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AP Language, Rhetorical Analysis Flashcards

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11188205185AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.0
11188205186AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in tow or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells).1
11188205187AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.2
11188205188Ambiguity (am-bi-gyoo-i-tee)The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.3
11188205189AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them- can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.4
11188205190Anaphora (uh-naf-er-uh)One of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.5
11188205191AnecdoteA short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person6
11188205192Antithesis (an-tih-theh-sis)Figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences.7
11188205193Aphorismphrase that shares a general truth or a moral principle. Ex: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.8
11188205194ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love, an address to someone or something that cannot answer.9
11188205195AtmosphereThe emotional mood 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. Even such elements as description of the weather can contribute to the atmosphere. Frequently atmosphere forshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood.10
11188205196Chiasmus (kahy-az-muhs)a figure of speech in which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse the order of the analogous words.11
11188205197Clausea grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can sand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause.12
11188205198Colloquial/colloquialism (kuj-loh-kwee-uhl)The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing, gives a work a conversational, familiar tone.13
11188205199CoherenceA principle demanding that the parts of any composition be arranged so that the meaning of the whole may be immediately clear and intelligible.14
11188205200ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.15
11188205201Connotation- The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.16
11188205202DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.17
11188205203Diacoperepetition of a word or phrase after an intervening word or phrase: word/phrase X, . . ., word/phrase X.18
11188205204Dictionrefers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain)19
11188205205Didactic (dahy-dak-tik)From the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.20
11188205206EnumeratioFigure of amplification in which a subject is divided into constituent parts or details, and may include a listing of causes, effects, problems, solutions, conditions, and consequences; the listing or detailing of the parts of something.21
11188205207Expletive (ek-spli-tiv)Figure of emphasis in which a single word or short phrase, usually interrupting normal speech, is used to lend emphasis to the words on either side of the expletive.22
11188205208Euphemism (yoo-fuh-miz-uhm)a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.23
11188205209ExpositionThe purpose is to explain or introduce something in an essay or work.24
11188205210Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.25
11188205211Figurative language- Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.26
11188205212Figure of speechA device used to produce figurate language. Many compare dissimilar things. May include apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, metonymy, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, and understatement.27
11188205213GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.28
11188205214Homily (hom-uh-lee)This term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.29
11188205215Hyperbole (hahy-pur-buh-lee)A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.30
11188205216HypophoraFigure of reasoning in which one or more questions is/are asked and then answered, often at length, by one and the same speaker; raising and responding to one's own question(s).31
11188205217ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.32
11188205218Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.33
11188205219Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attach using strong, abusive language.34
11188205220Irony/ironicThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant. The difference between what appears to be and what actually is true, is used for many reasons, but frequently, it's used to create poignancy or humor.35
11188205221Juxtaposition (juhk-stuh-puh-zish-uhn)When two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.36
11188205222Litotes (lahy-toh-teez)From the Greek word "simple" or "plain." Litotes is a figure of thought in which a point is affirmed by negating its opposite. It is a special form of understatement37
11188205223MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.38
11188205224Metonymy (mi-ton-uh-mee)a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. Example: A news release that claims "the White House declared" rather that "the President declared"39
11188205225Moodmeaning the prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect the mood. In this usage, mood is similar to tone and atmosphere.40
11188205226NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.41
11188205227Onomatopoeia (on-uh-mat-uh-pee-uh)A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur.42
11188205228Oxymoronthe author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness."43
11188205229ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.44
11188205230Parallelismrefers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. act as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical rhythm.45
11188205231ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.46
11188205232Pedantic (puh-dan-tik)An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.47
11188205233PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.48
11188205234Polysyndeton (paulee-sin-dih-tawn)Figure of addition and emphasis which intentionally employs a series of conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) not normally found in successive words, phrases or clauses49
11188205235Proserefers to fiction and non-fiction, including all its forms.50
11188205236RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.51
11188205237RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.52
11188205238Rhetorical modes(1) to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. (2) The purpose of argumentation is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader. (3) The purpose of description is to re-create, invent, or visually present a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described.(4) The purpose of narration is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events.53
11188205239Rhetorical Questionnot answered by the writer because its answer is obvious or obviously desired, and usually just a yes or no answer would suffice. It is used for effect, emphasis, or provocation, or for drawing a conclusionary statement from the fact at hand.54
11188205240Sarcasmlanguage that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.55
11188205241SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.56
11188205242SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another57
11188205243Style(1) An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. (2) Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors.58
11188205244Subordinate clauseLike all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb, but unlike the independent clause, cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought.59
11188205245Syllogism (sil- uh-jiz-uhm)a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the firs one called "major" and the second, "minor") that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.60
11188205246Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else. Usually something concrete - such as object, action, character, or scene - that represents something more abstract.61
11188205247Synecdoche (si-nek-duh-kee)is a type of metaphor in which the part stands for the whole or the whole for a part62
11188205248SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences, similar to diction63
11188205249ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.64
11188205250Thesisthe sentence or a group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.65
11188205251ToneSimilar to mood, describes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.66
11188205252TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas. effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.67
11188205253UnderstatementThe ironic minimizing of fact presents something as less significant than it is.68
11188205254UndertoneAn attitude that may lie under the tone of the piece.69
11188205255WitIn modern usage, intellectually amazing language that surprises and delights. A70
11188205256RhetoricThe art or study of using language effectively and persuasively71
11188205257Rhetorical AppealsLogos, Ethos Pathos72
11188205258LogosAppealing to reason; presented calmly, logically, step-by-step. They can include references to historical events, experts, and statistics. Tone will often be measured, neutral, logical (but not always).73
11188205259EthosAn appeal to show that the speaker or writer is credible, a person whom we can trust, a good person who knows what he is talking about or who cares about us and knows us.74
11188205260PathosAppeal that tugs at people's feelings; may include emotional diction, imagery, repetition, and figurative language. Might make you laugh or cry. Could also be intended to make you afraid or feel outraged.75
11188205261Syntaxthe arrangement of words and the order of grammatical elements in a sentence or paragraph. Sentence types, sentences lengths -- how the sentence is structured.76
11188205262ParallelismSimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses. It creates balance in a sentence. Ex) Like father, like son.77
11188205263ConnotationMeanings or associations with words beyond what you find in the dictionary. Usually positive or negative. Ex) Would you rather be called fat or plump? Skinny or slender?78
11188205264ParadoxOccurs when the elements of a statement contradict each other. Although the statement may appear illogical or absurd, it turns out to have a coherent meaning that reveals a hidden truth. Ex) It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Not a logical fallacy.79
11188205265AnaphoraThe repetition of the same word or groups of words at the beginning of successive clauses. I have a dream that ....I have a dream that ....(Martin Luther King).80
11188205266ToneWriter's or speaker's attitude toward a subject, character, or audience. Is it amused? Hostile? Angry? Sad? Reflective?81
11188205267DictionThe writer's or speaker's word choice intended to create a particular impact on the audience.82
11188205268AllusionA reference to a mythological, literary, or historical person, place, or thing. If a writer makes reference to the bible, for example, this is _______________.83
11188205269AlliterationThe practice of beginning several consecutive or neighboring words with the same sound. ex) She sells sea shells ...84
11188205270ImageryThe words or phrases appealing to the senses and creates a picture in your mind. The smell of fresh cut grass, the twittering of the birds ....85
11188205271Figurative LanguageWords or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. Metaphors, simile, personification.86
11188205272SOAPSToneA strategy for basic rhetorical analysis. Think of this for your introduction (plus the thesis statement).87
11188205273The first S in SOAPSToneThe speaker or source of the text. What do you know about the speaker? (Relates to ethos)88
11188205274The O in SOAPSToneThe occasion or circumstance of the text. What has happened or is happening? Why has the writer written this NOW? This is the context of the piece.89
11188205275The A in SOAPSToneThe intended audience or recipient of the text. Many texts will have multiple audiences.90
11188205276The P in SOAPSTonethe speaker's purpose for the text; the desired outcome. Ex) Lou Gehrig wants to thank his fans and show them that is remains positive.91
11188205277The second S in SOAPSTonethe subject of the text92
11188205278CounterargumentOpposing argument to the one the writer is putting forward. Rather than ignoring the counterargument, the writer will acknowledge it and then crush it with the mighty weight of their pen (and brain).93
11188205279Colloquial LanguageAn informal type of diction that reflects casual, conversational language and often times slang. Examples: "What's up dude" and "y'all" opposed to "How's it going" and "you all"94
11188205280Rhetorical QuestionA question asked for rhetorical effect to emphasize a point; no answer is expected. Example: "How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?" or "Are you kidding me?"95
11188205281Verbal IronySomeone's spoken meaning is different from the words being used. Closely associated with sarcasm.96
11188205282UnderstatementOpposite of hyperbole. Makes a situation seem less than it is. You just found out spring break is going to be a month long -- are you happy? You say, "Yeah, sure." Actually, you are delighted! This can produce an ironic effect.97
11188205283Logical Fallacy -- GeneralizationAn argument based on unsound logic. Ex) Generalization: Stating that all members of a group are a particular way. This is what the Muslim travel ban is saying about people from these Muslim majority countries. If a generalization is to have validity, it must be supported with facts. How can you prove anything about 1.6 billion Muslims?98
11188205284Logical Fallacy -- BandwagonEveryone is doing it -- so you should do it too! Another argument based on unsound logic. Used in advertising a lot.99
11188205285Logical Fallacy -- Ad HominemAttack on character. Someone who cannot attack someone's ideas, so goes after them personally. Ex) Donald Trump (when he was a candidate) attacked female candidate's appearance stating, "Look at that face." He did not attack her policies.100
11188205286Inclusive and Exclusive LanguageUsing language to include or exclude people. "We're in this together" makes people feel like they are a team. "Those people are a threat" can exclude people and creates divisions beween people.101
11188205287Anecdotal EvidenceEvidence that is a personal story.102
11188205288Expert TestimonyAn expert in a field who can support the argument with facts and data.103
11188205289Research findingsEvidence derived from a study.104
11188205290Emotive languageLanguage that is sensational -- designed to get an emotional response from the reader.105

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