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8642512954Cumulative (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
8642512955Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
8642512956Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
8642512957Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
8642512958Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
8642512959Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
8642512960Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
8642512961Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
8642512962SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
8642512963Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
8642512964Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
8642512965Inductiona 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
8642512966Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
8642512967Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
8642512968Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
8642512969Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
8642512970Similea 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
8642512971Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
8642512972Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
8642512973Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
8642512974Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
8642512975Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
8642512976Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
8642512977Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
8642512978Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
8642512979Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
8642512980Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
8642512981Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
8642512982Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
8642512983Rhetorical 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
8642512984Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
8642512985RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
8642512986Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
8642512987Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
8642512988Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
8642512989Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
8642512990Modes 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
8642512991Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
8642512992Contrast/ 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
8642512993Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
8642512994Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
8642512995Processsimply "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
8642512996Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
8642512997Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
8642512998Descriptionwriting 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
8642512999Dogmatism`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
8642513000False 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
8642513001False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
8642513002Faulty 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
8642513003Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
8642513004Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
8642513005AllegoryThe 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
8642513006AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
8642513007AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
8642513008AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
8642513009AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
8642513010AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
8642513011Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
8642513012AphorismA 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
8642513013ApostropheA 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
8642513014AtmosphereThe 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
8642513015Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
8642513016ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
8642513017Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
8642513018Literary 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
8642513019ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
8642513020DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
8642513021DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
8642513022DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
8642513023EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
8642513024Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
8642513025Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
8642513026Figure 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
8642513027GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
8642513028HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
8642513029HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
8642513030ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
8642513031Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
8642513032Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
8642513033Irony/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
8642513034Loose 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
8642513035MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
8642513036MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
8642513037MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
8642513038NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
8642513039onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
8642513040OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
8642513041ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
8642513042Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
8642513043ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
8642513044PedanticAn 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
8642513045Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
8642513046PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
8642513047Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
8642513048Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
8642513049RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
8642513050RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
8642513051SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
8642513052SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
8642513053Subordinate 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
8642513054SyllogismA 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
8642513055Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
8642513056SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
8642513057ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
8642513058ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
8642513059ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
8642513060TransitionA 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
8642513061Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
8642513062Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
8642513063Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
8642513064straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
8642513065EthosAn 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
8642513066JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
8642513067LogosAn appeal to reason and logic.113
8642513068PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
8642513069Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
8642513070SimileA 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
8642513071rhetorical 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
8642513072descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
8642513073devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
8642513074narrative 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
8642513075narrative 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
8642513076Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
8642513077AnaphoraFigure 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
8642513078AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
8642513079Appeal 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
8642513080Argumentationone 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
8642513081AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
8642513082AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
8642513083toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
8642513084audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.130
8642513085Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast131
8642513086Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.132
8642513087understatement"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
8642513088parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy134
8642513089allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.135
8642513090hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"136
8642513091aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."137
8642513092metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I138
8642513093invective"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
8642513094antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"140
8642513095euphemism"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
8642513096periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.142
8642513097paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi143
8642513098alliteration"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
8642513099chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"145
8642513100oxymoron"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
8642513101personification"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
8642513102onomatopoeia"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
8642513103inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."149
8642513104spatial 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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