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AP Language Elements of Style Flashcards

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8118611409Dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. For the AP exam, you should be able to describe an author's diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain) and understanding the ways in which diction can complement the author's purpose. Diction, combines with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., to create an author's style.0
8118611410Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words1
8118611411Syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. Syntax is similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of syntax as the groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words. In the multiple-choice section, expect to be asked some questions about how an author manipulates syntax. In the essay section, you will need to analyze how syntax produces effects. There are two main ways we can analyze syntax: by evaluating how the author manipulates the sentence structure and by evaluating which sentence type the author is using2
8118611412Cumulative sentenceSentence that completes the main idead at the beginning of the sentence and then builds and adds on.3
8118611413Periodic sentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clase is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand along. The effect of a periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety. It is typically a much stronger sentence than a loose sentence.4

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