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7902560984Cumulative (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
7902560985Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
7902560986Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
7902560987Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
7902560988Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
7902560989Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
7902560990Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
7902560991Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
7902560992SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
7902560993Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
7902560994Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
7902560995Inductiona 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
7902560996Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
7902560997Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
7902560998Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
7902560999Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
7902561000Similea 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
7902561001Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
7902561002Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
7902561003Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
7902561004Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
7902561005Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
7902561006Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
7902561007Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
7902561008Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
7902561009Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
7902561010Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
7902561011Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
7902561012Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
7902561013Rhetorical 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
7902561014Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
7902561015RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
7902561016Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
7902561017Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
7902561018Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
7902561019Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
7902561020Modes 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
7902561021Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
7902561022Contrast/ 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
7902561023Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
7902561024Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
7902561025Processsimply "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
7902561026Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
7902561027Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
7902561028Descriptionwriting 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
7902561029Dogmatism`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
7902561030False 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
7902561031False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
7902561032Faulty 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
7902561033Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
7902561034Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
7902561035AllegoryThe 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
7902561036AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
7902561037AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
7902561038AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
7902561039AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
7902561040AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
7902561041Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
7902561042AphorismA 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
7902561043ApostropheA 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
7902561044AtmosphereThe 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
7902561045Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
7902561046ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
7902561047Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
7902561048Literary 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
7902561049ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
7902561050DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
7902561051DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
7902561052DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
7902561053EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
7902561054Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
7902561055Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
7902561056Figure 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
7902561057GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
7902561058HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
7902561059HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
7902561060ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
7902561061Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
7902561062Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
7902561063Irony/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
7902561064Loose 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
7902561065MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
7902561066MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
7902561067MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
7902561068NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
7902561069onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
7902561070OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
7902561071ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
7902561072Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
7902561073ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
7902561074PedanticAn 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
7902561075Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
7902561076PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
7902561077Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
7902561078Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
7902561079RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
7902561080RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
7902561081SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
7902561082SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
7902561083Subordinate 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
7902561084SyllogismA 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
7902561085Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
7902561086SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
7902561087ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
7902561088ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
7902561089ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
7902561090TransitionA 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
7902561091Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
7902561092Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
7902561093Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
7902561094straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
7902561095EthosAn 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
7902561096JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
7902561097LogosAn appeal to reason.113
7902561098PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
7902561099Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
7902561100SimileA 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
7902561101rhetorical 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
7902561102descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
7902561103devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
7902561104narrative 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
7902561105narrative 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
7902561106Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
7902561107AnaphoraFigure 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
7902561108AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
7902561109Appeal 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
7902561110Argumentationone 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
7902561111AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
7902561112AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
7902561113toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
7902561114audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.130
7902561115Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast131
7902561116Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.132
7902561117understatement"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
7902561118parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy134
7902561119allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.135
7902561120hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"136
7902561121aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."137
7902561122metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I138
7902561123invective"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
7902561124antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"140
7902561125euphemism"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
7902561126periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.142
7902561127paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi143
7902561128alliteration"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
7902561129chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"145
7902561130oxymoron"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
7902561131personification"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
7902561132onomatopoeia"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
7902561133inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."149
7902561134spatial 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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