AP Notes, Outlines, Study Guides, Vocabulary, Practice Exams and more!

AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6532366141Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
6532366142AllegoryThe 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
6532366143AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
6532366144AllusionA 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
6532366145AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
6532366146AnalogyA 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
6532366147AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
6532366148AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
6532366149ApostropheA 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
6532366150AtmosphereThe 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
6532366151ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
6532366152ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
6532366153ConceitA 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
6532366154ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
6532366155DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
6532366156DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
6532366157DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
6532366158EuphemismA 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
6532366159Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
6532366160Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
6532366161Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
6532366162Generic 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
6532366163GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
6532366164HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
6532366165HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
6532366166ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
6532366167InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
6532366168InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
6532366169IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
6532366170Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
6532366171Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
6532366172Dramatic 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
6532366173Loose 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
6532366174MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
6532366175MetonymyA 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
6532366176MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
6532366177Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
6532366178Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
6532366179Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
6532366180NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
6532366181OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
6532366182OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
6532366183ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
6532366184ParallelismRefers 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
6532366185ParodyA 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
6532366186PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
6532366187Periodic 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
6532366188Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
6532366189First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
6532366190Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
6532366191Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
6532366192Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
6532366193Predicate 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
6532366194Predicate 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
6532366195ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
6532366196RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
6532366197RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
6532366198Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
6532366199ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
6532366200ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
6532366201SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
6532366202SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
6532366203StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
6532366204Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
6532366205Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
6532366206SyllogismFrom 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
6532366207SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
6532366208Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
6532366209Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
6532366210Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
6532366211SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
6532366212ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
6532366213ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
6532366214ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
6532366215TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
6532366216UnderstatementThe 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
6532366217Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
6532366218AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
6532366219Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
6532366220Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
6532366221DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
6532366222Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
6532366223Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
6532366224Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
6532366225Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
6532366226Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
6532366227Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
6532366228Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
6532366229Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
6532366230Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
6532366231HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
6532366232Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
6532366233AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
6532366234HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
6532366235Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
6532366236Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
6532366237DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
6532366238SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
6532366239Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
6532366240Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
6532366241SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
6532366242ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
6532366243ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
6532366244ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
6532366245Chiasmus(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
6532366246Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
6532366247Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
6532366248MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
6532366249ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
6532366250EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
6532366251AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
6532366252EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
6532366253AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
6532366254Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
6532366255ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
6532366256Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
6532366257HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
6532366258AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
6532366259AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
6532366260Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
6532366261Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
6532366262AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
6532366263PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
6532366264ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
6532366265EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
6532366266TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
6532366267PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
6532366268EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
6532366269PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
6532366270Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
6532366271Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
6532366272HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
6532366273PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
6532366274AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
6532366275AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
6532366276ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
6532366277Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
6532366278Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
6532366279ColloquialismA 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
6532366280Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
6532366281Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
6532366282loose (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
6532366283Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
6532366284DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
6532366285Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
6532366286Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
6532366287Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
6532366288EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
6532366289EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
6532366290EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
6532366291Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
6532366292EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
6532366293Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
6532366294Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
6532366295Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
6532366296Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
6532366297FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
6532366298FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
6532366299FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
6532366300Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
6532366301ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
6532366302Frame 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
6532366303HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
6532366304Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
6532366305IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
6532366306ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
6532366307Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
6532366308JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
6532366309LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
6532366310LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
6532366311Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
6532366312Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
6532366313MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
6532366314MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
6532366315MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
6532366316Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
6532366317Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
6532366318Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
6532366319PathosAppeal to emotion178
6532366320LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
6532366321EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
6532366322PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
6532366323PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
6532366324ResolutionAlso 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
6532366325Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
6532366326Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
6532366327Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
6532366328Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
6532366329SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
6532366330StructureArrangement of parts189
6532366331SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
6532366332SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
6532366333Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
6532366334Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
6532366335TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
6532366336Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
6532366337VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
6532366338ArchaismA 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
6532366339Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
6532366340IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
6532366341Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
6532366342Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
6532366343Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
6532366344Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
6532366345Absolute 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
6532366346Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
6532366347Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
6532366348Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
6532366349Submerged 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
6532366350Neoclassical 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
6532366351Implied 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
6532366352undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
6532366353anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212

Need Help?

We hope your visit has been a productive one. If you're having any problems, or would like to give some feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

For general help, questions, and suggestions, try our dedicated support forums.

If you need to contact the Course-Notes.Org web experience team, please use our contact form.

Need Notes?

While we strive to provide the most comprehensive notes for as many high school textbooks as possible, there are certainly going to be some that we miss. Drop us a note and let us know which textbooks you need. Be sure to include which edition of the textbook you are using! If we see enough demand, we'll do whatever we can to get those notes up on the site for you!