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

AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6567513413Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
6567513414AllegoryThe 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
6567513415AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
6567513416AllusionA 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
6567513417AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
6567513418AnalogyA 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
6567513419AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
6567513420AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
6567513421ApostropheA 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
6567513422AtmosphereThe 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
6567513423ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
6567513424ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
6567513425ConceitA 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
6567513426ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
6567513427DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
6567513428DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
6567513429DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
6567513430EuphemismA 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
6567513431Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
6567513432Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
6567513433Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
6567513434Generic 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
6567513435GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
6567513436HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
6567513437HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
6567513438ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
6567513439InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
6567513440InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
6567513441IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
6567513442Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
6567513443Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
6567513444Dramatic 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
6567513445Loose 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
6567513446MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
6567513447MetonymyA 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
6567513448MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
6567513449Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
6567513450Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
6567513451Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
6567513452NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
6567513453OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
6567513454OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
6567513455ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
6567513456ParallelismRefers 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
6567513457ParodyA 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
6567513458PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
6567513459Periodic 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
6567513460Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
6567513461First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
6567513462Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
6567513463Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
6567513464Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
6567513465Predicate 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
6567513466Predicate 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
6567513467ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
6567513468RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
6567513469RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
6567513470Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
6567513471ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
6567513472ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
6567513473SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
6567513474SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
6567513475StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
6567513476Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
6567513477Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
6567513478SyllogismFrom 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
6567513479SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
6567513480Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
6567513481Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
6567513482Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
6567513483SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
6567513484ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
6567513485ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
6567513486ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
6567513487TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
6567513488UnderstatementThe 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
6567513489Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
6567513490AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
6567513491Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
6567513492Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
6567513493DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
6567513494Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
6567513495Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
6567513496Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
6567513497Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
6567513498Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
6567513499Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
6567513500Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
6567513501Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
6567513502Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
6567513503HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
6567513504Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
6567513505AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
6567513506HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
6567513507Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
6567513508Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
6567513509DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
6567513510SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
6567513511Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
6567513512Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
6567513513SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
6567513514ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
6567513515ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
6567513516ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
6567513517Chiasmus(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
6567513518Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
6567513519Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
6567513520MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
6567513521ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
6567513522EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
6567513523AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
6567513524EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
6567513525AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
6567513526Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
6567513527ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
6567513528Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
6567513529HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
6567513530AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
6567513531AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
6567513532Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
6567513533Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
6567513534AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
6567513535PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
6567513536ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
6567513537EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
6567513538TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
6567513539PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
6567513540EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
6567513541PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
6567513542Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
6567513543Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
6567513544HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
6567513545PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
6567513546AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
6567513547AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
6567513548ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
6567513549Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
6567513550Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
6567513551ColloquialismA 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
6567513552Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
6567513553Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
6567513554loose (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
6567513555Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
6567513556DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
6567513557Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
6567513558Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
6567513559Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
6567513560EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
6567513561EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
6567513562EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
6567513563Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
6567513564EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
6567513565Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
6567513566Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
6567513567Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
6567513568Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
6567513569FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
6567513570FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
6567513571FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
6567513572Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
6567513573ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
6567513574Frame 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
6567513575HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
6567513576Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
6567513577IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
6567513578ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
6567513579Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
6567513580JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
6567513581LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
6567513582LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
6567513583Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
6567513584Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
6567513585MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
6567513586MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
6567513587MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
6567513588Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
6567513589Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
6567513590Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
6567513591PathosAppeal to emotion178
6567513592LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
6567513593EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
6567513594PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
6567513595PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
6567513596ResolutionAlso 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
6567513597Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
6567513598Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
6567513599Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
6567513600Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
6567513601SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
6567513602StructureArrangement of parts189
6567513603SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
6567513604SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
6567513605Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
6567513606Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
6567513607TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
6567513608Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
6567513609VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
6567513610ArchaismA 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
6567513611Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
6567513612IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
6567513613Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
6567513614Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
6567513615Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
6567513616Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
6567513617Absolute 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
6567513618Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
6567513619Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
6567513620Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
6567513621Submerged 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
6567513622Neoclassical 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
6567513623Implied 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
6567513624undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
6567513625anecdotea 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!