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Ap language terms Flashcards

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6926095857attitudethe writers personal views or feelings about the subject at hand.0
6926102637analogyExplaining something complex by comparing it to something more simple.1
6934461857argumentThe combination of reasons, evidence, etc that an author uses to convince an audience of their position.2
6934473673Aristotelian appealsThree different methods of appealing to an audience to convince them—ethos, logos, and pathos.3
6934480884audienceWho the author is directing his or her message towards4
6934496509compare and contrastDiscussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose.5
6934510887connotationThe implied meaning of a word; words can broadly have positive, negative, or neutral connotations6
6934537742contextThe extra-textual environment in which the text is being delivered7
6934537743counterargumentThe argument(s) against the author's position.8
6934540320deductive reasoningA form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case.9
7188701042denotationThe literal, dictionary-definition meaning of a word.10
7188707769dictationThe style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation.11
7188710394ethosSetting up a source as credible and trustworthy.12
7188710395evidenceThe information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author's position.13
7188710755figurative languageThe use of language in a non-literal way; i.e. metaphor, simile, etc.14
7188714227genreThe specific type of work being presented.15
7188714228imageryAny descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something; includes figurative language.16
7188714357implicationWhen something is suggested without being concretely stated.17
7188714358inductive reasoningMaking a generalization based on specific evidence at hand.18
7188716414ironyAt the most basic sense, saying the opposite of what you mean; also used to describe situations in which the results of an action are dramatically different than intended.19
7188716415logosAppealing to someone's sense of concrete facts and logic.20
7188717112occasionThe reason or moment for writing or speaking21
7188717113organizationHow the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech.22
7188717114pathosAn Aristotelian appeal. Involves appealing to someone's emotions23
7188717375purposeThe author's persuasive intention.24
7188718004repetitionRe-using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphasis25
7188718117rhetoricThe use of spoken or written word (or a visual medium) to convey your ideas and convince an audience.26
7188718118rhetorical triangleThe relationship between the author, the audience, the text/message, and the context.27
7188718197speakerThe persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author.28
7188718198styleThe author's own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece; similar to voice.29
7188718301symbolismUsing a symbol to refer to an idea or concept.30
7188720554syntaxThe way sentences are grammatically constructed.31
7188720744synthesisCombining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point.32
7188721034themesOverarching ideas or driving premises of a work.33
7188721035toneThe use of stylistic devices to reveal an author's attitude toward a subject.34
7188721096voiceAn author's unique sound. Similar to style.35
7188721530alliterationUsing words with the same first letter repeatedly close together in a phrase or sentence.36
7188721795allusionMaking a brief reference to the cultural canon—e.g. the Bible, Shakespeare, classical mythology, etc.37
7188721973anecdoteOffering a brief narrative episode. This device can serve many functions in a text—for example, introducing an issue, serving as evidence, to illustrate a point, and so on.38
7188721974concessionAgreeing with the opposing viewpoint on a certain smaller point (but not in the larger argument).39
7188722951didacticA text with an instructive purpose, often moral.40
7188723058euphemismReferring to something with a veiled phrase instead of saying it directly.41
7188723466exemplificationProviding examples in service of a point42
7188723467hyperboleOverstating a situation for humorous or dramatic effect.43
7188723564idiomA commonly used phrase that signifies something very different than its literal meaning.44
7188723565onomatopeiaUsing "sound-effect" words (e.g. "clap," "buzz).45
7188723739paradoxA phrase or assertion that appears to contradict itself (but the contradiction itself may have its own meaning).46
7188724792parallelismRepeated structural elements in a sentence.47
7188725015personificationGiving human characteristics to a nonhuman object or idea.48
7188725016sarcasmMockingly stating the opposite of what you mean. Easier to convey in the spoken word than via writing.49
7188725017satireA genre of humorous and mocking criticism to expose the ignorance and/or ills of society.50
7188725824synecdocheReferring to one part of something as a way to refer to the whole.51
7188726136understatementDeliberately minimizing something, usually for humorous effect.52
7188727186parodyUsing the form of something to mimic and make fun of it.53
7188729492juxtapositionPlacing two very different things together for effect.54

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