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11565170624Cumulative (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
11565170625Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
11565170626Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
11565170627Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
11565170628Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
11565170629Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
11565170630Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
11565170631Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
11565170632SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
11565170633Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
11565170634Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
11565170635Inductiona 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
11565170636Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
11565170637Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
11565170638Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
11565170639Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
11565170640Similea 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
11565170641Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
11565170642Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
11565170643Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
11565170644Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
11565170645Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
11565170646Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
11565170647Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
11565170648Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
11565170649Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
11565170650Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
11565170651Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
11565170652Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
11565170653Rhetorical 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
11565170654Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
11565170655RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
11565170656Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
11565170657Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
11565170658Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
11565170659Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
11565170660Modes 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
11565170661Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
11565170662Contrast/ 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
11565170663Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
11565170664Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
11565170665Processsimply "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
11565170666Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
11565170667Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
11565170668Descriptionwriting 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
11565170669Dogmatism`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
11565170670False 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
11565170671False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
11565170672Faulty 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
11565170673Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
11565170674Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
11565170693AllegoryThe 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
11565170694AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
11565170695AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
11565170696AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
11565170697AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
11565170698AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
11565170699Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
11565170700AphorismA 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
11565170701ApostropheA 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
11565170702AtmosphereThe 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
11565170703Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
11565170704ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
11565170705Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
11565170706Literary 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
11565170707ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
11565170708DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
11565170709DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
11565170710DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
11565170711EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
11565170712Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
11565170713Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
11565170714Figure 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
11565170715GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
11565170716HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
11565170717HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
11565170718ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
11565170719Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
11565170720Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
11565170721Irony/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
11565170722Loose 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
11565170723MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
11565170724MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
11565170725MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
11565170726NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
11565170727onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
11565170728OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
11565170729ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
11565170730Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
11565170731ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
11565170732PedanticAn 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
11565170733Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
11565170734PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
11565170735Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
11565170736Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
11565170737RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
11565170738RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
11565170739SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
11565170740SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
11565170741Subordinate 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
11565170742SyllogismA 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
11565170743Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
11565170744SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
11565170745ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
11565170746ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
11565170747ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
11565170748TransitionA 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
11565170749Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
11565170750Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
11565170751Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
11565170752straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
11565170753EthosAn 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
11565170754JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
11565170755LogosAn appeal to reason.113
11565170756PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
11565170757Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
11565170758SimileA 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
11565170759rhetorical 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
11565170760descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
11565170761devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
11565170762narrative 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
11565170763narrative 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
11565170764Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
11565170765AnaphoraFigure 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
11565170766AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
11565170767Appeal 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
11565170768Argumentationone 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
11565170769AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
11565170770AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
11565170771toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
11565170772audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.130
11565170773Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast131
11565170774Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.132
11565170675understatement"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
11565170676parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy134
11565170677allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.135
11565170678hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"136
11565170679aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."137
11565170680metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I138
11565170681invective"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
11565170682antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"140
11565170683euphemism"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
11565170684periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.142
11565170685paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi143
11565170686alliteration"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
11565170687chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"145
11565170688oxymoron"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
11565170689personification"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
11565170690onomatopoeia"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
11565170691inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."149
11565170692spatial 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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