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AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

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5989762114Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
5989762115AllegoryThe 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
5989762116AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
5989762117AllusionA 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
5989762118AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
5989762119AnalogyA 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
5989762120AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
5989762121AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
5989762122ApostropheA 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
5989762123AtmosphereThe 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
5989762124ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
5989762125ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
5989762126ConceitA 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
5989762127ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
5989762128DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
5989762129DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
5989762130DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
5989762131EuphemismA 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
5989762132Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
5989762133Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
5989762134Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
5989762135Generic 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
5989762136GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
5989762137HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
5989762138HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
5989762139ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
5989762140InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
5989762141InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
5989762142IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
5989762143Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
5989762144Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
5989762145Dramatic 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
5989762146Loose 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
5989762147MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
5989762148MetonymyA 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
5989762149MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
5989762150Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
5989762151Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
5989762152Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
5989762153NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
5989762154OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
5989762155OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
5989762156ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
5989762157ParallelismRefers 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
5989762158ParodyA 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
5989762159PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
5989762160Periodic 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
5989762161Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
5989762162First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
5989762163Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
5989762164Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
5989762165Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
5989762166Predicate 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
5989762167Predicate 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
5989762168ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
5989762169RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
5989762170RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
5989762171Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
5989762172ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
5989762173ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
5989762174SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
5989762175SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
5989762176StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
5989762177Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
5989762178Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
5989762179SyllogismFrom 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
5989762180SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
5989762181Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
5989762182Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
5989762183Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
5989762184SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
5989762185ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
5989762186ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
5989762187ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
5989762188TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
5989762189UnderstatementThe 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
5989762190Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
5989762191AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
5989762192Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
5989762193Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
5989762194DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
5989762195Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
5989762196Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
5989762197Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
5989762198Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
5989762199Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
5989762200Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
5989762201Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
5989762202Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
5989762203Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
5989762205Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.90
5989762206AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.91
5989762207HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.92
5989762208Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.93
5989762209Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.94
5989762210DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.95
5989762211SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.96
5989762213Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.97
5989762214SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.98
5989762215ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.99
5989762216ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.100
5989762218Chiasmus(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.101
5989762219Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.102
5989762220Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.103
5989762221MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.104
5989762222ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.105
5989762223EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.106
5989762224AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.107
5989762226AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.108
5989762227Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.109
5989762228ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.110
5989762229Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.111
5989762230HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.112
5989762231AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.113
5989762232AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.114
5989762233Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.115
5989762234Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.116
5989762235AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.117
5989762236PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.118
5989762237ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.119
5989762238EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.120
5989762239TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.121
5989762240PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.122
5989762241EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.123
5989762242PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.124
5989762243Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.125
5989762244Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.126
5989762245HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.127
5989762246PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.128
5989762247AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications129
5989762248AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying130
5989762249ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way131
5989762250Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast132
5989762251Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off133
5989762252ColloquialismA word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y'all, ain't)134
5989762253Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause135
5989762254Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.136
5989762255loose (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)137
5989762256Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration138
5989762257DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.139
5989762258Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives140
5989762259Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds141
5989762260Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme142
5989762261EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.143
5989762262EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society144
5989762263EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.145
5989762264Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work146
5989762265EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight147
5989762266Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone148
5989762267Eulogya speech honoring the dead149
5989762268Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark150
5989762269Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity151
5989762270FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters152
5989762271FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.153
5989762272FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events154
5989762273Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits155
5989762274ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.156
5989762275Frame 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 Canterbury157
5989762276HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy158
5989762277Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation159
5989762278IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.160
5989762279ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.161
5989762280Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group162
5989762281JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts163
5989762282LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past164
5989762283LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.165
5989762284Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect166
5989762285Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar167
5989762286MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage168
5989762287MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.169
5989762288MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act170
5989762289Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event171
5989762290Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.172
5989762291Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain173
5989762292PathosAppeal to emotion174
5989762293LogosAppeal to logic; facts175
5989762294EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility176
5989762295PhilippicA bitter verbal attack177
5989762296PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings178
5989762297ResolutionAlso 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.179
5989762298Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work180
5989762299Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason181
5989762300Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others182
5989762301Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause183
5989762302SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules184
5989762303StructureArrangement of parts185
5989762304SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images186
5989762305SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")187
5989762306Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")188
5989762307Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)189
5989762308TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme190
5989762309Tritecommonplace; overused, stale191
5989762310VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.192
5989762311ArchaismA 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 purposes193
5989762312Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.194
5989762313IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature195
5989762314Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.196
5989762315Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.197
5989762316Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.198
5989762317Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action199
5989762318Absolute 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."200
5989762319Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.201
5989762320Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché202
5989762321Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical203
5989762322Submerged 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.204
5989762323Neoclassical 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.205
5989762324Implied metaphorone in which the tenor is not specified but implied. Example: "Shut your trap!" Here, the mouth of the listener is the unspecified tenor.206
5989762325undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones207
5989762326anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.208

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