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12954402112Cumulative (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
12954402113Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
12954402114Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
12954402115Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
12954402116Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
12954402117Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
12954402118Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
12954402119Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
12954402120SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
12954402121Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
12954402122Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
12954402123Inductiona 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
12954402124Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
12954402125Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
12954402126Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
12954402127Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
12954402128Similea 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
12954402129Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
12954402130Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
12954402131Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
12954402132Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
12954402133Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
12954402134Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
12954402135Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
12954402136Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
12954402137Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
12954402138Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
12954402139Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
12954402140Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
12954402141Rhetorical 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
12954402142Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
12954402143RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
12954402144Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
12954402145Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
12954402146Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
12954402147Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
12954402148Modes 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
12954402149Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
12954402150Contrast/ 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
12954402151Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
12954402152Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
12954402153Processsimply "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
12954402154Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
12954402155Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
12954402156Descriptionwriting 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
12954402157Dogmatism`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
12954402158False 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
12954402159False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
12954402160Faulty 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
12954402161Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
12954402162Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
12954402181AllegoryThe 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
12954402182AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
12954402183AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
12954402184AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
12954402185AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
12954402186AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
12954402187Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
12954402188AphorismA 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
12954402189ApostropheA 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
12954402190AtmosphereThe 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
12954402191Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
12954402192ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
12954402193Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
12954402194Literary 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
12954402195ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
12954402196DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
12954402197DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
12954402198DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
12954402199EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
12954402200Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
12954402201Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
12954402202Figure 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
12954402203GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
12954402204HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
12954402205HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
12954402206ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
12954402207Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
12954402208Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
12954402209Irony/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
12954402210Loose 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
12954402211MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
12954402212MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
12954402213MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
12954402214NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
12954402215onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
12954402216OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
12954402217ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
12954402218Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
12954402219ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
12954402220PedanticAn 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
12954402221Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
12954402222PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
12954402223Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
12954402224Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
12954402225RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
12954402226RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
12954402227SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
12954402228SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
12954402229Subordinate 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
12954402230SyllogismA 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
12954402231Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
12954402232SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
12954402233ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
12954402234ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
12954402235ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
12954402236TransitionA 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
12954402237Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
12954402238Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
12954402239Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
12954402240straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
12954402241EthosAn 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
12954402242JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
12954402243LogosAn appeal to reason.113
12954402244PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
12954402245Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
12954402246SimileA 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
12954402247rhetorical 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
12954402248descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
12954402249devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
12954402250narrative 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
12954402251narrative 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
12954402252Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
12954402253AnaphoraFigure 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
12954402254AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
12954402255Appeal 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
12954402256Argumentationone 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
12954402257AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
12954402258AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
12954402259toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
12954402260audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.130
12954402261Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast131
12954402262Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.132
12954402163understatement"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
12954402164parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy134
12954402165allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.135
12954402166hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"136
12954402167aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."137
12954402168metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I138
12954402169invective"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
12954402170antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"140
12954402171euphemism"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
12954402172periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.142
12954402173paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi143
12954402174alliteration"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
12954402175chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"145
12954402176oxymoron"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
12954402177personification"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
12954402178onomatopoeia"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
12954402179inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."149
12954402180spatial 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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