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AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

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8317637140Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
8317637141AllegoryThe 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
8317637142AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
8317637143AllusionA 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 elaborate. (Could just be mentioning a phrase that the author's audience recognizes from an outside source)3
8317637144AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
8317637145AnalogyA 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
8317637146AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
8317637147AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
8317637148ApostropheA 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
8317637149AtmosphereThe 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
8317637150ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
8317637151ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
8317637152ConceitA 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
8317637153ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
8317637154DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
8317637155DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
8317637156DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
8317637157EuphemismA 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
8317637158Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
8317637159Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
8317637160Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
8317637161Generic 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
8317637162GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
8317637163HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
8317637164HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
8317637165ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
8317637166InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
8317637167InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
8317637168IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
8317637169Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
8317637170Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
8317637171Dramatic 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
8317637172Loose 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
8317637173MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
8317637174MetonymyA 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
8317637175MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
8317637176Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
8317637177Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
8317637178Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
8317637179NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
8317637180OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
8317637181OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
8317637182ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
8317637183ParallelismRefers 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
8317637184ParodyA 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
8317637185PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
8317637186Periodic 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
8317637187Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
8317637188First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
8317637189Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
8317637190Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
8317637191Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
8317637192Predicate 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
8317637193Predicate 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
8317637194ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
8317637195RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
8317637196RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
8317637197Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
8317637198ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
8317637199ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
8317637200SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
8317637201SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
8317637202StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
8317637203Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
8317637204Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
8317637205SyllogismFrom 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
8317637206SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
8317637207Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
8317637208Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
8317637209Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
8317637210SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
8317637211ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
8317637212ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
8317637213ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
8317637214TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
8317637215UnderstatementThe 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
8317637216Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
8317637217AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
8317637218Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
8317637219Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
8317637220DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
8317637221Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
8317637222Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
8317637223Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
8317637224Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
8317637225Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
8317637226Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
8317637227Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
8317637228Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
8317637229Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
8317637230HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
8317637231Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
8317637232AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
8317637233HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
8317637234Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
8317637235Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
8317637236DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
8317637237SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
8317637238Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
8317637239Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
8317637240SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
8317637241ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
8317637242ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
8317637243ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
8317637244Chiasmus(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
8317637245Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
8317637246Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
8317637247MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
8317637248ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
8317637249EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
8317637250AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
8317637251EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
8317637252AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
8317637253Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
8317637254ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
8317637255Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
8317637256HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
8317637257AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
8317637258AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
8317637259Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
8317637260Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
8317637261AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
8317637262PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
8317637263ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
8317637264EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
8317637265TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
8317637266PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
8317637267EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
8317637268PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
8317637269Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
8317637270Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
8317637271HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
8317637272PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
8317637273AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
8317637274AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
8317637275ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
8317637276Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
8317637277Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
8317637278ColloquialismA 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
8317637279Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
8317637280Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
8317637281loose (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
8317637282Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
8317637283DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
8317637284Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
8317637285Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
8317637286Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
8317637287EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
8317637288EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
8317637289EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
8317637290Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
8317637291EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
8317637292Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
8317637293Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
8317637294Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
8317637295Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
8317637296FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
8317637297FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
8317637298FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
8317637299Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
8317637300ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
8317637301Frame 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
8317637302HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
8317637303Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
8317637304IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
8317637305ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
8317637306Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
8317637307JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
8317637308LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
8317637309LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
8317637310Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
8317637311Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
8317637312MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
8317637313MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
8317637314MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
8317637315Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
8317637316Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
8317637317Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
8317637318PathosAppeal to emotion178
8317637319LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
8317637320EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
8317637321PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
8317637322PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
8317637323ResolutionAlso 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
8317637324Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
8317637325Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
8317637326Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
8317637327Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
8317637328SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
8317637329StructureArrangement of parts189
8317637330SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
8317637331SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
8317637332Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
8317637333Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
8317637334TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
8317637335Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
8317637336VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
8317637337ArchaismA 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
8317637338Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
8317637339IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
8317637340Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
8317637341Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
8317637342Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
8317637343Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
8317637344Absolute 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
8317637345Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
8317637346Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
8317637347Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
8317637348Submerged 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
8317637349Neoclassical 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
8317637350Implied 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
8317637351undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
8317637352anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212

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