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AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

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2633435453Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
2633435454AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. i.e. Animal Farm characters; The Crucible1
2633435455AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
2633435456AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work or art purpose: writer does not have to elaborate3
2633435457AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
2633435458AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them; using something well known to help explain something not as well known. (similar to simile)5
2633435459AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
2633435460AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
2633435461ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction, such as liberty or love and adds familiarity or emotion intensity8
2633435462AtmosphereThe emotional mood 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.9
2633435463ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
2633435464ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
2633435465ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects; displays intellectual cleverness due to the unusual comparison12
2633435466ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
2633435467DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
2633435468DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
2633435469DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
2633435470EuphemismA more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts. Can be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness, or to add humor or ironic understatement17
2633435471Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
2633435472Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
2633435473Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
2633435474Generic conventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre and helps define each genre. For example, they differentiate between an essay and journalistic writing and an autobiography and political writing21
2633435475GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
2633435476HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
2633435477HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
2633435478ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
2633435479InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
2633435480InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
2633435481IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
2633435482Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
2633435483Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
2633435484Dramatic ironyFacts 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 work31
2633435485Loose sentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses. Makes work often seem informal, relaxed, and conversational32
2633435486MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
2633435487MetonymyA figure of speech which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. Example: the White House declared instead of the President declared34
2633435488MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
2633435489Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
2633435490Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
2633435491Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
2633435492NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
2633435493OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
2633435494OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
2633435495ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
2633435496ParallelismRefers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity; structuring in generally same way to link them all43
2633435497ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. It distorts or exaggerates distinctive features of the original44
2633435498PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
2633435499Periodic sentenceA 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 alone46
2633435500Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
2633435501First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
2633435502Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
2633435503Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
2633435504Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
2633435505Predicate adjectivesOne type of subject complement- an adjective, group of adjectives, or adjective clauses that follows a linking verb Example: My boyfriend is tall, dark, and handsome. Tall, dark and handsome is describing boyfriend52
2633435506Predicate nominativeA second type of subject complement- a noun, group of nouns, or noun clauses that renames the subject Example: "Lincoln was a man of integrity" Man of integrity describes Lincoln53
2633435507ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
2633435508RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
2633435509RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
2633435510Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
2633435511ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
2633435512ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
2633435513SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
2633435514SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
2633435515StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
2633435516Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
2633435517Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
2633435518SyllogismFrom the Greek "reckoning together" this term is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises, first major and second minor Major premise: All men are mortal. Minor premise: Socrates is a man. Conclusion: Socrates is mortal.65
2633435519SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
2633435520Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
2633435521Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
2633435522Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
2633435523SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
2633435524ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
2633435525ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
2633435526ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
2633435527TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
2633435528UnderstatementThe ironic minimalizing of fact, presenting something less significant than it actually is. Makes a work humorous and emphatic;A statement that lacks emphasis and is given less force than normal.75
2633435529Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
2633435530AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
2633435531Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
2633435532Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
2633435533DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
2633435534Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
2633435535Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
2633435536Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
2633435537Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
2633435538Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
2633435539Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
2633435540Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
2633435541Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
2633435542Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
2633435543HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
2633435544Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
2633435545AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
2633435546HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
2633435547Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
2633435548Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
2633435549DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
2633435550SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
2633435551Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
2633435552Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
2633435553SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
2633435554ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
2633435555ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
2633435556ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
2633435557Chiasmus(Form of parallelism) The structure of two lines are crisscrossed. The beginning of the first is at the end of the second and vice versa.104
2633435558Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
2633435559Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
2633435560MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
2633435561ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
2633435562EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
2633435563AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
2633435564EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
2633435565AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
2633435566Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
2633435567ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
2633435568Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
2633435569HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
2633435570AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
2633435571AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
2633435572Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
2633435573Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
2633435574AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
2633435575PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
2633435576ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
2633435577EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
2633435578TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
2633435579PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
2633435580EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
2633435581PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
2633435582Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
2633435583Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
2633435584HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
2633435585PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
2633435586AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
2633435587AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
2633435588ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
2633435589Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
2633435590Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
2633435591ColloquialismA word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y'all, ain't)138
2633435592Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
2633435593Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
2633435594loose (cumulative) sentenceA sentence in which the main independent clause is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases (main clause is at the beginning)141
2633435595Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
2633435596DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
2633435597Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
2633435598Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
2633435599Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
2633435600EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
2633435601EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
2633435602EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
2633435603Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
2633435604EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
2633435605Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
2633435606Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
2633435607Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
2633435608Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
2633435609FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
2633435610FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
2633435611FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
2633435612Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
2633435613ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
2633435614Frame devicea story within a story. An example is Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, in which the primary tales are told within the "frame story" of the pilgrimage to Canterbury161
2633435615HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
2633435616Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
2633435617IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
2633435618ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
2633435619Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
2633435620JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
2633435621LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
2633435622LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
2633435623Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
2633435624Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
2633435625MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
2633435626MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
2633435627MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
2633435628Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
2633435629Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
2633435630Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
2633435631PathosAppeal to emotion178
2633435632LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
2633435633EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
2633435634PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
2633435635PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
2633435636ResolutionAlso called the denouement, this is the final stage in the plot of a drama or work of fiction. Here the action comes to an end and remaining loose ends are tied up.183
2633435637Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
2633435638Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
2633435639Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
2633435640Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
2633435641SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
2633435642StructureArrangement of parts189
2633435643SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
2633435644SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
2633435645Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
2633435646Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
2633435647TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
2633435648Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
2633435649VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
2633435650ArchaismA word, expression, spelling, or phrase that is out of date in the common speech of an era, but still deliberately used by a writer, poet, or playwright for artistic purposes197
2633435651Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
2633435652IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
2633435653Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
2633435654Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
2633435655Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
2633435656Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
2633435657Absolute metaphora metaphor (or figurative comparison) in which one of the terms (the tenor) can't be readily distinguished from the other (the vehicle).Example: "We are the eyelids of defeated caves."204
2633435658Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
2633435659Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
2633435660Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
2633435661Submerged metaphorone in which the vehicle is implied, or indicated by one aspect. Example: "my winged thought". Here, the audience must supply the image of the bird.208
2633435662Neoclassical dramaNeoclassicism covers the period from the end of the English Renaissance in 1642 to the culmination of the French Revolution and the beheading of Louis the XVI in 1793 - in this type of drama, there were either comedies or tragedies - no combination of the two.209
2633435663Implied metaphorone in which the tenor is not specified but implied. Example: "Shut your trap!" Here, the mouth of the listener is the unspecified tenor.210
2633435664undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
2633435665anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212

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