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AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

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6599828957Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
6599828958AllegoryThe 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
6599828959AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
6599828960AllusionA 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
6599828961AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
6599828962AnalogyA 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
6599828963AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
6599828964AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
6599828965ApostropheA 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
6599828966AtmosphereThe 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
6599828967ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
6599828968ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
6599828969ConceitA 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
6599828970ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
6599828971DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
6599828972DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
6599828973DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
6599828974EuphemismA 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
6599828975Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
6599828976Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
6599828977Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
6599828978Generic 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
6599828979GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
6599828980HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
6599828981HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
6599828982ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
6599828983InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
6599828984InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
6599828985IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
6599828986Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
6599828987Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
6599828988Dramatic 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
6599828989Loose 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
6599828990MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
6599828991MetonymyA 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
6599828992MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
6599828993Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
6599828994Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
6599828995Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
6599828996NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
6599828997OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
6599828998OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
6599828999ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
6599829000ParallelismRefers 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
6599829001ParodyA 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
6599829002PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
6599829003Periodic 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
6599829004Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
6599829005First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
6599829006Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
6599829007Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
6599829008Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
6599829009Predicate 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
6599829010Predicate 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
6599829011ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
6599829012RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
6599829013RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
6599829014Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
6599829015ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
6599829016ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
6599829017SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
6599829018SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
6599829019StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
6599829020Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
6599829021Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
6599829022SyllogismFrom 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
6599829023SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
6599829024Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
6599829025Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
6599829026Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
6599829027SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
6599829028ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
6599829029ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
6599829030ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
6599829031TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
6599829032UnderstatementThe 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
6599829033Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
6599829034AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
6599829035Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
6599829036Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
6599829037DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
6599829038Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
6599829039Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
6599829040Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
6599829041Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
6599829042Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
6599829043Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
6599829044Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
6599829045Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
6599829046Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
6599829047HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
6599829048Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
6599829049AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
6599829050HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
6599829051Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
6599829052Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
6599829053DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
6599829054SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
6599829055Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
6599829056Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
6599829057SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
6599829058ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
6599829059ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
6599829060ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
6599829061Chiasmus(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
6599829062Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
6599829063Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
6599829064MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
6599829065ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
6599829066EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
6599829067AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
6599829068EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
6599829069AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
6599829070Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
6599829071ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
6599829072Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
6599829073HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
6599829074AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
6599829075AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
6599829076Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
6599829077Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
6599829078AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
6599829079PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
6599829080ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
6599829081EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
6599829082TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
6599829083PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
6599829084EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
6599829085PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
6599829086Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
6599829087Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
6599829088HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
6599829089PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
6599829090AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
6599829091AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
6599829092ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
6599829093Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
6599829094Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
6599829095ColloquialismA 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
6599829096Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
6599829097Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
6599829098loose (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
6599829099Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
6599829100DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
6599829101Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
6599829102Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
6599829103Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
6599829104EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
6599829105EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
6599829106EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
6599829107Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
6599829108EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
6599829109Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
6599829110Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
6599829111Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
6599829112Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
6599829113FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
6599829114FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
6599829115FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
6599829116Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
6599829117ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
6599829118Frame 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
6599829119HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
6599829120Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
6599829121IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
6599829122ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
6599829123Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
6599829124JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
6599829125LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
6599829126LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
6599829127Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
6599829128Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
6599829129MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
6599829130MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
6599829131MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
6599829132Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
6599829133Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
6599829134Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
6599829135PathosAppeal to emotion178
6599829136LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
6599829137EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
6599829138PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
6599829139PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
6599829140ResolutionAlso 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
6599829141Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
6599829142Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
6599829143Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
6599829144Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
6599829145SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
6599829146StructureArrangement of parts189
6599829147SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
6599829148SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
6599829149Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
6599829150Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
6599829151TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
6599829152Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
6599829153VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
6599829154ArchaismA 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
6599829155Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
6599829156IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
6599829157Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
6599829158Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
6599829159Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
6599829160Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
6599829161Absolute 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
6599829162Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
6599829163Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
6599829164Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
6599829165Submerged 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
6599829166Neoclassical 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
6599829167Implied 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
6599829168undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
6599829169anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212

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