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AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

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6784659434Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
6784659435AllegoryThe 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
6784659436AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
6784659437AllusionA 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
6784659438AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
6784659439AnalogyA 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
6784659440AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
6784659441AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
6784659442ApostropheA 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
6784659443AtmosphereThe 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
6784659444ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
6784659445ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
6784659446ConceitA 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
6784659447ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
6784659448DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
6784659449DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
6784659450DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
6784659451EuphemismA 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
6784659452Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
6784659453Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
6784659454Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
6784659455Generic 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
6784659456GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
6784659457HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
6784659458HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
6784659459ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
6784659460InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
6784659461InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
6784659462IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
6784659463Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
6784659464Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
6784659465Dramatic 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
6784659466Loose 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
6784659467MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
6784659468MetonymyA 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
6784659469MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
6784659470Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
6784659471Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
6784659472Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
6784659473NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
6784659474OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
6784659475OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
6784659476ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
6784659477ParallelismRefers 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
6784659478ParodyA 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
6784659479PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
6784659480Periodic 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
6784659481Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
6784659482First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
6784659483Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
6784659484Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
6784659485Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
6784659486Predicate 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
6784659487Predicate 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
6784659488ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
6784659489RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
6784659490RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
6784659491Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
6784659492ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
6784659493ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
6784659494SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
6784659495SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
6784659496StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
6784659497Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
6784659498Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
6784659499SyllogismFrom 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
6784659500SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
6784659501Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
6784659502Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
6784659503Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
6784659504SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
6784659505ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
6784659506ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
6784659507ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
6784659508TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
6784659509UnderstatementThe 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
6784659510Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
6784659511AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
6784659512Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
6784659513Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
6784659514DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
6784659515Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
6784659516Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
6784659517Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
6784659518Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
6784659519Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
6784659520Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
6784659521Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
6784659522Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
6784659523Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
6784659524HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
6784659525Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
6784659526AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
6784659527HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
6784659528Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
6784659529Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
6784659530DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
6784659531SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
6784659532Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
6784659533Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
6784659534SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
6784659535ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
6784659536ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
6784659537ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
6784659538Chiasmus(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
6784659539Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
6784659540Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
6784659541MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
6784659542ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
6784659543EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
6784659544AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
6784659545EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
6784659546AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
6784659547Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
6784659548ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
6784659549Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
6784659550HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
6784659551AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
6784659552AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
6784659553Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
6784659554Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
6784659555AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
6784659556PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
6784659557ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
6784659558EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
6784659559TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
6784659560PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
6784659561EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
6784659562PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
6784659563Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
6784659564Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
6784659565HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
6784659566PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
6784659567AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
6784659568AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
6784659569ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
6784659570Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
6784659571Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
6784659572ColloquialismA 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
6784659573Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
6784659574Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
6784659575loose (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
6784659576Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
6784659577DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
6784659578Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
6784659579Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
6784659580Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
6784659581EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
6784659582EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
6784659583EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
6784659584Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
6784659585EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
6784659586Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
6784659587Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
6784659588Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
6784659589Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
6784659590FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
6784659591FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
6784659592FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
6784659593Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
6784659594ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
6784659595Frame 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
6784659596HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
6784659597Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
6784659598IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
6784659599ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
6784659600Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
6784659601JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
6784659602LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
6784659603LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
6784659604Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
6784659605Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
6784659606MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
6784659607MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
6784659608MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
6784659609Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
6784659610Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
6784659611Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
6784659612PathosAppeal to emotion178
6784659613LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
6784659614EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
6784659615PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
6784659616PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
6784659617ResolutionAlso 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
6784659618Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
6784659619Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
6784659620Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
6784659621Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
6784659622SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
6784659623StructureArrangement of parts189
6784659624SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
6784659625SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
6784659626Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
6784659627Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
6784659628TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
6784659629Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
6784659630VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
6784659631ArchaismA 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
6784659632Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
6784659633IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
6784659634Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
6784659635Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
6784659636Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
6784659637Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
6784659638Absolute 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
6784659639Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
6784659640Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
6784659641Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
6784659642Submerged 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
6784659643Neoclassical 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
6784659644Implied 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
6784659645undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
6784659646anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212
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6784686293epizeuxisEpizeuxis is a rhetorical device that utilizes the repetition of words in succession within the same sentence such as "The horror, the horror" in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad214

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