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AP Language & Composition Flashcards

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6926077422Aristotelian appealsThree different methods of appealing to an audience to convince them—ethos, logos, and pathos.0
6926092611AttitudeThe writer's personal views or feelings about the subject at hand.1
6934408629AnalogyExplaining something complex by comparing it to something more simple.2
6934411131ArgumentThe combination of reasons, evidence, etc that an author uses to convince an audience of their position.3
6934413660AudienceWho the author is directing his or her message towards4
6934415358Compare and contrastDiscussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose.5
6934416727ConnotationThe implied meaning of a word; words can broadly have positive, negative, or neutral connotations.6
6934418272ContextThe extra-textual environment in which the text is being delivered.7
6934420307CounterargumentThe argument(s) against the author's position.8
6934425159Deductive reasoningA form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case.9
6934426790DenotationThe literal, dictionary-definition meaning of a word.10
6934427959DictionThe style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation.11
6934431561EthosSetting up a source as credible and trustworthy.12
6934434114EvidenceThe information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author's position.13
6934436921Figurative languageThe use of language in a non-literal way; i.e. metaphor, simile, etc.14
6934439074GenreThe specific type of work being presented.15
6934441284ImageryAny descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something; includes figurative language.16
6934443580ImplicationWhen something is suggested without being concretely stated.17
6934445142Inductive reasoningMaking a generalization based on specific evidence at hand.18
6934447200IronyAt the most basic sense, saying the opposite of what you mean; also used to describe situations in which the results of an action are dramatically different than intended19
6934449512JuxtapositionPlacing two very different things together for effect.20
6934455091LogosAppealing to someone's sense of concrete facts and logic.21
6934456600OccasionThe reason or moment for writing or speaking.22
6934458889OrganizationHow the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech.23
6934460712PathosAn Aristotelian appeal. Involves appealing to someone's emotions.24
6934461865PurposeThe author's persuasive intention.25
6934465392RepetitionRe-using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphasis.26
6934468022RhetoricThe use of spoken or written word (or a visual medium) to convey your ideas and convince an audience.27
6934470119Rhetorical triangleThe relationship between the author, the audience, the text/message, and the context.28
6934471573SpeakerThe persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author.29
6934475775StyleThe author's own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece; similar to voice.30
6934477528SymbolismUsing a symbol to refer to an idea or concept.31
6934479432SyntaxThe way sentences are grammatically constructed.32
6934481299SynthesisCombining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point.33
6934482790ThemesOverarching ideas or driving premises of a work.34
6934484459ToneThe use of stylistic devices to reveal an author's attitude toward a subject.35
6934486459VoiceAn author's unique sound. Similar to style.36
6934491214AlliterationUsing words with the same first letter repeatedly close together in a phrase or sentence.37
6934492557AllusionMaking a brief reference to the cultural canon—e.g. the Bible, Shakespeare, classical mythology, etc.38
6934494007AnecdoteOffering a brief narrative episode. This device can serve many functions in a text—for example, introducing an issue, serving as evidence, to illustrate a point, and so on.39
6934496279ConcessionAgreeing with the opposing viewpoint on a certain smaller point (but not in the larger argument).40
6934497936DidacticA text with an instructive purpose, often moral.41
6934499317EuphemismReferring to something with a veiled phrase instead of saying it directly42
6934500458ExemplificationProviding examples in service of a point.43
6934501696HyperboleOverstating a situation for humorous or dramatic effect.44
6934502735IdiomA commonly used phrase that signifies something very different than its literal meaning.45
6934502745OnomatopoeiaUsing "sound-effect" words (e.g. "clap," "buzz).46
6934506556ParadoxA phrase or assertion that appears to contradict itself (but the contradiction itself may have its own meaning).47
6934508202ParallelismRepeated structural elements in a sentence.48
6934509831ParodyUsing the form of something to mimic and make fun of it.49
6934511333PersonificationGiving human characteristics to a nonhuman object or idea.50
6934512857SarcasmMockingly stating the opposite of what you mean. Easier to convey in the spoken word than via writing.51
6934514320SatireA genre of humorous and mocking criticism to expose the ignorance and/or ills of society.52
6934515772SynecdocheReferring to one part of something as a way to refer to the whole.53
6934518982UnderstatementDeliberately minimizing something, usually for humorous effect.54

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