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AP Language and Composition Rhetorical Terms Tested 1st Semester 2015-16 Flashcards

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5034133932AllusionA 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. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.0
5034133933AnalogyAn extended comparison showing the similarities between two things1
5034133936AphorismA brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.2
5034133938Colloquialisminformal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing3
5034133939CounterargumentA challenge to a position; an opposing argument.4
5034133940Cumulative SentenceAn independent clause followed by subordinate clauses or phrases that supply additional detail.5
5034133941DictionA writer's or speaker's choice of words6
5034133942EthosEthos is basically an appeal to credibility. The speaker is seeking to convince you that he or she has the background, history, skills, and/or expertise to speak on the issue.7
5034133943EuphemismAn indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant8
5034133945HyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor9
5034133946ImageryDescription that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)10
5034133948IronyA contrast between expectation and reality A contrast or discrepancy between what is stated and what is really meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually does happen.11
5034133949JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts12
5034133950LogosAn appeal to reason. It occurs when a writer tries to convince you of the logic of his argument. writers have examples and generally rational tone to their language.13
5034133951MetaphorA comparison that establishes a figurative identity between objects being compared. A comparison without using like or as.14
5034133953ParadoxA statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.15
5034133954Parallel Structurerepetition of the same pattern of words or phrases within a sentence or passage to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.16
5034133955PathosAn appeal to emotion. Typically, pathos arguments may use loaded words to make you feel guilty, lonely, worried, insecure, or confused.17
5034133956Periodic SentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning 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. (Example: After a long, bumpy flight and multiple delays, I arrived at the San Diego airport.)18
5034133958Sarcasmthe use of irony to mock or convey contempt19
5034133959SimileA comparison of two things using like or as20
5034133960ToneA writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter or audience revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization on the sentence and global levels.21
5034133961UnderstatementThe presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.22

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