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

AP Language Final Review Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6701961195EvidenceThe facts or evidence used to prove the argument0
6701961196ClaimThe statement being argued (a thesis)1
6701961197WarrantsThe general, hypothetical (and often implicit) logical statements that serve as bridges between the claim and the data.2
6701961198QualifiersStatements that limit the strength of the argument or statements that propose the conditions under which the argument is true3
6701961199RebuttalsCounter-arguments or statements indicating circumstances when the general argument does not hold true.4
6701961200BackingStatements that serve to support the warrants (i.e., arguments that don't necessarily prove the main point being argued, but which do prove the warrants are true.)5
6701961201Personal Experienceadds human element, effective way to appeal to Pathos6
6701961202AnecdotesStories about yourself & about other people you've observed or been told about7
6701961203Current EventsKnowing what's happening locally, nationally, and globally8
6701961204Historical InformationVerifiable facts that a writer knows from research9
6701961205Expert OpinionSomeone who has published research on a topic or whose job or experience gives them specialized knowledge10
6701961206Quantitative EvidenceCan be represented in numbers; statistics, surveys, polls, consensus information11
6701961207Ad Homineman attack on the person rather than on the opponent's ideas.12
6701961208Argument from Authoritythe conclusion rests on a statement made by some presumed authority or witness.13
6701961209Appeal to ignoranceAssumption that whatever cannot be proven false must be true (or vice versa).14
6701961210Begging the questionsomeone assumes that parts of what the person claims to be proving are proven facts15
6701961211Hasty generalizationdrawing conclusions based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence16
6701961212Straw man argumentconsists of an oversimplification of an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack17
6701961213Sentimental appealsappeal to the hearts of readers/listeners so that they forget to use their minds.18
6701961214Scare tacticsusing fear, panic, or prejudice to win an emotional argument19
6701961215Bandwagon appealsagree with a position because everyone else does20
6701961216Equivocationtelling part of the truth, while deliberately hiding the entire truth21
6701961217Faulty analogymisleading comparison between two things22
6701961218AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells"). Although the term is not frequently in the multiple choice section, you can look for alliteration in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.23
6701961219AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.24
6701961220AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.25
6701961221AnaphoraOne of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.26
6701961222AnecdoteA short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person.27
6701961223AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences. A question from the 2001 AP test as an example follows: "But it is the grandeur of all truth which can occupy a very high place in human interests that it is never absolutely novel to the meanest of minds; it exists eternally, by way of germ of latent principle, in the lowest as in the highest, needing to be developed but never to be planted."28
6701961224AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order.29
6701961225AntithesisFigure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences. Antithesis creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas.30
6701961226AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) It can be a memorable summation of the author's point31
6701961227Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words.32
6701961228Aristotelian TriangleA diagram that illustrates the interrelationship between the speaker, the audience, and the subject. Synonymous with the rhetorical triangle.33
6701961229AsyndetonConsists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. This can give the effect of unpremeditated multiplicity, of an extemporaneous rather than a labored account. Asyndetic lists can be more emphatic than if a final conjunction were used.34
6701961230AudienceThe listener, viewer, or reader of a text.35
6701961231ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. The point that you want to consider is the question of what or why the author subordinates one element should also become aware of making effective use of subordination in your own writing.36
6701961232ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions or attitudes37
6701961233ContextThe circumstances and other conditions surrounding a text.38
6701961234CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the argument advocated by the speaker.39
6701961235Cumulative SentenceA sentence which completes the main idea at the beginning of the sentence and then builds or adds on. Also called a loose sentence.40
6701961236DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.41
6701961237DictionRelated 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 understand the ways in which diction can complement the author's purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style.42
6701961238DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.43
6701961239EthosPersuasion by means of the depicting the trustworthy character of the author.44
6701961240Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.45
6701961241Generic ConventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and political writing. On the AP language exam, try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.46
6701961242Hortative SentenceA sentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action.47
6701961243HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, hyperbole produces irony.48
6701961244ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, imagery uses terms related to the five senses; we refer to visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, or olfactory imagery. On a broader and deeper level, however, one image can represent more than one thing.49
6701961245Imperative SentenceSentence used to command or enjoin.50
6701961246InversionInverted order of words in a sentence.51
6701961247JuxtapositionThe placement of two highly contrasting phrases near each other to emphasize their differences.52
6701961248LogosPersuasion by means of logical reasoning.53
6701961249MetaphorA direct comparison between two dissimilar subjects.54
6701961250OxymoronThe deliberate juxtaposition of two contrasting words.55
6701961251ParallelismTwo or more adjacent phrases with similar grammatical structure.56
6701961252PathosPersuasion by means of exploiting the reader's emotions.57
6701961253Periodic SentenceA sentence whose main clause is withheld until the end.58
6701961254PersonificationAssignment of human characteristics or behavior to non-human entities.59
6701961255PolemicAn aggressive argument which generally establishes superiority and does not acknowledge the counterargument.60
6701961256PropagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause. Often carries a negative connotation.61
6701961257PurposeThe goal of the speaker.62
6701961258RefutationA denial of the validity of the counterargument.63
6701961259RhetoricThe art of finding means to persuade an audience.64
6701961260Rhetorical appealsRhetorical techniques used to persuade an audience. Includes ethos, pathos, and logos.65
6701961261Rhetorical QuestionA question which is asked to effect a point rather than to solicit an answer.66
6701961262Rhetorical TriangleA diagram which illustrates the interrelationship between the speaker, the audience, and the subject. Synonymous with the Aristotelian Triangle.67
6701961263SOAPSA mnemonic device which stands for Subject, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, and Speaker.68
6701961264SpeakerThe person or group who creates a text.69
6701961265SubjectThe topic of a text.70
6701961266SynecdocheFigure of speech that uses a part to represent a whole.71
6701961267SyntaxThe proper grammatical structure of a text.72
6701961268ZeugmaUse of two different words in a grammatically similar way that produces different, often incongruous, meanings.73
6701961269AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells"). Although the term is not frequently in the multiple choice section, you can look for alliteration in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.74
6701961270AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.75
6701961271AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.76
6701961272AnaphoraOne of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.77
6701961273AnecdoteA short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person.78
6701961274AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences. A question from the 2001 AP test as an example follows: "But it is the grandeur of all truth which can occupy a very high place in human interests that it is never absolutely novel to the meanest of minds; it exists eternally, by way of germ of latent principle, in the lowest as in the highest, needing to be developed but never to be planted."79
6701961275AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order.80
6701961276AntithesisFigure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences. Antithesis creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas.81
6701961277AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) It can be a memorable summation of the author's point82
6701961278Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words.83
6701961279Aristotelian TriangleA diagram that illustrates the interrelationship between the speaker, the audience, and the subject. Synonymous with the rhetorical triangle.84
6701961280AsyndetonConsists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. This can give the effect of unpremeditated multiplicity, of an extemporaneous rather than a labored account. Asyndetic lists can be more emphatic than if a final conjunction were used.85
6701961281AudienceThe listener, viewer, or reader of a text.86
6701961282ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. The point that you want to consider is the question of what or why the author subordinates one element should also become aware of making effective use of subordination in your own writing.87
6701961283ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions or attitudes88
6701961284ContextThe circumstances and other conditions surrounding a text.89
6701961285CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the argument advocated by the speaker.90
6701961286Cumulative SentenceA sentence which completes the main idea at the beginning of the sentence and then builds or adds on. Also called a loose sentence.91
6701961287DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.92
6701961288DictionRelated 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 understand the ways in which diction can complement the author's purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style.93
6701961289DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.94
6701961290EthosPersuasion by means of the depicting the trustworthy character of the author.95
6701961291Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.96
6701961292Generic ConventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and political writing. On the AP language exam, try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.97
6701961293Hortative SentenceA sentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action.98
6701961294HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, hyperbole produces irony.99
6701961295ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, imagery uses terms related to the five senses; we refer to visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, or olfactory imagery. On a broader and deeper level, however, one image can represent more than one thing.100
6701961296Imperative SentenceSentence used to command or enjoin.101
6701961297InversionInverted order of words in a sentence.102
6701961298JuxtapositionThe placement of two highly contrasting phrases near each other to emphasize their differences.103
6701961299LogosPersuasion by means of logical reasoning.104
6701961300MetaphorA direct comparison between two dissimilar subjects.105
6701961301OxymoronThe deliberate juxtaposition of two contrasting words.106
6701961302ParallelismTwo or more adjacent phrases with similar grammatical structure.107
6701961303PathosPersuasion by means of exploiting the reader's emotions.108
6701961304Periodic SentenceA sentence whose main clause is withheld until the end.109
6701961305PersonificationAssignment of human characteristics or behavior to non-human entities.110
6701961306PolemicAn aggressive argument which generally establishes superiority and does not acknowledge the counterargument.111
6701961307PropagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause. Often carries a negative connotation.112
6701961308PurposeThe goal of the speaker.113
6701961309RefutationA denial of the validity of the counterargument.114
6701961310RhetoricThe art of finding means to persuade an audience.115
6701961311Rhetorical appealsRhetorical techniques used to persuade an audience. Includes ethos, pathos, and logos.116
6701961312Rhetorical QuestionA question which is asked to effect a point rather than to solicit an answer.117
6701961313Rhetorical TriangleA diagram which illustrates the interrelationship between the speaker, the audience, and the subject. Synonymous with the Aristotelian Triangle.118
6701961314SOAPSA mnemonic device which stands for Subject, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, and Speaker.119
6701961315SpeakerThe person or group who creates a text.120
6701961316SubjectThe topic of a text.121
6701961317SynecdocheFigure of speech that uses a part to represent a whole.122
6701961318SyntaxThe proper grammatical structure of a text.123
6701961319ZeugmaUse of two different words in a grammatically similar way that produces different, often incongruous, meanings.124
6701961320Ad Homineman attack on the person rather than on the opponent's ideas.125
6701961321Argument from Authoritythe conclusion rests on a statement made by some presumed authority or witness.126
6701961322Appeal to ignoranceAssumption that whatever cannot be proven false must be true (or vice versa).127
6701961323Begging the questionsomeone assumes that parts of what the person claims to be proving are proven facts128
6701961324Hasty generalizationdrawing conclusions based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence129
6701961325Straw man argumentconsists of an oversimplification of an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack130
6701961326Sentimental appealsappeal to the hearts of readers/listeners so that they forget to use their minds.131
6701961327Scare tacticsusing fear, panic, or prejudice to win an emotional argument132
6701961328Bandwagon appealsagree with a position because everyone else does133
6701961329Equivocationtelling part of the truth, while deliberately hiding the entire truth134
6701961330Faulty analogymisleading comparison between two things135
6701961331AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells"). Although the term is not frequently in the multiple choice section, you can look for alliteration in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.136
6701961332AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.137
6701961333AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.138
6701961334AnaphoraOne of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.139
6701961335AnecdoteA short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person.140
6701961336AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences. A question from the 2001 AP test as an example follows: "But it is the grandeur of all truth which can occupy a very high place in human interests that it is never absolutely novel to the meanest of minds; it exists eternally, by way of germ of latent principle, in the lowest as in the highest, needing to be developed but never to be planted."141
6701961337AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order.142
6701961338AntithesisFigure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences. Antithesis creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas.143
6701961339AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) It can be a memorable summation of the author's point144
6701961340Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words.145
6701961341Aristotelian TriangleA diagram that illustrates the interrelationship between the speaker, the audience, and the subject. Synonymous with the rhetorical triangle.146
6701961342AsyndetonConsists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. This can give the effect of unpremeditated multiplicity, of an extemporaneous rather than a labored account. Asyndetic lists can be more emphatic than if a final conjunction were used.147
6701961343AudienceThe listener, viewer, or reader of a text.148
6701961344ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. The point that you want to consider is the question of what or why the author subordinates one element should also become aware of making effective use of subordination in your own writing.149
6701961345ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions or attitudes150
6701961346ContextThe circumstances and other conditions surrounding a text.151
6701961347CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the argument advocated by the speaker.152
6701961348Cumulative SentenceA sentence which completes the main idea at the beginning of the sentence and then builds or adds on. Also called a loose sentence.153
6701961349DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.154
6701961350DictionRelated 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 understand the ways in which diction can complement the author's purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style.155
6701961351DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.156
6701961352EthosPersuasion by means of the depicting the trustworthy character of the author.157
6701961353Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.158
6701961354Generic ConventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and political writing. On the AP language exam, try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.159
6701961355Hortative SentenceA sentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action.160
6701961356HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, hyperbole produces irony.161
6701961357ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, imagery uses terms related to the five senses; we refer to visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, or olfactory imagery. On a broader and deeper level, however, one image can represent more than one thing.162
6701961358Imperative SentenceSentence used to command or enjoin.163
6701961359InversionInverted order of words in a sentence.164
6701961360JuxtapositionThe placement of two highly contrasting phrases near each other to emphasize their differences.165
6701961361LogosPersuasion by means of logical reasoning.166
6701961362MetaphorA direct comparison between two dissimilar subjects.167
6701961363OxymoronThe deliberate juxtaposition of two contrasting words.168
6701961364ParallelismTwo or more adjacent phrases with similar grammatical structure.169
6701961365PathosPersuasion by means of exploiting the reader's emotions.170
6701961366Periodic SentenceA sentence whose main clause is withheld until the end.171
6701961367PersonificationAssignment of human characteristics or behavior to non-human entities.172
6701961368PolemicAn aggressive argument which generally establishes superiority and does not acknowledge the counterargument.173
6701961369PropagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause. Often carries a negative connotation.174
6701961370PurposeThe goal of the speaker.175
6701961371RefutationA denial of the validity of the counterargument.176
6701961372RhetoricThe art of finding means to persuade an audience.177
6701961373Rhetorical appealsRhetorical techniques used to persuade an audience. Includes ethos, pathos, and logos.178
6701961374Rhetorical QuestionA question which is asked to effect a point rather than to solicit an answer.179
6701961375Rhetorical TriangleA diagram which illustrates the interrelationship between the speaker, the audience, and the subject. Synonymous with the Aristotelian Triangle.180
6701961376SOAPSA mnemonic device which stands for Subject, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, and Speaker.181
6701961377SpeakerThe person or group who creates a text.182
6701961378SubjectThe topic of a text.183
6701961379SynecdocheFigure of speech that uses a part to represent a whole.184
6701961380SyntaxThe proper grammatical structure of a text.185
6701961381ZeugmaUse of two different words in a grammatically similar way that produces different, often incongruous, meanings.186
6701961382AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells"). Although the term is not frequently in the multiple choice section, you can look for alliteration in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.187
6701961383AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.188
6701961384AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.189
6701961385AnaphoraOne of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.190
6701961386AnecdoteA short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person.191
6701961387AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences. A question from the 2001 AP test as an example follows: "But it is the grandeur of all truth which can occupy a very high place in human interests that it is never absolutely novel to the meanest of minds; it exists eternally, by way of germ of latent principle, in the lowest as in the highest, needing to be developed but never to be planted."192
6701961388AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order.193
6701961389AntithesisFigure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences. Antithesis creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas.194
6701961390AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) It can be a memorable summation of the author's point195
6701961391Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words.196
6701961392Aristotelian TriangleA diagram that illustrates the interrelationship between the speaker, the audience, and the subject. Synonymous with the rhetorical triangle.197
6701961393AsyndetonConsists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. This can give the effect of unpremeditated multiplicity, of an extemporaneous rather than a labored account. Asyndetic lists can be more emphatic than if a final conjunction were used.198
6701961394AudienceThe listener, viewer, or reader of a text.199
6701961395ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. The point that you want to consider is the question of what or why the author subordinates one element should also become aware of making effective use of subordination in your own writing.200
6701961396ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions or attitudes201
6701961397ContextThe circumstances and other conditions surrounding a text.202
6701961398CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the argument advocated by the speaker.203
6701961399Cumulative SentenceA sentence which completes the main idea at the beginning of the sentence and then builds or adds on. Also called a loose sentence.204
6701961400DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.205
6701961401DictionRelated 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 understand the ways in which diction can complement the author's purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style.206
6701961402DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.207
6701961403EthosPersuasion by means of the depicting the trustworthy character of the author.208
6701961404Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.209
6701961405Generic ConventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and political writing. On the AP language exam, try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.210
6701961406Hortative SentenceA sentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action.211
6701961407HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, hyperbole produces irony.212
6701961408ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, imagery uses terms related to the five senses; we refer to visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, or olfactory imagery. On a broader and deeper level, however, one image can represent more than one thing.213
6701961409Imperative SentenceSentence used to command or enjoin.214
6701961410InversionInverted order of words in a sentence.215
6701961411JuxtapositionThe placement of two highly contrasting phrases near each other to emphasize their differences.216
6701961412LogosPersuasion by means of logical reasoning.217
6701961413MetaphorA direct comparison between two dissimilar subjects.218
6701961414OxymoronThe deliberate juxtaposition of two contrasting words.219
6701961415ParallelismTwo or more adjacent phrases with similar grammatical structure.220
6701961416PathosPersuasion by means of exploiting the reader's emotions.221
6701961417Periodic SentenceA sentence whose main clause is withheld until the end.222
6701961418PersonificationAssignment of human characteristics or behavior to non-human entities.223
6701961419PolemicAn aggressive argument which generally establishes superiority and does not acknowledge the counterargument.224
6701961420PropagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause. Often carries a negative connotation.225
6701961421PurposeThe goal of the speaker.226
6701961422RefutationA denial of the validity of the counterargument.227
6701961423RhetoricThe art of finding means to persuade an audience.228
6701961424Rhetorical appealsRhetorical techniques used to persuade an audience. Includes ethos, pathos, and logos.229
6701961425Rhetorical QuestionA question which is asked to effect a point rather than to solicit an answer.230
6701961426Rhetorical TriangleA diagram which illustrates the interrelationship between the speaker, the audience, and the subject. Synonymous with the Aristotelian Triangle.231
6701961427SOAPSA mnemonic device which stands for Subject, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, and Speaker.232
6701961428SpeakerThe person or group who creates a text.233
6701961429SubjectThe topic of a text.234
6701961430SynecdocheFigure of speech that uses a part to represent a whole.235
6701961431SyntaxThe proper grammatical structure of a text.236
6701961432ZeugmaUse of two different words in a grammatically similar way that produces different, often incongruous, meanings.237

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!