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AP Language Terminology Flashcards

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6800850400Cumulative (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
6800850401Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
6800850402Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
6800850403Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
6800850404Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
6800850405Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
6800850406Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
6800850407Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
6800850408SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
6800850409Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
6800850410Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
6800850411Inductiona 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
6800850412Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
6800850413Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
6800850414Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
6800850415Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
6800850416Similea 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
6800850417Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
6800850418Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
6800850419Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
6800850420Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
6800850421Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
6800850422Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
6800850423Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
6800850424Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
6800850425Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
6800850426Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
6800850427Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
6800850428Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
6800850429Rhetorical 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
6800850430Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
6800850431RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
6800850432Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
6800850433Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
6800850434Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
6800850435Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
6800850436Modes 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
6800850437Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
6800850438Contrast/ 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
6800850439Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
6800850440Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
6800850441Processsimply "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
6800850442Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
6800850443Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
6800850444Descriptionwriting 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
6800850445Dogmatism`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
6800850446False 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
6800850447False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
6800850448Faulty 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
6800850449Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
6800850450Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
6800850451AllegoryThe 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
6800850452AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
6800850453AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
6800850454AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
6800850455AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
6800850456AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
6800850457Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
6800850458AphorismA 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
6800850459ApostropheA 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
6800850460AtmosphereThe 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
6800850461Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
6800850462ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
6800850463Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
6800850464Literary 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
6800850465ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
6800850466DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
6800850467DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
6800850468DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
6800850469EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
6800850470Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
6800850471Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
6800850472Figure 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
6800850473GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
6800850474HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
6800850475HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
6800850476ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
6800850477Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
6800850478Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
6800850479Irony/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
6800850480Loose 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
6800850481MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
6800850482MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
6800850483MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
6800850484NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
6800850485onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
6800850486OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
6800850487ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
6800850488Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
6800850489ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
6800850490PedanticAn 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
6800850491Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
6800850492PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
6800850493Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
6800850494Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
6800850495RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
6800850496RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
6800850497SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
6800850498SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
6800850499Subordinate 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
6800850500SyllogismA 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
6800850501Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
6800850502SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
6800850503ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
6800850504ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
6800850505ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
6800850506TransitionA 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
6800850507Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
6800850508Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
6800850509Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
6800850510straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
6800850511EthosAn 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
6800850512JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
6800850513LogosAn appeal to reason.113
6800850514PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
6800850515Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
6800850516SimileA 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
6800850517rhetorical 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
6800850518descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
6800850519devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
6800850520narrative 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
6800850521narrative 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
6800850522Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
6800850523AnaphoraFigure 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
6800850524AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
6800850525Appeal 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
6800850526Argumentationone 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
6800850527AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
6800850528AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
6800850529toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
6800850530audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.130
6800850531Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast131
6800850532Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.132
6800850533understatement"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
6800850534parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy134
6800850535allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.135
6800850536hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"136
6800850537aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."137
6800850538metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I138
6800850539invective"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
6800850540antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"140
6800850541euphemism"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
6800850542periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.142
6800850543paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi143
6800850544alliteration"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
6800850545chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"145
6800850546oxymoron"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
6800850547personification"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
6800850548onomatopoeia"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
6800850549inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."149
6800850550spatial 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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