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| 8257089590 | Allegory | The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom. The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence. EX: George Orwell's Animal Farm is a historical allegory of the Cold War/Bolshevik Revolution in Soviet Union. | 0 | |
| 8257089591 | Alliteration | The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells"). The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.EX: "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | 1 | |
| 8257089592 | Allusion | A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. EX: The three headed dog, Fluffy is also an allusion of the Greek mythological creature, Cerberus | 2 | |
| 8257089593 | Ambiguity | The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage. EX: Did you see the girl with the telescope? He gave her cat food. | 3 | |
| 8257089594 | Analogy | A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging. EX:"What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called," | 4 | |
| 8257089595 | Anaphora | the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses or lines. NOT Parallelism EX: "We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender." Winston Churchill | 5 | |
| 8257089596 | Antecedent | The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. EX: When you see the professor, please tell him I'll be 10 minutes late this evening. (In this example, the antecedent is professor) Usually, the antecedent of a pronoun is a noun or a noun phrase. Despite the name, an antecedent does not always come before its pronoun. | 6 | |
| 8257089597 | Antimetabole | the identical or near repetition of words in one phrase or clause in reverse order in the next phrase or clause; EX: "Ask not what your country can do for you; as what you can do for your country." | 7 | |
| 8257089598 | Anithesis | the juxtaposition of sharply contrasting ideas in balanced or parallel words, phrases grammatical structure, or ideas. EX: Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing. Speech is silver, but silence is gold. | 8 | |
| 8257089599 | Aphorism | A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author's point. EX: You can kill a man but you can't kill an idea. "Life is a tale told by an idiot — full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." (Macbeth) | 9 | |
| 8257089600 | Apostrophe(figure of speech) | A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer. The effect may add familiarity or emotional intensity. Many apostrophes imply a personification of the object addressed.EX: William Wordsworth addresses John Milton as he writes, "Milton, thou shouldst be living at this hour: / England hath need of thee." | 10 | |
| 8257089601 | Appositive | A noun, noun phrase, or series of nouns placed next to another word or phrase to identify or rename it An appositive may be introduced by a word or phrase such as namely, for example, or that is. Appositives are usually offset with commas, brackets, or dashes. EX: My best friend, Lee, caught a whelk when he was fishing for bass. (Appositive is Lee. It is in apposition to My best friend. | 11 | |
| 8257089602 | Archaic Diction/Archaism | (of a linguistic form) commonly used in an earlier time but rare in present-day usage except to suggest the older time, as in religious rituals or historical novels. EX: thou; wast; methinks; forsooth. | 12 | |
| 8257089603 | Asyndeton | It is a stylistic device used in literature and poetry to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. This literary tool helps in reducing the indirect meaning of the phrase and presents it in a concise form. EX: Commas used (with no conjunction) to separate a series of words, speeds up flow of sentence. X, Y, Z as opposed to X, Y, and Z. "Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, Shrunk to this little measure?" (Julius Caesar) | 13 | |
| 8257089604 | Atmosphere | The emotional nod created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the author's choice of objects that are described. Even such elements as a description of the weather can contribute to the atmosphere. Frequently atmosphere foreshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood. EX: It was a dark and stormy night. | 14 | |
| 8257089605 | Caricature | a verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics. Can be used within Sature EX: Many of the characters in Stalinist Russia are caricaturized as animals- Animal Farm | 15 | |
| 8257089606 | Clause | A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. EX :I despise individuals of low character-when the saints go marching in | 16 | |
| 8257089607 | Chiasmus | a form of parallelism. Two corresponding pairs arranged not in parallels (a-b-a-b) but in inverted order (a-b-b-a) EX: "You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget." The ONLY requirement is that they have opposite meanings, they don't need to have exactly inverse repetition of the clauses | 17 | |
| 8257089608 | Colloquial/Colloquialism | The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing, colloquialisms give a work a conversational, familiar tone. Colloquial expressions in writing include local or regional dialects. Vernacular EX:"I didn't want to go back no more. I had stopped cussing, because the widow didn't like it; but now I took to it again because pap hadn't no objections..." Huck Finn | 18 | |
| 8257089609 | Conceit | A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects. A conceit displays intellectual cleverness as a result of the unusual comparison being made. EX: "Darlin you're on fire, like Donut grease" Uncle Si | 19 | |
| 8257089610 | Connotation | The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes. EX: A dove implies peace or gentility. Home suggests family, comfort and security | 20 | |
| 8257089611 | Denotation | The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color. EX: the denotation of a knife would be a utensil used to cut; the connotation of a knife might be fear, violence, anger, foreboding | 21 | |
| 8257089612 | Diction | Related to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. For the AP exam, you should be able to describe an author's diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain) and understand the ways in which diction can complement the author's purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style.EX: "Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard Are sweeter: therefore, ye soft pipes, play on" Notice the use of formal "ye" instead of informal "you". The formality here is due to the respect the urn inspires in Keats. In the same poem he says: | 22 | |
| 8257089613 | Euphemism | From the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The euphemism may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement. EX:You are becoming a little thin on top (bald). | 23 | |
| 8257089614 | Exigence | has to do with what prompts the author to write in the first place, a sense of urgency, a problem that requires attention right now, a need that must be met, a concept that must be understood before the audience can move to a next step EX:Racism is an example of the first type of exigence, one where discourse is required to remove the problem. . . . As an example of the second type--an exigence that can be modified by the assistance of rhetorical discourse--Bitzer offered the case of air pollution." | 24 | |
| 8257089615 | Extended Metaphor | A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work. EX: But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief." (Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet) | 25 | |
| 8257089616 | Figurative Language | Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid EX:The lottery winner's grin stretched from New York City to Los Angeles. | 26 | |
| 8257089617 | Figure of Speech | A device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. EX: Figures of speech include apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, and understatement. | 27 | |
| 8257089618 | Genre | The major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama. However, genre is a flexible term; within these broad boundaries exist many subdivisions that are often called genres themselves. For example, prose can be divided into fiction (novels and short stories) or nonfiction (essays, biographies, autobiographies, etc.). Poetry can be divided into lyric, dramatic, narrative, epic, etc. Drama can be divided into tragedy, comedy, melodrama, farce, etc. EX: autobiography, biography, diaries, criticism, essays, and journalistic, political, scientific, and nature writing. There may be fiction or poetry | 28 | |
| 8257089619 | Homily | This term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice. EX: When a minister gives a sermon, this is an example of a homily. | 29 | |
| 8257089620 | Hyperbole | A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.") Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, hyperbole produces irony. The opposite of hyperbole is understatement. EX:I am dying of shame. | 30 | |
| 8257089621 | Imagery | The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, imagery uses terms related to the five senses. On a broader and deeper level, however, one image can represent more than one thing. An author may use complex imagery while simultaneously employing other figures of speech, especially metaphor and simile. Pay attention to how an author creates imagery and to the effect of this imagery. EX:, a rose may present visual imagery while also representing the color in a woman's cheeks and/or symbolizing some degree of perfection. | 31 | |
| 8257089622 | Inference/Infer | To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. When a multiple choice question asks for an inference to be drawn from a passage, the most direct, most reasonable inference is the safest answer choice. If an inference is implausible, it's unlikely to be the correct answer. Note that if the answer choice is directly stated, it is not inferred and it is wrong. You must be careful to note the connotation - negative or positive - of the choices. EX:"It was after we started with Gatsby toward the house that the gardener saw Wilson's body a little way off in the grass, and the holocaust was complete." | 32 | |
| 8257089623 | Inversion | The usual word order is rearranged, often for the effect of emphasis or to maintain the meter. especially the placement of a verb ahead of the subject (subject-verb inversion) EX: In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." (J.R.R. Tolkein | 33 | |
| 8257089624 | Invective | an emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language. Invective is not, however, a powerful tool of persuasion as sometimes is thought but is a device employed to get a sort of reaction from the interlocutor. EX: "I cannot but conclude the bulk of your natives to be the most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth." Johnathan Swift | 34 | |
| 8257089625 | Irony | The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true. Irony is often used to create poignancy or humor. In general, there are three major types of irony used in language: (1) verbal irony - when the words literally state the opposite of the writer's (or speaker's) meaning EX: : "'tis true this god did shake" Cassius, despite knowing the mortal flaws of Caesar, calls him "this god". (2) situational irony - when events turn out the opposite of what was expected; when what the characters and readers think ought to happen is not what does happen EX: A fire station burns down (3) dramatic irony - when facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction but known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work. EX:Two people are engaged to be married but the audience knows that the man is planning to run away with another woman. | 35 | |
| 8257089626 | Juxtaposition | two or more ideas, places, characters and their actions are placed side by side in a narrative or a poem for the purpose of developing comparisons and contrasts."O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear;" Romeo and Juliet | 36 | |
| 8257089627 | Litotes | figure of speech which employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, positive statement is expressed by negating its opposite expressions. Litote is the opposite of hyperbole EX:The ice cream was not too bad. New York is not an ordinary city. | 37 | |
| 8257089628 | Loose/ Non-Periodic Sentence | A type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses. If a period were placed at the end of the independent clause, the clause would be a complete sentence. A work containing many loose sentences often seems informal, relaxed, or conversational. Generally, loose sentences create loose style. The opposite of a loose sentence is the periodic sentence. EX: I arrived at the San Diego airport after a long, bumpy ride and multiple delays. Could stop at: I arrived at the San Diego airport. | 38 | |
| 8257089629 | Metaphor | A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought provoking, and meaningful. EX: They don't kill you unless you light them," he said as Mom arrived at the curb. "And I've never lit one. It's a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing." -TFIOS | 39 | |
| 8257089630 | Metonymy | A term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name," metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. The substituted term generally carries a more potent emotional impact. EX: a news release that claims "the White House declared" rather than "the President declared"" Let me give you a hand. (Hand means help.) | 40 | |
| 8257089631 | Mood | The prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect the mood. Mood is similar to tone and atmosphere. EX: Charles Dickens creates a calm and peaceful mood in his novel "Pickwick Papers":"The river, reflecting the clear blue of the sky, glistened and sparkled as it flowed noiselessly on." | 41 | |
| 8257089632 | Narrative | The telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events. EX: A story | 42 | |
| 8257089633 | Onomatopoeia | A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. If you note examples of onomatopoeia in an essay passage, note the effect. EX: buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur. I | 43 | |
| 8257089634 | Oxymoron | From the Greek for "pointedly foolish," an oxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. note of the effect that the author achieves with the use of oxymoron. EX: Open secret Tragic comedy Seriously funny | 44 | |
| 8257089635 | Paradox | A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity. EX: beginning of Dickens' Tale of Two Cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...." | 45 | |
| 8257089636 | Parallelism | Also referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning "beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase. The effects of parallelism are numerous, but frequently they act as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical rhythm EX: opening of Dickens' Tale of Two Cities is an example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of believe, it was the epoch of incredulity...." | 46 | |
| 8257089637 | Parody | A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. It exploits peculiarities of an author's expression (propensity to use too many parentheses, certain favorite words, etc.) Well-written parody offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers only ineffectual imitation. Usually an audience must grasp literary allusion and understand the work being parodied in order to fully appreciate the nuances of the newer work. Occasionally, however, parodies take on a life of their own and don't require knowledge of the original. EX:Swift's "Gulliver's Travel" is a parody of travel narratives as well as a satire on contemporary England. | 47 | |
| 8257089638 | Pedantic | An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish (language that might be described as "show-offy"; using big words for the sake of using big words). EX:"His message was so esoteric that the capitulation from his argument was not obvious." "What did you just say?" "Oh, I'm just being pedantic with my vocabulary." | 48 | |
| 8257089639 | Periodic Sentence | The opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. The effect of a periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety. It is also a much stronger sentence than the loose sentence. EX: After a long, bumpy flight and multiple delays, I arrived at the San Diego airport. | 49 | |
| 8257089640 | Personification | A figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions. Personification is used to make these abstractions, animals, or objects appear more vivid to the reader. EX: The flowers danced in the gentle breeze. Time and tide waits for none. | 50 | |
| 8257089641 | 1st Person | First person point of view involves the use of either of the two pronouns "I" and "we". EX: "I felt like I was getting drowned with shame and disgrace." | 51 | |
| 8257089642 | 2nd Person | 2. Second person point of view employs the pronoun "you". EX: "Sometimes you cannot clearly discern between anger and frustration." | 52 | |
| 8257089643 | 3rd Person | Third person point of view uses pronouns like "he", "she", "it", "they" or a name. EX: "Mr. Stewart is a principled man. He acts by the book and never lets you deceive him easily." | 53 | |
| 8257089644 | Point of View | Point of view is the angle of considering things, which shows us the opinion, or feelings of the individuals involved in a situation. In literature, point of view is the mode of narration that an author employs to let the readers "hear" and "see" what takes place in a story, poem, essay etc. | 54 | |
| 8257089645 | Prose | one of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms. In prose the printer determines the length of the line; in poetry, the poet determines the length of the line. applies a natural flow of speech, and ordinary grammatical structure rather than rhythmic structure, such as in the case of traditional poetry EX: Non-Fictional Prose, Fictional Prose, Heroic Prose (legend), Prose Poetry | 55 | |
| 8257089646 | Repetition | The duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern. Repetition is not distinguished solely as a figure of speech but more as a rhetorical device. EX: She's safe, just like I promised. She's all set to marry Norrington, just like she promised. And you get to die for her, just like you promised."- Jack Sparrow | 56 | |
| 8257089647 | Rhetoric | From the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively. A situation where you make use of rhetoric is called a "rhetorical situation". Rhetorical figures or devices are employed to achieve particular emphasis and effect. Rhetorical devices, however, are different from "figures of speech". Wherever and whenever a figure of speech is used in written texts and speech, it alters meanings of words. For example, the metaphor used in the expression "He is a tiger," is a complete altered form of a simple idea "He is brave." EX:All blonde-haired people are dumb. - Using a stereotype to develop a general opinion about a group. | 57 | |
| 8257089648 | Ethos | In rhetoric, ethos represents credibility or an ethical appeal which involves persuasion by the character involved.It is a means of convincing others of the character or credibility of the persuader. It is natural for us to accept the credibility of people whom we hold in reverence. In an argument, it is of utmost value for a speaker or a writer to impress upon listeners and readers the idea that is worth listening to. In other words, not only the credibility of a speaker or a writer relies on his or her authority on the subject matter but also on the fact that how much he or she is liked and worthy of respect. EX: "Our expertise in roofing contracting is evidenced not only by our 100 years in the business and our staff of qualified technicians, but in the decades of satisfied customers who have come to expect nothing but the best." | 58 | |
| 8257089649 | Pathos | Pathos is a quality of an experience in life or a work of art that stirs up emotions of pity, sympathy and sorrow. Pathos can be expressed through words, pictures or even with gestures of the body. Pathos is an important tool of persuasion in arguments. Pathos is a method of convincing people with an argument drawn out through an emotional response EX:"If we do not leave this place soon, we will end up yelling for help. We do not see anyone to help us here. So, leave this place and live"- the statement evokes emotions of fear. "Made in China" logo on various products sold in China tries to enhance their sales by evoking patriotism among the customers. | 59 | |
| 8257089650 | Logos | Logos is a Greek word meaning logic. Logos is a literary device that can be defined as a statement, sentence or argument used to convince or persuade the targeted audience by employing reason or logic. In everyday life, arguments depend upon pathos and ethos besides logos. Logos mostly employs the utilization of inductive and deductive reasoning methods to be effective. There are many examples of logos in literature and in debates Logos examples may be classified according to the following categories. 1. Inductive reasoning 2. Deductive reasoning EX: All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal. Aristotle is using syllogistic arguments here, where some of the arguments or assertions remain unstated. Since, Socrates is a man therefore, he is mortal; all men are mortal so eventually they will die. This is the logic presented here. | 60 | |
| 8257089651 | Rhetorical Modes | This flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing. A rhetorical mode is a strategy--a way or method of presenting a subject—through writing or speech EX: Exposition, Argumentation, Description, Narration | 61 | |
| 8257089652 | Exposition | The purpose of exposition (or expository writing) is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. The AP language exam essay questions are frequently expository topics. any form of writing that conveys information and explains ideas: exposition. As one of the four traditional modes of discourse, expository writing may include elements of narration, description, and argumentation, but unlike creative writing or persuasive writing, its primary goal is to deliver information about an issue, subject, method, or idea.EX: | 62 | |
| 8257089653 | Argumentation | The purpose of argumentation is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation having an additional aim of urging some form of action. | 63 | |
| 8257089654 | Description | The purpose of description is to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five senses in description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional an subjective | 64 | |
| 8257089655 | Narration | The purpose of narration is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing. It is usually told chronologically. It usually has a purpose, which is usually stated in the opening sentence. It may use dialogue. It is written with sensory details and vivid descriptions to involve the reader. All these details relate in some way to the main point the writer is making. | 65 | |
| 8257089656 | Rhetorical Question | rhetorical question is asked just for effect or to lay emphasis on some point discussed when no real answer is expected. A rhetorical question may have an obvious answer but the questioner asks rhetorical questions to lay emphasis to the point. In literature, a rhetorical question is self-evident and used for style as an impressive persuasive device. EX: Ok?" "Why not?" | 66 | |
| 8257089657 | Sarcasm | From the Greek meaning "to tear flesh," sarcasm involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something. It may use irony as a device, but not all ironic statements are sarcastic (that is, intended to ridicule). When well done, sarcasm can be witty and insightful; when poorly done, it is simply cruel Self-Deprecating Sarcasm - This category of sarcasm expresses an overstated sense of inferiority and worthlessness. Brooding Sarcasm - In this criticism, the speaker utters something polite. However, the tone of his speech has a marked bitterness in it. Deadpan Sarcasm - It is expressed without emotion or laughter making it difficult for the listener to judge whether the speaker is joking or mocking. Polite Sarcasm - A speaker is said to have delivered a polite sarcasm when his listeners only get to realize that his kind remark was a sarcastic one after they had given it some thought. Obnoxious Sarcasm - This kind of sarcasm makes people feel like punching the speaker in the face. It is not very funny and it gets under your skin. Manic Sarcasm - This type of sarcasm is delivered in an unnatural happy mood that it makes the speaker look like he has gone crazy. Raging Sarcasm - This kind of sarcasm relies mainly on exaggeration and violent threats EX: Basically everything I say | 67 | |
| 8257089658 | Satire | A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform human behavior, satire is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing. It can be recognized by the many devices used effectively by the satirist: irony, wit, parody, caricature, hyperbole, understatement, and sarcasm. The effects of satire are varied, depending on the writer's goal, but good satire, often humorous, is thought provoking and insightful about the human condition. EX: Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. | 68 | |
| 8257089659 | Semantics | The branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.Semantics is the interpretation of language. Sometimes a person may say something, and then their friends "twist" what was actually said. EX: A child's alphabet block could be described as a wooden cube, learning aid, toy or block. | 69 | |
| 8257089660 | Sentence | a set of words that is complete in itself, typically containing a subject and predicate, conveying a statement, question, exclamation, or command, and consisting of a main clause and sometimes one or more subordinate clauses. | 70 | |
| 8257089661 | Periodic Sentence | A long and frequently involved sentence, marked by suspended syntax, in which the sense is not completed until the final word--usually with an emphatic climax. A periodic sentence has the main clause or predicate at the end. EX: In spite of losing one ship and weathering a storm, Columbus made it back to Spain. By the smell of barbequing and the fireworks in the sky, I knew it was Independence Day | 71 | |
| 8257089662 | Cumulative Sentence | An independent clause followed by a series of subordinate constructions (phrases or clauses) that gather details about a person, place, event, or idea. Contrast with periodic sentence.A loose sentence, also called a cumulative sentence, begins with a main clause that is followed by phrases and/or clauses that modify the main clause. These phrases or clauses add information to the main or independent clause. EX:I went to the movies yesterday, bought candy, and shopped at the mall. He might consider paying the higher fees at a private university, if the teacher/student ratio is small, the teachers are highly qualified, and the job placement rate is high. | 72 | |
| 8257089663 | Horative Sentence | sentence that exhorts, advices, calls to action EX: Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us. | 73 | |
| 8257089664 | Imperative Sentence | A type of sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or command. (Compare with sentences that make a statement, ask a question, or express an exclamation.) EX: And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." (President John Kennedy | 74 | |
| 8257089665 | Simile | simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words "like" or "as". Therefore, it is a direct comparison. EX: Her cheeks are red like a rose. He is as funny as a monkey. | 75 | |
| 8257089666 | Style | The consideration of style has two purposes: (1) An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. Some authors' styles are so idiosyncratic that we can quickly recognize works by the same author. We can analyze and describe an author's personal style and make judgments on how appropriate it is to the author's purpose. Styles can be called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, laconic, etc. (2) Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors. By means of such classification and comparison, we can see how an author's style reflects and helps to define a historical period, such as the Renaissance or the Victorian period, or a literary movement, such as the romantic, transcendental, or realist movement. EX: Expository or Argumentative style, Descriptive style, Persuasive style, Narrative style | 76 | |
| 8257089667 | Subject Complement | The word (with any accompanying phrases) or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by either (1) renaming it (the predicate nominative) or (2) describing it (the predicate adjective). | 77 | |
| 8257089668 | Predicate Nominative | a noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject. It, like the predicate adjective, follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence. Ex:Taylor Swift is a super star. super star = predicate nominative, as it renames the subject, Taylor | 78 | |
| 8257089669 | Predicate Adjective | an adjective, a group of adjectives, or adjective clause that follows a linking verb. It is in the predicate of the sentence, and modifies, or describes, the subject. Example: Heather remained optimistic. optimistic = predicate adjective, as it modifies the subject, Heather | 79 | |
| 8257089670 | Subordinate Clause | Like all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but unlike the independent clause, the subordinate clause cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought. Also called a dependent clause, the subordinate clause depends on a main clause (or independent clause) to complete its meaning. Easily recognized key words and phrases usually begin these clauses. For example: although, because, unless, if, even though, since, as soon as, while, who, when, where, how and that. EX: Yellowstone is a national park in the West (that is known for its geysers) ()= subordinate clause | 80 | |
| 8257089671 | Syllogism | From the Greek for "reckoning together," a syllogism (or syllogistic reasoning or syllogistic logic) is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the first one called "major" and the second called "minor") that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion. A frequently cited example proceeds as follows: major premise: All men are mortal. minor premise: Socrates is a man. conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is a mortal. A syllogism's conclusion is valid only if each of the two premises is valid. Syllogisms may also present the specific idea first ("Socrates") and the general second ("all men"). | 81 | |
| 8257089672 | Symbol/Symbolism | Generally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else. Usually a symbol is something concrete -- such as an object, action, character, or scene - that represents something more abstract. However, symbols and symbolism can be much more complex. One system classifies symbols into three categories: (1) natural symbols are objects and occurrences from nature to symbolize ideas commonly associated with them (dawn symbolizing hope or a new beginning, a rose symbolizing love, a tree symbolizing knowledge). (2) conventional symbols are those that have been invested with meaning by a group (religious symbols such as a cross or Star of David; national symbols, such as a flag or an eagle; or group symbols, such as a skull and crossbones for pirates or the scale of justice for lawyers). (3) literary symbols are sometimes also conventional in the sense that they are found in a variety of works and are more generally recognized. Determine to what extent the symbol is successful | 82 | |
| 8257089673 | Synethesisa | when one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another. Ex: The sight of red ants makes you itchy. In literature, synesthesia refers to the practice of associating two or more different senses in the same image. Red Hot Chili Peppers' song title,"Taste the Pain | 83 | |
| 8257089674 | Synechdoche | a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole or, occasionally, the whole is used to represent a part. **Different than metonymy, in which one thing is represented by another thing that is commonly physically associated with it (but is not necessarily a part of it), EX:To refer to a boat as a "sail"; to refer to a car as "wheels"; to refer to the violins, violas, etc. in an orchestra as "the strings." | 84 | |
| 8257089675 | Syntax | Syntax is a set of rules in a language. It dictates how words from different parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought.Syntax and diction are closely related. Diction refers to the choice of words in a particular situation while syntax determines how the chosen words are used to form a sentence. Most often than not, adopting a complex diction means a complex syntactic structure of sentences and vice versa. In combination, syntax and diction help writers develop tone, mood and atmosphere in a text along with evoking interest of the reader | 85 | |
| 8257089676 | Theme | The central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life. Usually theme is unstated in fictional works, but in nonfiction, the theme may be directly state, especially in expository or argumentative writing. EX:Love and friendship are frequently occurring themes in literature. | 86 | |
| 8257089677 | Thesis | In expository writing, the thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position. Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, effectively, and thoroughly a writer has proven the thesis. EX: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. - Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice | 87 | |
| 8257089678 | Tropes vs Schemes | Trope: The use of a word, phrase, or image in a way not intended by its normal signification. deviation from normal signification of a word for rhetorical effect, or figures of speech with an unexpected twist in the meaning of words; usually refers to word use. Scheme: A change in standard word order or pattern,arrangement of words for rhetorical effect; usually refers to sentence structure | 88 | |
| 8257089679 | Tone | Similar to mood, tone describes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both. Tone is easier to determine in spoken language than in written language. Considering how a work would sound if it were read aloud can help in identifying an author's tone. EX: Some words describing tone are playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, ornate, sardonic, somber, etc. | 89 | |
| 8257089680 | Transition | A word or phrase that links different ideas. Used especially, although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, transitions effectively signal a shift from one idea to another. More sophisticated writers use more subtle means of transition EX: furthermore, consequently, nevertheless, for example, in addition, likewise, similarly, on the contrary, etc. | 90 | |
| 8257089681 | Understatement | the ironic minimalizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole. Example: Jonathan Swift's A Tale of a Tub: "Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse." | 91 | |
| 8257089682 | Wit | in modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. A witty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speaker's verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Wit usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Historically, wit originally meant basic understanding. Its meaning evolved to include speed of understanding, and finally, it grew to mean quick perception including creative fancy and a quick tongue to articulate an answer that demanded the same quick perception. EX: "I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is a delicate exotic fruit, touch it and the bloom is gone." ~The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde | 92 | |
| 8257089683 | Zeugma | a figure of speech in which a word, usually a verb or an adjective, applies to more than one noun, blending together grammatically and logically different ideas.EX: "John lost his coat and his temper", the verb "lost" applies to both noun "coat" and "temper". Losing a coat and losing temper are logically and grammatically different ideas that are brought together in the above-mentioned sentence. | 93 | |
| 8257089684 | Epistrophe | the same word returns at the end of each sentence. Epistrophe is a stylistic device that can be defined as the repetition of phrases or words at the end of the clauses or sentences. It is also called epiphora. Epistrophe examples are frequently found in literary pieces, in persuasive writing and speeches. EX: "Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have I offended...." (Julius Caesar | 94 | |
| 8257089685 | Polysyndeton | Polysyndeton is a stylistic device in which several coordinating conjunctions are used in succession in order to achieve an artistic effect. It makes use of coordinating conjunctions like "and", "or", "but" and "nor" (mostly and and or) which are used to join successive words, phrases or clauses in such a way that these conjunctions are even used where they might have been omitted. EX: We have ships and men and money and stores | 95 | |
| 8257089686 | idiosyncratic | an unusual way in which a particular person behaves or thinks. A structural or behavioral characteristic peculiar to an individual or group | 96 | |
| 8257089687 | Linking Verb | Linking verbs do not express action. Instead, they connect the subject of the verb to additional information about the subject.EX: Keila is a shopaholic.Ising isn't something that Keila can do. Is connects the subject, Keila, to additional information about her, that she will soon have a huge credit card bill to pay. The following verbs are true linking verbs: any form of the verb be [am, is, are, was, were, has been, are being, might have been, etc.], become, and seem. These true linking verbs are always linking verbs. | 97 | |
| 8257089688 | Ad Hominem | Latin for "against the man" this fallacy refers to the specific diversionary tactic of switching the argument from the issue at hand to the character of the other speaker. If you argue that a park in your community should not be renovated because the person supporting it was arrested during a domestic dispute then you are guilty of ad hominem. | 98 | |
| 8257089689 | Ad Populum (Bandwagon Appeal) | The fallacy occurs when evidence boils down to "everybody's doing it so it must be a good thing to do" | 99 | |
| 8257089690 | Appeal to False Authority | Occurs when someone who has no expertise to speak on an issue is cited as an authority. | 100 | |
| 8257089691 | Begging the question | A fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support that is in doubt. It "begs" a question whether the support itself is sound. | 101 | |
| 8257089692 | Circular Reasoning | A fallacy in which the writer repeats the claim as a way to provide evidence. | 102 | |
| 8257089693 | Claim of Fact | Asserts that something is true or not true | 103 | |
| 8257089694 | Claim of Policy | A claim of policy proposes a change | 104 | |
| 8257089695 | Claim of Vlaue | Argues that something si good or bad, right or wrong | 105 | |
| 8257089696 | Classical Oration | 5 part argument structure used by classical rhetoricians Introduction Narration Confirmation Refutation Conclusion | 106 | |
| 8257089697 | Introduction | Classical Oration Introduces the reader to the topic under discussion | 107 | |
| 8257089698 | Narration | Classical Oration Provides factual info and background material on the subject at hand or established why the subject is a problem that needs addressing | 108 | |
| 8257089699 | Confirmation | Classical Oration Usually the major part of the text the confirmation includes the proof needed to make the writers case | 109 | |
| 8257089700 | Refutation | Classical Oration Addresses the counterargument it sis a bridge between the writers proof and conclusion | 110 | |
| 8257089701 | Closed thesis | Statement of the main idea that also previews the major points the writer intends to make | 111 | |
| 8257089702 | Deduction | A method of reasoning in which one reaches a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (major premise) an applying it to a specific case (minor premise). Usually the form of a syllogism. Major : Exercise contributes to better health Minor: Yoga is exercise Conclusion: Yoga contributes to better health | 112 | |
| 8257089703 | Either/Or false dilema | the speaker present 2 extreme options as the only possible choices | 113 | |
| 8257089704 | Faulty Analogy | when an analogy compares two things that are not comparable. | 114 | |
| 8257089705 | Hasty Generalization | faulty conclusion is reached because of inadequte evidence | 115 | |
| 8257089706 | Induction | writer reasons from particulars to universals using specific cases in order to draw a conclusion which is also called a generalization Regular exercise promotes weight loss Exercise lowers stress levels Exercise improves mood Generalization: Exercise contributes to better health | 116 | |
| 8257089707 | Purple Patch | an over-written passage in which the author has strained too hard to achieve an impressive effect, Ornate sections of literature not like rest of text | 117 | |
| 8257089708 | Open Thesis | One that does not list all the points the writer intends to cover | 118 | |
| 8257089709 | Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc | "after which therefore because of which" meaning that is incorrect to always claim that something is a cause just because if happened earlier. Correlation does not cause | 119 | |
| 8257089710 | Rogerian Arguments | based off of the assumption that having a full understanding of an opposing position i essential to responding to it persuasively and refuitng it in a way that is accommodating rather than alienating | 120 | |
| 8257089711 | Straw Man | occurs when a speaker chooses a deliberate poor or oversimplify example in order to ridicule and refute an idea Person A has position X. Person B presents position Y (which is a distorted version of X). Person B attacks position Y. Therefore X is false/incorrect/flawed. Set em up to knock em down | 121 | |
| 8257089712 | Toulmin Model | A model identifying six elements of an argument: the claim, grounds, warrant, backing, qualifier and rebuttal. | 122 | |
| 8257089713 | Double Entende | a french phrase for double meaning | 123 | |
| 8257089714 | Concrete Diction | specific words that describe physical qualities or conditions. | 124 | |
| 8257089715 | Abstract Diction | refers to language that denotes ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts that are intangible. | 125 | |
| 8257089716 | Inference | Everyone who reads this article will be more informed about Inference and Assumption. Rahul read this article. Inference: Rahul is more informed about Inference and Assumption | 126 | |
| 8257089717 | Assumption | a hidden or an unstated premise. There are two keywords in this definition: "hidden" and "premise". • "Hidden" means it cannot be logically derived from existing information i.e. it must present some new information. This is because there is no need to assume a thing that can be logically derived from existing information. Ex: Everyone who reads this article will be more informed about Inference and Assumption. Rahul received this article in his email. Hence, Rahul is more informed about Inference and Assumption. Assumption: Rahul has read every email that he has received so far. | 127 |
