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AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

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7247599346Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
7247599347AllegoryThe 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
7247599348AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
7247599349AllusionA 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
7247599350AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
7247599351AnalogyA 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
7247599352AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
7247599353AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
7247599354ApostropheA 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
7247599355AtmosphereThe 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
7247599356ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
7247599357ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
7247599358ConceitA 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
7247599359ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
7247599360DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
7247599361DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
7247599362DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
7247599363EuphemismA 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
7247599364Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
7247599365Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
7247599366Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
7247599367Generic 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
7247599368GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
7247599369HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
7247599370HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
7247599371ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
7247599372InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
7247599373InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
7247599374IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
7247599375Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
7247599376Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
7247599377Dramatic 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
7247599378Loose 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
7247599379MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
7247599380MetonymyA 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
7247599381MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
7247599382Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
7247599383Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
7247599384Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
7247599385NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
7247599386OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
7247599387OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
7247599388ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
7247599389ParallelismRefers 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
7247599390ParodyA 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
7247599391PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
7247599392Periodic 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
7247599393Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
7247599394First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
7247599395Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
7247599396Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
7247599397Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
7247599398Predicate 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
7247599399Predicate 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
7247599400ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
7247599401RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
7247599402RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
7247599403Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
7247599404ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
7247599405ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
7247599406SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
7247599407SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
7247599408StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
7247599409Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
7247599410Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
7247599411SyllogismFrom 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
7247599412SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
7247599413Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
7247599414Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
7247599415Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
7247599416SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
7247599417ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
7247599418ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
7247599419ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
7247599420TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
7247599421UnderstatementThe 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
7247599422Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
7247599423AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
7247599424Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
7247599425Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
7247599426DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
7247599427Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
7247599428Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
7247599429Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
7247599430Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
7247599431Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
7247599432Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
7247599433Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
7247599434Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
7247599435Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
7247599436HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
7247599437Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
7247599438AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
7247599439HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
7247599440Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
7247599441Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
7247599442DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
7247599443SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
7247599444Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
7247599445Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
7247599446SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
7247599447ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
7247599448ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
7247599449ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
7247599450Chiasmus(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
7247599451Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
7247599452Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
7247599453MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
7247599454ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
7247599455EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
7247599456AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
7247599457EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
7247599458AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
7247599459Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
7247599460ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
7247599461Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
7247599462HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
7247599463AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
7247599464AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
7247599465Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
7247599466Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
7247599467AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
7247599468PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
7247599469ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
7247599470EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
7247599471TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
7247599472PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
7247599473EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
7247599474PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
7247599475Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
7247599476Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
7247599477HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
7247599478PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
7247599479AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
7247599480AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
7247599481ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
7247599482Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
7247599483Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
7247599484ColloquialismA 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
7247599485Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
7247599486Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
7247599487loose (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
7247599488Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
7247599489DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
7247599490Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
7247599491Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
7247599492Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
7247599493EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
7247599494EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
7247599495EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
7247599496Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
7247599497EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
7247599498Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
7247599499Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
7247599500Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
7247599501Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
7247599502FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
7247599503FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
7247599504FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
7247599505Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
7247599506ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
7247599507Frame 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
7247599508HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
7247599509Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
7247599510IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
7247599511ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
7247599512Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
7247599513JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
7247599514LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
7247599515LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
7247599516Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
7247599517Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
7247599518MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
7247599519MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
7247599520MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
7247599521Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
7247599522Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
7247599523Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
7247599524PathosAppeal to emotion178
7247599525LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
7247599526EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
7247599527PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
7247599528PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
7247599529ResolutionAlso 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
7247599530Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
7247599531Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
7247599532Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
7247599533Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
7247599534SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
7247599535StructureArrangement of parts189
7247599536SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
7247599537SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
7247599538Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
7247599539Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
7247599540TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
7247599541Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
7247599542VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
7247599543ArchaismA 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
7247599544Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
7247599545IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
7247599546Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
7247599547Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
7247599548Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
7247599549Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
7247599550Absolute 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
7247599551Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
7247599552Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
7247599553Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
7247599554Submerged 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
7247599555Neoclassical 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
7247599556Implied 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
7247599557undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
7247599558anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212

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