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9488736212Cumulative (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
9488736213Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
9488736214Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
9488736215Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
9488736216Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
9488736217Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
9488736218Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
9488736219Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
9488736220SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
9488736221Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
9488736222Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
9488736223Inductiona 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
9488736224Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
9488736225Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
9488736226Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
9488736227Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
9488736228Similea 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
9488736229Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
9488736230Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
9488736231Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
9488736232Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
9488736233Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
9488736234Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
9488736235Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
9488736236Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
9488736237Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
9488736238Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
9488736239Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
9488736240Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
9488736241Rhetorical QuestionFigure of speech in the form of a question posed for the rhetorical effect rather than for the purpose of getting an answer. Ex.) Are you stupid?29
9488736242Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
9488736243RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
9488736244Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
9488736245Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
9488736246Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
9488736247Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
9488736248Modes of DisclosureExposition- illustrates a point Narration- tells a story Description- creates a sensory image Argumentation- takes a position on an issue and defends it.36
9488736249Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
9488736250Contrast/ 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 Combination38
9488736251Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
9488736252Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
9488736253Processsimply "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.41
9488736254Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
9488736255Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
9488736256Descriptionwriting 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.44
9488736257Dogmatism`a fallacy of argument in which a claim is supported on the grounds that it's the only conclusion acceptable within a given community.45
9488736258False Dilemma or Dichotomya fallacy of argument 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.46
9488736259False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
9488736260Faulty causalitya fallacy of argument 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.48
9488736261Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
9488736262Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
9488736281AllegoryThe 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.51
9488736282AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
9488736283AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
9488736284AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
9488736285AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
9488736286AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
9488736287Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
9488736288AphorismA 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.)58
9488736289ApostropheA 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.59
9488736290AtmosphereThe emotional nod 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.60
9488736291Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
9488736292ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
9488736293Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
9488736294Literary 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 sense64
9488736295ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
9488736296DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
9488736297DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
9488736298DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
9488736299EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
9488736300Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
9488736301Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
9488736302Figure 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 understatement72
9488736303GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
9488736304HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
9488736305HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
9488736306ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
9488736307Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
9488736308Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
9488736309Irony/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.79
9488736310Loose 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.80
9488736311MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
9488736312MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
9488736313MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
9488736314NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
9488736315onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
9488736316OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
9488736317ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
9488736318Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
9488736319ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
9488736320PedanticAn 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).90
9488736321Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
9488736322PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
9488736323Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
9488736324Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
9488736325RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
9488736326RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
9488736327SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
9488736328SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
9488736329Subordinate 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.99
9488736330SyllogismA 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.100
9488736331Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
9488736332SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
9488736333ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
9488736334ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
9488736335ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
9488736336TransitionA 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.106
9488736337Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
9488736338Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
9488736339Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
9488736340straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
9488736341EthosAn 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.111
9488736342JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
9488736343LogosAn appeal to reason.113
9488736344PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
9488736345Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
9488736346SimileA 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.116
9488736347rhetorical 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.117
9488736348descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
9488736349devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
9488736350narrative 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.120
9488736351narrative 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.121
9488736352Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
9488736353AnaphoraFigure 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 clauses123
9488736354AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
9488736355Appeal 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.125
9488736356Argumentationone 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.126
9488736357AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
9488736358AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
9488736359toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
9488736360audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.130
9488736361Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast131
9488736362Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.132
9488736263understatement"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 Rye133
9488736264parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy134
9488736265allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.135
9488736266hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"136
9488736267aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."137
9488736268metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I138
9488736269invective"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 Travels139
9488736270antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"140
9488736271euphemism"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs." William Shakespeare Othello141
9488736272periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.142
9488736273paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi143
9488736274alliteration"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."144
9488736275chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"145
9488736276oxymoron"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."146
9488736277personification"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."147
9488736278onomatopoeia"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."148
9488736279inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."149
9488736280spatial 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."150

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