond with an audience. A memoir full of colloquial expressions has an honest feel to it. A scholarly treatise would not include casual language.39
11711971801Compare and contrastGive an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations. To show how things are alike and how they are different.40
11711811580Concrete versus abstract languageConcrete language refers to real objects that we can sense or measure. Abstract language refers to things that are hard to define, or that can be defined in more than one way.41
11710127822ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
11710127750ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor; an elaborate figure of speech in which two seemingly dissimilar things or situations are compared43
11710127751ConnotationImplied or suggested meaning of a word because of its association in the reader's mind. Connotations have positive or negative associations and can change over time. Connotations are culturally anchored.44
11710127752ConsonanceThe repetition of identical consonant sounds.45
11710127753ConundrumA riddle whose answer is or involves a pun; it may also be a paradox or difficult problem.46
11710127846Coup de GraceThe "death blow"--the culminating event in a bad situation.47
11710127786DenotationLiteral meaning of a word as defined. An authors' use of the precise right word for the passage can be key to clarity. Knowing a wide variety of words and their meanings is critical to being able to understand complex prose passages.48
11719794629DenouementAn outcome or solution; the unraveling of a plot49
11710127787DescriptionThe picturing in words of something or someone through detailed observation of color, motion, sound, taste, smell, and touch; one of the four modes of discourse50
11711981693DevelopElaborate or expand51
11710127788DictionWord choice, an element of style; also called syntax. Author's choice of words for connotation, denotation and overall style and voice. One of the main reasons readers do not understand a passage is that they do not know the vocabulary in the text.52
11710127796DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.53
11710127785DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.54
11710127790Discoursespoken or written language, including literary works; the four traditionally classified modes of discourse are description, exposition, narration, and persuasion55
11710127791Dissonanceharsh or grating sounds that do not go together56
11710127814DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.57
11712098771Doubtful Cause.When you erroneously argue that one event caused another.58
11711985546DramatizeTo give a story to a situation by adding vivid details, such as imagery, figurative language59
11710127855EgoAccording to Freud, the decision-making component of personality that operates according to the reality principle.60
11711989168ElaborateTo explain in greater detail.61
11711993375EmphasizeTo give special attention to something, to stress62
11719757307EpigraphA quotation or aphorism at the beginning of a literary work suggestive of the theme.63
11711995278EstablishTo set a foundation for, to base a claim on an observation.64
11710127792EllipsisThe omission of a word or several words.65
11710127854EminentFamous, outstanding, distinguished.66
11711507983Emotive languagewords used deliberately to create an emotional impact. Emotive language can be abusive, if the writer manipulates emotions for false claims or to gain power or control. Emotional appeals are very common in advertising, in political speeches, and in persuasive texts.67
11711826884EquivocationThe use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication. If you run into equivocal language, pay attention to both or all potential meanings of the words. Equivocation can be an avoidance technique.68
11711027773EthosThe trustworthiness or credibility of the writer.69
11710127758EuphemismIndirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. "passed away" instead of "died." A danger with euphemisms is that they're evasive, abstract, and too ambiguous for clear communication. Euphemisms can be used to cover up a truth.70
11710127781EpigramA brief witty statement; a concise, witty saying in poetry or prose that either stands alone or is part of a larger work; it may also refer to a short poem of this type71
11710127782Euphonya succession of harmonious sounds used in poetry or prose; the opposite of cacophony.72
11711999939EvaluateTo assess in value or quality.73
11711892224EvocativeCalling forth a vivid image or impression.74
11712003759ExemplifyTo illustrate by being an example of.75
11710127783Exempluma brief tale used in medieval times to illustrate a sermon or to teach a lesson76
11710127837ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.77
11711847609Explicitdefinite, clearly stated. Opposite of implicit.78
11710127784Expositionthe immediate revelation to the audience of the setting and other background information necessary for understanding the plot; also, explanation; one of the four modes of discourse79
11712335551Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work. The ultimate extended metaphor is allegory, which layers two narratives, a literal version with a figurative version.80
11711425273Factual EvidenceTypes of Factual Evidence: Examples, Hypothetical Examples, Statistics, Expert Opinion Evaluating Factual Evidence: • Is it up-to-date? • Is it sufficient; is it enough? • Is it relevant? • Is it consistent with the audience's experience? Evaluating Statistics: • Are the statistics from a reliable source? Is the source objective or associated with a particular group or point of view that would create bias? • Are the terms clearly defined? • Are comparisons valid? Are you comparing things that can be compared? • Has any pertinent information been omitted?81
11710127797FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.82
11712114236False DilemmaA common logical fallacy where the writer bases an argument on only two alternatives when others are possible. Also called Either-Or Fallacy. Example: America. Love it or leave it.83
11712078725Faulty Use of AuthorityA common logical fallacy. The writer relies on "authorities" who are not convincing sources. The writer justifies his claim by citing testimony or opinions of experts and fails to acknowledge disagreements among experts or otherwise misrepresents the trustworthiness of sources. Example: Kobe Bryant believes that kids who watch too much television are not as smart as kids who play outside.84
11712188594Faulty Emotional Appeals FallacyWhen the writer seeks sensational or sentimental reactions in the audience; bases an argument on feelings (especially pity or fear), to draw attention away from the real issues or to conceal another purpose. Example: If you don't study at least an hour every night, you won't get into college and you won't have a successful life.85
11710127848Faux PasA social misstep or inappropriate action.86
11710127800Figures of speechexpressions, such as similes, metaphors, and personifications, that make imaginative, rather than literal, comparisons or associations. Can be used to get readers to see things in a new way.87
11710127831First-person narratora narrator, referred to as "I," who is a character in the story and relates the actions through his or her own perspective, also revealing his or her own thoughts88
11710127801Folkloretraditional stories, songs, dances, and customs that are preserved among a people; folklore usually precedes literature, being passed down orally from generation to generation until recorded by scholars89
11710127802Foreshadowingthe use of a hint or clue to suggest a larger event that occurs later in the work90
11710127866Genrea type of literary work, such as a novel or poem; there are also subgenres, such as science fiction or sonnet, within the larger genres91
11712195808Guilt by Association fallacyArgument in which a speaker suggests that something is wrong with another speaker's claims by associating those claims with someone the audience finds objectionable; also called the bad company fallacy. Relies on prejudice instead of thought.92
11710127863HamartiaA character's error in judgment that contributes to one's downfall.93
11712075642Hasty GeneralizationA fallacy in which a faulty conclusion is reached because of inadequate evidence.94
11710127759HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.95
11710127803HubrisExcessive pride that often brings about one's fall; the excessive pride or ambition that leads a tragic hero to disregard warnings of impending doom, eventually causing his or her downfall96
11710127804Humoranything that causes laughter or amusement; up until the end of the Renaissance, humor meant a person's temperament97
11710127805HyperboleDeliberate exaggeration in order to create humor or emphasis. Hyperbole gets us to look more closely at what is actually true by giving us a sharp contrast.98
11712033426HypothesisA testable prediction, often implied by a theory99
11710127857IdLiterally the "It"--our base impulses, driven by selfishness and greed, for example.100
11711774010IdiomColloquial metaphors and are typically particular to a region. Two examples are: "Hotter 'n a fly on a griddle" or "Time to hit the hay."101
11710127858idylla short descriptive narrative, usually a poem, about an idealized country life; also called a pastoral102
11712009454Illustrateclarify by giving an example of. Use anecdote to examples.103
11710127859imageryWriting that appeal to the senses and evoke a vicarious experience for the reader, often creating empathy for the characters Types of imagery include: • Visual: what we can see • Auditory: what we can hear • Tactile: what we can touch • Olfactory: what we can smell • Gustatory: what we can taste • Kinesthetic: sense of movement • Organic: internal sense of being (well or ill)104
11710127853ImminentAbout to happen.105
11711840490ImplicitImplied or understood though unexpressed. The "answer" is not directly found in the text but must be inferred or interpreted based on clues. Opposite of Explicit.106
11710127840Independent ClauseA complete sentence.107
11712018885IndicateTo be a signal of; to state or express.108
11710127760InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.109
11710127820InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.110
11710127860Interior monologuewriting that records the conversation that occurs inside a character's head111
11710127861Inversionreversing the customary order of elements in a sentence or phrase; it is used effectively in many cases, such as posing a question: "Are you going to the store?"; often, it is used ineffectively in poetry, making it sound artificial and stilted: "To the hounds she rode, with her flags behind her streaming"112
11710127862IronyA situation or statement in which the actual outcome or meaning is opposite to what was expected. Can be used to lead the reader to see the truth.113
11712022604ItemizeTo list one by one.114
11710127812JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group.115
11710127834Limited omniscient narratora third-person narrator who reports the thoughts of only one character and generally only what that one character sees116
11710127807LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.117
11711586718Loaded WordsWords which are slanted for or against the subject. Can be insulting.118
11711752054Logical fallacypotential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in an argument119
11711039127LogosUsing reason and logic to persuade.120
11711495743Maslow's NeedsPhysiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization. According to psychologist Abraham Maslow, human beings are motivated in their behavior based on their response to whether or not certain basic needs have been met. Maslow arranged his list of needs in a hierarchy.121
11710127762MetaphorA figure of speech in which one thing is referred to as another; for example, "my love is a fragile flower." Metaphors imply a comparison between two unlike things that help us see them in a new or more meaningful way. Metaphors can be direct or indirect. Similes are also metaphors, but use the words "like" or "as" in making the comparison.122
11712342231Metaphysical ConceitAn elaborate, intellectually ingenious metaphor (often extended) that shows the writer's realm of knowledge. Often used in metaphysical poetry.123
11710127761MetonymyA metaphor that uses the name of an object, person, or idea to represent something with which it is associated, such as using "the crown" to refer to a monarch.124
11710127763Modethe method or form of a literary work; the manner in which a work of literature is written125
11710127764MoodSimilar to tone, mood is the primary emotional attitude of the setting or overall work.126
11710127765MotifMain theme or subject of a work that is elaborated on in the development of the piece; a repeated pattern or idea127
11710127766MythOne story in a system of narratives set in a complete imaginary world that once served to explain the origin of life, religious beliefs, and the forces of nature as supernatural occurrences128
11710127867NarrationThe telling of a story in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama; one of the four modes of discourse. To narrate is to recount events or a story.129
11710127868NaturalismA literary movement that grew out of realism in France, the United States, and England in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries; it portrays humans as having no free will, being driven by the natural forces of heredity, environment, and animalistic urges over which they have no control130
11712153558Non Sequiter fallacyA deductive error occurring when conclusions do not follow from the premises that precede them. In Latin, this means does not follow. An arguer is guilty of non sequitur when he states: "Ms. Reed is our new math teacher. She's young and should be good."131
11712029497ObserveTo see; to notice.132
11710127835Objective narratora third-person narrator who only reports what would be visible to a camera; thoughts and feelings are only revealed if a character speaks them133
11711443991OpinionA personal view, attitude, or appraisal. Made by experts, witnesses, qualified observers. Evaluating Opinions: • Is the source credible or otherwise qualified to give the opinion? • Does the source harbor any obvious biases? • Can the source's opinion be verified by fact?134
11710127810Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.135
11710127869ObjectivityAn impersonal presentation of events and characters136
11710127833Omniscient narratora third-person narrator, referred to as "he," "she," or "they," who is able to see into each character's mind and understands all the action137
11710127870Onomatopeiathe use of words that sound like what they mean, such as h i s s and b o o m138
11710127864OrwellianThe manipulation of language and ideas to control and obstruct the truth.139
11710127871OxymoronA figure of speech composed of contradictory words or phrases, such as "wise fool." Juxtaposing two things apparently contradictory that still reinforce one idea. For example, jumbo shrimp, deafening silence.140
11710127809Parablea short tale that teaches a moral; similar to but shorter than an allegory141
11710127808ParadoxA statement or idea that seems contradictory but is in fact true. a statement that seems to contradict itself but that turns out to have a rational meaning, as in this quotation from Henry David Thoreau: "I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude."142
11712036183ParaphraseTo restate in other words, often easier to understand or summarized words.143
11711053928PathosAppeals to emotion or the emotional quality of the work.144
11710127845ParallelismRhetorical technique of arranging words, phrases, clauses, or larger structures by placing them side by side and making them similar in form. Can be sued for emphasis.145
11710127844ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. a work that ridicules the style of another work by imitating and exaggerating its elements146
11710127768PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish147
11710127826Periodic SentenceA sentence in which the subject and verb come toward the end of the sentence. A sentence that is not grammatically complete until its last phrase, such as, "Despite Glenn's hatred of his sister's laziness and noisy eating habits, he still cared for her."148
11710127815PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.149
11710127827Personaa fictional voice that a writer adopts to tell a story, determined by subject matter and audience, e.g., Mark Twain150
11710127828PersonificationThe attribution of human qualities to a nonhuman or an inanimate object.151
11710127829Persuasiona form of argumentation language intended to convince through appeals to reason or emotion to convince someone else to believe something or to do something152
11711802007Picturesque languageLanguage that appeals to the senses. Description or imagery.153
11712093949Post Hoc, Ergo Propter HocDoubtful Cause. This fallacy is Latin for "after which therefore because of which," meaning that it is incorrect to always claim that something is a cause just because it happened earlier. One may loosely summarize this fallacy by saying that correlation does not imply causation.154
11710127830Point of viewthe perspective from which a story is presented; common points of view include the following155
11712043926PredictGive an expected result. To suggest the result of an action or policy (or any idea that may evolve or change)156
11712053758ProposeTo suggest a plan or a solution to a problem.157
11710127769Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.158
11711854683Propagandainformation, often of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. Rhetoric used to persuade a mass audience, to convince them of a political, religious, or other ideology. Propaganda differs from other mass persuasive messages in that it is associated with a particular agenda. In Orwell's 1984, Hate Week and the Two Minutes Hate activities are major components of the Party's propaganda machine, as each works against rational thought and further turns Oceania's citizens into "bleating sheep."159
11711876734Propaganda Techniques• Appeal to fear: Fear is one of the most effective methods of controlling others. • Appeal to authority: People can be reluctant to oppose authority. Often people blindly follow authority. • Unwarranted emotional appeals: Even unrestrained joy (the mania of a crowd) can persuade and make people lose their reason. • Bandwagon technique: Everyone else is doing it; why not you, too? • Glittering generalities: Using abstract and undefined language to the extent that people want to believe it. Examples: freedom, glory. • Obtain disapproval: Citizens band together to hate or stand against a common enemy. • Stereotyping: It is much easier to disapprove of a group if we believe everyone in the group is the same. • Scapegoating: Find a person or a group to blame it all on. • Slogans: A motto or phrase that is mindlessly repeated and has no particular meaning, but can bring people together in a common bond.160
11710127836Protagonistthe main character of a literary work161
11711836541PunA play on words making use of double meaning162
11712175421Red Herring Fallacywhen a speaker introduces an irrelevant issue or piece of evidence to divert attention from the subject of the speech.163
11710127873Regionalisman element in literature that conveys a realistic portrayal of a specific geographical locale, using the locale and its influences as a major part of the plot164
11710127872Realisma nineteenth-century literary movement in Europe and the United States that stressed accuracy in the portrayal of life, focusing on characters with whom middle-class readers could easily identify; it is in direct contrast with romanticism165
11712056990Rebuffto reject bluntly166
11712060356RefuteTo prove incorrect.167
11711904254RepititionRepeating a word, phrase, or idea for emphasis or rhythmic effect168
11710127874Rhetoricthe art of using language effectively; involves (1) writer's purpose, (2) his or her consideration of the audience, (3) the exploration of the subject, (4) arrangement and organization of the ideas, (5) style and tone of expression, and (6) form169
11710127875Rhetorical modesexposition, description, narration, argumentation170
11710127876Romanticisma literary, artistic, and philosophical movement that began in the eighteenth century as a reaction to neoclassicism; the focal points of the movement are imagination, emotion, and freedom, stressing subjectivity, individuality, the love and worship of nature, and a fascination with the past171
11710127839SarcasmCaustic, bitter language--iterally means "to tear the flesh." harsh and personal remarks to or about someone; less subtle than irony172
11710127843SatireA work that pokes fun human vices and follies in order to call attention to a larger problem.173
11710127770SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words.174
11710127799SimileA metaphor that uses like, as, or as if to make a direct comparison between two essentially different objects, actions, or qualities; for example, "the sky looked like an artist's canvas."175
11712123874Slippery slope fallacyA logical fallacy that assumes once an action begins it will lead, undeterred, to an eventual and inevitable conclusion. This is a cause-and-effect error that relies on simplistic, erroneous connections. Example: If students study sex education in high school, they will become sexually promiscuous.176
11711575370Slanted Languageleads the audience away from valid arguments by emphasizing words that carry strong positive or negative connotations. Uses loaded words.177
11711792745SloganA phrase or statement meant to represent an idea, a movement, a campaign or an organization. In Animal Farm, Orwell warns against the danger of slogans that are mindlessly repeated by the masses which sound like the bleating of sheep.178
11710127773Speakerthe voice of a work; an author may speak as himself or herself or as a fictitious persona179
11712143412Straw Man fallacyA statement that refutes a claim that was never made. It is diversionary tactic in which the writer attacks a view similar to, but not the same as, his opponent's view.180
11710127832Stream of consciousness narratorlike a first-person narrator, but instead placing the reader inside the character's head, making the reader privy to the continuous, chaotic flow of disconnected, half-formed thoughts and impressions in the character's mind181
11710127775Stylean author's characteristic manner of expression182
11712065738SupportBack up with details. To give reasons and examples for a statement of fact or a claim.183
11710127771SyllogismA deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.184
11710127772SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole. a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent a whole, such as using "boards" to mean a stage or "wheels" to mean a car185
11710127774Stereotypea character who represents a trait that is usually attributed to a particular social or racial group and who lacks individuality186
11712276334StyleThe choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work. One way to think of style is as the voice of the writer. Examples of style include: • authoritative: the voice is commanding and knowing • emotive: the voice evokes emotion • didactic: the voice is preachy, insistent • objective: the voice is uncommitted, without judgment • ornate: the voice is pretentious, flowery, or ostentatious • plain: the voice is simple, straightforward, to the point • scholarly: the voice is learned and authoritative, erudite • scientific: the voice is precise and relies on the language of science187
11710127776Subjectivitya personal presentation of events and characters, influenced by the author's feelings and opinions188
11710127856SuperegoAccording to Freud, that facet of the psyche that represents the internalized ideals and values of one's parents and society189
11710127777Suspension of disbeliefthe demand made that the reader accept the incidents recounted in the literary works190
11710127778Symbolismthe use of symbols or anything that is meant to be taken both literally and as representative of a higher and more complex significance191
11710127779SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.192
11710127789SyntaxThe arrangement of words and phrases. for example, short, simple sentences seem more urgent and less reflective than more ornate sentence types.193
11710127819TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.194
11710127813TaciturnNot talking much, reserved; silent, holding back in conversation.195
11710127877ThemeThe central idea or "message" of a literary work196
11710127878ToneThe characteristic emotion or attitude of an author toward the characters, subject, and audience. Pay attention to not only what a character or speaker does, but also to what he or she says. Sometimes we know more than the character does (dramatic irony) and this impacts our understanding of tone. A tone can shift in a work.197
11712268422Tone shiftA change in the tone of a work. If the tone changes suddenly, for example, it can signal an epiphany or some change in a speaker's or narrator's thinking. Tone shifts are critical markers in a passage.198
11712360568Understatementthe opposite of exaggeration. It is a technique for developing irony and/or humor where one writes or says less than intended.199
11710127879Unityquality of a piece of writing; see also coherence200
11719730784VerisimilitudeThe appearance of being true or real. Details can add this quality.201
11710127817VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.202
11710127880Voicethe way a written work conveys an author's attitude203
11710127818ZealousHaving or showing zeal.204

Need Help?

We hope your visit has been a productive one. If you're having any problems, or would like to give some feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

For general help, questions, and suggestions, try our dedicated support forums.

If you need to contact the Course-Notes.Org web experience team, please use our contact form.

Need Notes?

While we strive to provide the most comprehensive notes for as many high school textbooks as possible, there are certainly going to be some that we miss. Drop us a note and let us know which textbooks you need. Be sure to include which edition of the textbook you are using! If we see enough demand, we'll do whatever we can to get those notes up on the site for you!