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AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

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2633375848AllegoryThe 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 Crucible0
2633375849AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words1
2633375850AllusionA 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 elaborate2
2633375851AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage3
2633375852AnalogyA 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)4
2633375853AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.5
2633375854AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point6
2633375855ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction, such as liberty or love and adds familiarity or emotion intensity7
2633375856AtmosphereThe 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.8
2633375857ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.9
2633375858ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects10
2633375859ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects; displays intellectual cleverness due to the unusual comparison11
2633375860ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning12
2633375861DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color13
2633375862DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice14
2633375863DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles15
2633375864EuphemismA 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 understatement16
2633375865Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work17
2633375866Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid18
2633375867Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things19
2633375868Generic 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 writing20
2633375869GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama21
2633375870HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice22
2633375871HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis23
2633375872ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses24
2633375873InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented25
2633375874InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language26
2633375875IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true27
2633375876Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning28
2633375877Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected29
2633375878Dramatic 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 work30
2633375879Loose 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 conversational31
2633375880MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other32
2633375881MetonymyA 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 declared33
2633375882MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)34
2633375883Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"35
2633375884Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."36
2633375885Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"37
2633375886NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events38
2633375887OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words39
2633375888OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp40
2633375889ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity41
2633375890ParallelismRefers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity; structuring in generally same way to link them all42
2633375891ParodyA 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 original43
2633375892PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish44
2633375893Periodic 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 alone45
2633375894Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told46
2633375895First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.47
2633375896Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"48
2633375897Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters49
2633375898Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters50
2633375899Predicate 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 boyfriend51
2633375900Predicate 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 Lincoln52
2633375901ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech53
2633375902RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language54
2633375903RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
2633375904Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing56
2633375905ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion57
2633375906ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning58
2633375907SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something59
2633375908SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule60
2633375909StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices61
2633375910Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it62
2633375911Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone63
2633375912SyllogismFrom 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.64
2633375913SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else65
2633375914Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings66
2633375915Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David67
2633375916Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick68
2633375917SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences69
2633375918ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life70
2633375919ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition71
2633375920ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience72
2633375921TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas73
2633375922UnderstatementThe 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.74
2633375923Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights75
2633375924AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)76
2633375925Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion77
2633375926Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader78
2633375927DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect79
2633375928Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)80
2633375929Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time81
2633375930Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail82
2633375931Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect83
2633375932Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position84
2633375933Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc85
2633375934Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments86
2633375935Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this87
2633375936Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos88
2633375937HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.89
2633375938Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.90
2633375939AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.91
2633375940HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.92
2633375941Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.93
2633375942Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.94
2633375943DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.95
2633375944SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.96
2633375945Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.97
2633375946Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.98
2633375947SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.99
2633375948ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.100
2633375949ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.101
2633375950ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.102
2633375951Chiasmus(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.103
2633375952Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.104
2633375953Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.105
2633375954MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.106
2633375955ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.107
2633375956EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.108
2633375957AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.109
2633375958EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.110
2633375959AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.111
2633375960Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.112
2633375961ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.113
2633375962Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.114
2633375963HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.115
2633375964AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.116
2633375965AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.117
2633375966Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.118
2633375967Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.119
2633375968AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.120
2633375969PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.121
2633375970ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.122
2633375971EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.123
2633375972TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.124
2633375973PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.125
2633375974EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.126
2633375975PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.127
2633375976Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.128
2633375977Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.129
2633375978HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.130
2633375979PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.131
2633375980AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications132
2633375981AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying133
2633375982ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way134
2633375983Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast135
2633375984Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off136
2633375985ColloquialismA word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y'all, ain't)137
2633375986Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause138
2633375987Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.139
2633375988loose (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)140
2633375989Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration141
2633375990DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.142
2633375991Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives143
2633375992Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds144
2633375993Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme145
2633375994EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.146
2633375995EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society147
2633375996EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.148
2633375997Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work149
2633375998EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight150
2633375999Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone151
2633376000Eulogya speech honoring the dead152
2633376001Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark153
2633376002Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity154
2633376003FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters155
2633376004FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.156
2633376005FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events157
2633376006Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits158
2633376007ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.159
2633376008Frame 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 Canterbury160
2633376009HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy161
2633376010Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation162
2633376011IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.163
2633376012ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.164
2633376013Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group165
2633376014JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts166
2633376015LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past167
2633376016LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.168
2633376017Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect169
2633376018Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar170
2633376019MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage171
2633376020MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.172
2633376021MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act173
2633376022Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event174
2633376023Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.175
2633376024Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain176
2633376025PathosAppeal to emotion177
2633376026LogosAppeal to logic; facts178
2633376027EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility179
2633376028PhilippicA bitter verbal attack180
2633376029PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings181
2633376030ResolutionAlso 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.182
2633376031Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work183
2633376032Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason184
2633376033Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others185
2633376034Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause186
2633376035SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules187
2633376036StructureArrangement of parts188
2633376037SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images189
2633376038SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")190
2633376039Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")191
2633376040Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)192
2633376041TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme193
2633376042Tritecommonplace; overused, stale194
2633376043VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.195
2633376044ArchaismA 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 purposes196
2633376045Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.197
2633376046IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature198
2633376047Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.199
2633376048Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.200
2633376049Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.201
2633376050Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action202
2633376051Absolute 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."203
2633376052Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.204
2633376053Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché205
2633376054Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical206
2633376055Submerged 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.207
2633376056Neoclassical 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.208
2633376057Implied metaphorone in which the tenor is not specified but implied. Example: "Shut your trap!" Here, the mouth of the listener is the unspecified tenor.209
2633376058undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones210
2633376059anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.211

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