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AP Language Flashcards

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6792693056AnalogyExplaining something complex by comparing it to something more simple. "An amateur playing in a professional game is like an ibex stepping into a lion's den."0
6792696322ArgumentThe combination of reasons, evidence, etc that an author uses to convince an audience of their position.1
6792700606Aristotelian appealsThree different methods of appealing to an audience to convince them—ethos, logos, and pathos.2
6792702324AttitudeThe writer's personal views or feelings about the subject at hand.3
6792704224AudienceWho the author is directing his or her message towards4
6792706198Compare and contrastDiscussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose.5
6792713333ContextThe extra-textual environment in which the text is being delivered If I am delivering a congratulatory speech to awards recipients, the immediate context might be the awards presentation ceremony; the broader context might be the purpose or significance of the awards themselves.6
6792714804ConnotationThe implied meaning of a word; words can broadly have positive, negative, or neutral connotations. conscientious = positive connotation fussy = negative connotation7
6792720000CounterargumentThe argument(s) against the author's position.8
6792724009Deductive reasoningA form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case. If all planets orbit a star, and Theta II is a planet, then it must orbit a star.9
6792727424DenotationThe literal, dictionary-definition meaning of a word.10
6792728651DictionThe style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation. You might say "What's up, loser?" to your little brother, but you would probably say "How are you doing today?" to your principal.11
6792731769EthosSetting up a source as credible and trustworthy. "Given my PhD in the subject and years of experience in the field" is an appeal to ethos.12
6792735310EvidenceThe information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author's position.13
6792738128Figurative languageThe use of language in a non-literal way; i.e. metaphor, simile, etc. "The sky's like a jewel box tonight!"14
6792742342GenreThe specific type of work being presented. Broader categories include "novel" and "play," while more specific genres would be things like "personal essay" or "haiku."15
6792743871ImageryAny descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something; includes figurative language. "The water was a pearl-studded sea of azure tipped with turquoise."16
6792749147ImplicationWhen something is suggested without being concretely stated. "Watch your wallet around Paul," implies that Paul is a thief without coming out and saying "Paul is a thief."17
6792751430Inductive reasoningMaking a generalization based on specific evidence at hand. All of the planets in this solar system orbit a star, so all planets probably orbit stars.18
6792755139IronyAt 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 intended. "I do so hope there are more papers to sign," is something that might be said ironically.19
6792756818JuxtapositionPlacing two very different things together for effect. "There they stood together, the beggars and the lords, the princesses and the washerwoman, all crowding into the square."20
6792761048LogosAppealing to someone's sense of concrete facts and logic. Citing peer-reviewed scientific studies is an appeal to logos.21
6792767593OccasionThe reason or moment for writing or speaking. When giving a graduation speech, the occasion is graduation.22
6792770937OrganizationHow the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech. Think about the outlines you write in preparation for drafting an argumentative essay and you'll have an idea of what organization is.23
6792773423PathosAn Aristotelian appeal. Involves appealing to someone's emotions. Animal shelters ads with pictures of cute sad animals and dramatic music are using pathos.24
6792777312PurposeThe author's persuasive intention.25
6792781489RepetitionRe-using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphasis.26
6792786454RhetoricThe use of spoken or written word (or a visual medium) to convey your ideas and convince an audience.27
6792789259Rhetorical triangleThe relationship between the author, the audience, the text/message, and the context. The author communicates to the reader via the text; and the reader and text are surrounded by context.28
6792792296SpeakerThe persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author. Similar to the difference between author and narrator in a work of fiction.29
6792794615StyleThe author's own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece; similar to voice. We might say the Taylor Swift's songwriting style is straightforward and emotive.30
6792797774SymbolismUsing a symbol to refer to an idea or concept. "Fire" is commonly used a symbol for passion and/or anger.31
6792800891SyntaxThe way sentences are grammatically constructed. "She likes pie," is syntactically simple. On the other hand, "As it so happened, when Barbara got out of class early she liked to have a piece of pie—key lime or pecan, always—at the corner diner; while she was there she watched the people passing by the window and imagined herself inside each of their lives, riding in their heads for moments and moments until the afternoon was whiled away and she'd become fifty people," is syntactically complicated.32
6792802818SynthesisCombining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point. A typical research paper involves synthesizing sources to make a broader point about the topic.33
6792806266ThemesOverarching ideas or driving premises of a work. Some themes you will probably hear in your high school graduation speech include leaving behind a legacy, moving into the great unknown, becoming an adult, and changing the world.34
6792807734ToneThe use of stylistic devices to reveal an author's attitude toward a subject. The use of stylistic devices to reveal an author's attitude toward a subject. Only a narrow distinction from attitude. The phrase "the deplorable state of this school" reveals a negative attitude, but the word choice of "deplorable" is part of the author's tone.35
6792810888VoiceAn author's unique sound. Similar to style. Think of the way that you can recognize a pop singer on the radio without hearing who it is first.36

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