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9785305003Cumulative (Loose) Sentencebegins with a main clause that is followed by phrases and/or clauses that modify the main clause. These phrases or clauses add information to the main or independent clause.0
9785305004Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
9785305005Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
9785305006Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
9785305007Ethosa means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
9785305008Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
9785305009Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
9785305010Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
9785305011SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
9785305012Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
9785305013Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
9785305014Inductive reasoninga logical process wherein you reason from particulars to universal, using specific cases in order to draw a conclusion, which is also called a generalization.11
9785305015Deductive reasoninga logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
9785305016Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
9785305017Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
9785305018Dictiona speaker's choice of words.15
9785305019Similea figure of speech used to explain or clarify an idea by comparing it explicitly to something else, using words like, as, or as though.16
9785305020Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
9785305021Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
9785305022Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
9785305023Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
9785305024Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
9785305025Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
9785305026Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
9785305027Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
9785305028Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
9785305029Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
9785305030Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
9785305031Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
9785305033Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.29
9785305034RebuttalAfter a concession or counter argument, an author addresses the opposition, objects and reaffirms her claim.30
9785305035Logical Fallacya flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.31
9785305036Bandwagon Appeala logical fallacy in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.32
9785305037Begging the Questiona logical fallacy in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.33
9785305038Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.34
9785305039Modes of DiscourseExposition- explains how... Narration- tells a story (plot) Description- creates a sensory image Argumentation- takes a position on an issue and defends it. Compare/Contrast-draws out similarities or differences to prove a point Process Analysis-explains a process Cause and Effect-explore causal relationships Classification-separates things into their element and isolates similarities35
9785305040Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.36
9785305041Contrast/ Comparisona method of presenting similarities and differences between or among at least two persons, places, things, ideas, etc. may be organized by: Subject by subject Point by point Combination37
9785305042Cause and Effectestablishes a causal relationship: B is the result of A.38
9785305043Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.39
9785305044Processsimply "how to" do something is done. It can have one of two purposes. It can either give instructions or inform the reader about how something is done.40
9785305045Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.41
9785305046NarrationEmploying storytelling to illustrate a point. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.42
9785305047Descriptionwriting that appeals to the senses. It can be objective, which is scientific or clinical, or it can be impressionistic, which tries to involve the reader's emotions or feelings.43
9785305048Dogmatisma logical fallacy in which a claim is supported on the grounds that it's the only conclusion acceptable within a given community.44
9785305049False Dilemma or Dichotomya logical fallacy in which a complicated issue is misrepresented as offering only two possible alternatives, one of which is often made to seem vastly preferable to the other.45
9785305050False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.46
9785305051Faulty causalitya logical fallacy making the unwarranted assumption that because one event follows another, the first event causes the second. Also called post hoc, ergo propter hoc, this forms the basis of many superstitions.47
9785305052Hasty generalizationa logical fallacy in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.48
9785305053Non sequitora logical fallacy in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.49
9785305072AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. A story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.50
9785305073AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").51
9785305074AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.52
9785305075AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.53
9785305076AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.54
9785305077AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.55
9785305078Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.56
9785305079AphorismA 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.)57
9785305080ApostropheA prayer like figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer.58
9785305081AtmosphereThe emotional mood created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the author's choice of objects that are described.59
9785305082Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.60
9785305083ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.61
9785305084Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.62
9785305085Literary ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects; displays intellectual cleverness through unusual comparisons that make good sense63
9785305086ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.64
9785305087DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.65
9785305088DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.66
9785305089DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."67
9785305090EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT68
9785305091Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.69
9785305092Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid70
9785305093Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Figures of speech include apotrophe hyperbole irony metaphor oxymoron paradox personification simile syneddoche understatement71
9785305094GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.72
9785305095HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.73
9785305096HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")74
9785305097ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.75
9785305098Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.76
9785305099Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.77
9785305100Irony/ironicThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true. (Dramatic, Verbal, Situational)78
9785305101Loose sentence/non-periodic sentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses.79
9785305102MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.80
9785305103MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.81
9785305104MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.82
9785305105NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.83
9785305106onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.84
9785305107OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.85
9785305108ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.86
9785305109Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.87
9785305110ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.88
9785305111PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish (language that might be described as "show-offy"; using big words for the sake of using big words).89
9785305112Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.90
9785305113PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.91
9785305114Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.92
9785305115Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.93
9785305116RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.94
9785305117RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.95
9785305118SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.96
9785305119SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.97
9785305120Subordinate/ dependent clauseLike all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but unlike the independent clause, this clause cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought.98
9785305121SyllogismA deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the first one called "major" and the second called "minor") that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.99
9785305122Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.100
9785305123SyntaxThe order of words, phrases, clauses in sentences.101
9785305124ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.102
9785305125ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.103
9785305126ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his subject, the audience, or both.104
9785305127TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas. Used especially, although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, effectively signal a shift from one idea to another.105
9785305128Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.106
9785305129Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.107
9785305130Slippery SlopeA logical fallacy in which the speaker fails to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.108
9785305131straw manA logical fallacy in which a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.109
9785305132EthosAn appeal to credibility. The writer is seeking to convince you that he or she has the background, history, skills, and/or expertise to speak on the issue.110
9785305133JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite. Placing two ideas side by side.111
9785305136Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.112
9785305137SimileA critical figure of speech in an argument when what is unknown is compared to something that is known using the word "like," "as," or "than" in order to better perceive its importance.113
9785305138rhetorical appealthe persuasive devices by which a writer tries to sway an audience's attention and response to any given work. See logos, ethos, and pathos.114
9785305139descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.115
9785305140devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.116
9785305141narrative devicesThis term describes the tools of the storyteller (also used in nonfiction), such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial or appropriate moment when revealing it creates a desired effect. On the essay portion of the exam, this term may also apply to biographical and autobiographical writing.117
9785305142narrative techniquesThe style of telling the "story," even if the passage is nonfiction. Concentrate on the order of events and on their detail in evaluating a writer's technique.118
9785305143Ad hominem argumentA logical fallacy in which the speaker attacks an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue119
9785305144AnaphoraFigure of repetition that occurs when the first word or set of words in one sentence, clause, or phrase is/are repeated at or very near the beginning of successive sentences, clauses, or phrases; repetition of the initial words over successive phrases or clauses120
9785305145AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point121
9785305146Appeal to authorityA fallacy in which a speaker or writer seeks to persuade not by giving evidence but by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or institution.122
9785305147Argumentationone of the four forms of discourse which uses logic, ethics, and emotional appeals (logos, ethos, pathos) to develop an effective means to convince the reader to think or act in a certain way.123
9785305148AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity124
9785305149AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).125
9785305150toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.126
9785305151audienceOne's intended listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.127
9785305152Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast128
9785305054understatement"I have to have this operation. It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain." Holden Caulfield, Catcher in the Rye129
9785305055parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy130
9785305056allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.131
9785305057hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"132
9785305058aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."133
9785305060invective"I cannot but conclude the bulk of your natives to be the most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth." Jonathan Swift Gulliver's Travels134
9785305061antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"135
9785305062euphemism"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs." William Shakespeare Othello136
9785305063periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.137
9785305064paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi138
9785305065alliteration"His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead."139
9785305066chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"140
9785305067oxymoron"Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. / Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, / That I shall say good night till it be morrow."141
9785305068personification"Pearl Button swung on the little gate in front of the House of Boxes. It was the early afternoon of a sunshiny day with little winds playing hide-and-seek in it."142
9785305069onomatopoeia"He saw nothing and heard nothing but he could feel his heart pounding and then he heard the clack on stone and the leaping, dropping clicks of a small rock falling."143
9785305070inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."144
9785305071spatial description"In my pantry, coffee, tea powder, and sugar have been kept in the top shelf. Flour, canned food, and dry pasta are on the second shelf."145

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