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AP Language and Composition Test Study Set Flashcards

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5929278999Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
5929279000AllegoryThe 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
5929279001AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
5929279002AllusionA 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
5929279003AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
5929279004AnalogyA 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
5929279005AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
5929279006AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
5929279007ApostropheA 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
5929279008AtmosphereThe 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
5929279009ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
5929279010ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
5929279011ConceitA 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
5929279012ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
5929279013DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
5929279014DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
5929279015DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
5929279016EuphemismA 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
5929279017Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
5929279018Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
5929279019Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
5929279020Generic 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
5929279021GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
5929279022HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
5929279023HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
5929279024ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
5929279025InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
5929279026InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
5929279027IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
5929279028Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
5929279029Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
5929279030Dramatic 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
5929279031Loose 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
5929279032MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
5929279033MetonymyA 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
5929279034MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
5929279035Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
5929279036Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
5929279037Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
5929279038NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
5929279039OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
5929279040OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
5929279041ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
5929279042ParallelismRefers 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
5929279043ParodyA 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
5929279044PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
5929279045Periodic 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
5929279046Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
5929279047First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
5929279048Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
5929279049Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
5929279050Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
5929279051Predicate 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
5929279052Predicate 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
5929279053ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
5929279054RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
5929279055RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
5929279056Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
5929279057ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
5929279058ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
5929279059SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
5929279060SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
5929279061StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
5929279062Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
5929279063Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
5929279064SyllogismFrom 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
5929279065SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
5929279066Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
5929279067Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
5929279068Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
5929279069SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
5929279070ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
5929279071ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
5929279072ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
5929279073TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
5929279074UnderstatementThe 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
5929279075Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
5929279076AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
5929279077Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
5929279078Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
5929279079DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
5929279080Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
5929279081Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
5929279082Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
5929279083Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
5929279084Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
5929279085Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
5929279086Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
5929279087Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
5929279088Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
5929279089HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
5929279090Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
5929279091AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
5929279092HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
5929279093Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
5929279094Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
5929279095DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
5929279096SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
5929279097Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
5929279098Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
5929279099SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
5929279100ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
5929279101ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
5929279102ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
5929279103Chiasmus(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
5929279104Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
5929279105Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
5929279106MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
5929279107ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
5929279108EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
5929279109AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
5929279110EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
5929279111AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
5929279112Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
5929279113ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
5929279114Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
5929279115HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
5929279116AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
5929279117AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
5929279118Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
5929279119Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
5929279120AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
5929279121PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
5929279122ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
5929279123EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
5929279124TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
5929279125PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
5929279126EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
5929279127PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
5929279128Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
5929279129Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
5929279130HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
5929279131PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
5929279132AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
5929279133AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
5929279134ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
5929279135Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
5929279136Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
5929279137ColloquialismA 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
5929279138Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
5929279139Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
5929279140loose (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
5929279141Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
5929279142DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
5929279143Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
5929279144Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
5929279145Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
5929279146EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
5929279147EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
5929279148EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
5929279149Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
5929279150EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
5929279151Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
5929279152Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
5929279153Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
5929279154Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
5929279155FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
5929279156FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
5929279157FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
5929279158Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
5929279159ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
5929279160Frame 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
5929279161HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
5929279162Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
5929279163IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
5929279164ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
5929279165Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
5929279166JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
5929279167LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
5929279168LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
5929279169Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
5929279170Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
5929279171MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
5929279172MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
5929279173MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
5929279174Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
5929279175Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
5929279176Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
5929279177PathosAppeal to emotion178
5929279178LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
5929279179EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
5929279180PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
5929279181PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
5929279182ResolutionAlso 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
5929279183Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
5929279184Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
5929279185Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
5929279186Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
5929279187SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
5929279188StructureArrangement of parts189
5929279189SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
5929279190SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
5929279191Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
5929279192Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
5929279193TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
5929279194Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
5929279195VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
5929279196ArchaismA 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
5929279197Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
5929279198IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
5929279199Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
5929279200Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
5929279201Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
5929279202Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
5929279203Absolute 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
5929279204Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
5929279205Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
5929279206Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
5929279207Submerged 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
5929279208Neoclassical 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
5929279209Implied 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
5929279210undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
5929279211anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212

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