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AP Language Flashcards

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9866176214AnalogyExplaining something complex by comparing it to something more simple.0
9866176215ArgumentThe combination of reasons, evidence, etc that an author uses to convince an audience of their position.1
9866176216Aristotelian appealsThree different methods of appealing to an audience to convince them—ethos, logos, and pathos.2
9866176217AttitudeThe writer's personal views or feelings about the subject at hand.3
9866176218AudienceWho the author is directing his or her message towards4
9866176219Compare and contrastDiscussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose.5
9866176220ConnotationThe implied meaning of a word; words can broadly have positive, negative, or neutral connotations.6
9866176221ContextThe extra-textual environment in which the text is being delivered.7
9866176222CounterargumentThe argument(s) against the author's position.8
9866176223Deductive reasoningA form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case.9
9866176224DenotationThe literal, dictionary-definition meaning of a word.10
9866176225DictionThe style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation.11
9866176226EthosSetting up a source as credible and trustworthy.12
9866176227EvidenceThe information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author's position.13
9866176228Figurative languageThe use of language in a non-literal way; i.e. metaphor, simile, etc.14
9866176229GenreThe specific type of work being presented.15
9866176230ImageryAny descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something; includes figurative language.16
9866176231ImplicationWhen something is suggested without being concretely stated.17
9866176232Inductive reasoningMaking a generalization based on specific evidence at hand.18
9866176233IronyAt 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.19
9866176234JuxtapositionPlacing two very different things together for effect.20
9866176235LogosAppealing to someone's sense of concrete facts and logic.21
9866176236OccasionThe reason or moment for writing or speaking.22
9866176237OrganizationHow the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech.23
9866176238PathosAn Aristotelian appeal. Involves appealing to someone's emotions.24
9866176239PurposeThe author's persuasive intention.25
9866176240RepetitionRe-using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphasis.26
9866176241RhetoricThe use of spoken or written word (or a visual medium) to convey your ideas and convince an audience.27
9866176242Rhetorical triangleThe relationship between the author, the audience, the text/message, and the context.28
9866176243SpeakerThe persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author.29
9866176244StyleThe author's own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece; similar to voice.30
9866176245SymbolismUsing a symbol to refer to an idea or concept.31
9866176246SyntaxThe way sentences are grammatically constructed.32
9866176247SynthesisCombining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point.33
9866176248ThemesOverarching ideas or driving premises of a work.34
9866176249ToneThe use of stylistic devices to reveal an author's attitude toward a subject.35
9866176250VoiceAn author's unique sound. Similar to style.36
9876887770AlliterationUsing words with the same first letter repeatedly close together in a phrase or sentence.37
9876887771AllusionMaking a brief reference to the cultural canon—e.g. the Bible, Shakespeare, classical mythology, etc.38
9876887772AnecdoteOffering 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
9876887773ConcessionAgreeing with the opposing viewpoint on a certain smaller point (but not in the larger argument).40
9876887774DidacticA text with an instructive purpose, often moral.41
9876887775EuphemismReferring to something with a veiled phrase instead of saying it directly42
9876887776ExemplificationProviding examples in service of a point.43
9876887777HyperboleOverstating a situation for humorous or dramatic effect.44
9876887778IdiomA commonly used phrase that signifies something very different than its literal meaning.45
9876887779OnomatopoeiaUsing "sound-effect" words (e.g. "clap," "buzz).46
9876887780ParadoxA phrase or assertion that appears to contradict itself (but the contradiction itself may have its own meaning).47
9876887781ParallelismRepeated structural elements in a sentence.48
9876887782ParodyUsing the form of something to mimic and make fun of it.49
9876887783PersonificationGiving human characteristics to a nonhuman object or idea.50
9876887784SarcasmMockingly stating the opposite of what you mean. Easier to convey in the spoken word than via writing.51
9876887785SatireA genre of humorous and mocking criticism to expose the ignorance and/or ills of society.52
9876887786SynecdocheReferring to one part of something as a way to refer to the whole.53
9876887787UnderstatementDeliberately minimizing something, usually for humorous effect.54

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