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AP Language Terms Flashcards

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6934503589AnalogyExplaining something complex by comparing it to something more simple.0
6934505306ArgumentThe combination of reasons, evidence, etc that an author uses to convince an audience of their position.1
6934510146Aristotelian appealsThree different methods of appealing to an audience to convince them—ethos, logos, and pathos.2
6934512840AttitudeThe writer's personal views or feelings about the subject at hand.3
6934515674AudienceWho the author is directing his or her message towards.4
6934518234Compare and ContrastDiscussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose.5
6934527658ConnotationThe implied meaning of a word; words can broadly have positive, negative, or neutral connotations.6
6934530542ContextThe extra-textual environment in which the text is being delivered.7
6934532379CounterargumentThe argument(s) against the author's position.8
6934537703Deductive reasoningA form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case.9
6934540024DenotationThe literal, dictionary-definition meaning of a word.10
6934541658DictionThe style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation.11
6934544347EthosSetting up a source as credible and trustworthy.12
6934545542EvidenceThe information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author's position.13
6934547146Figurative LanguageThe use of language in a non-literal way; i.e. metaphor, simile, etc.14
6934547992GenreThe specific type of work being presented.15
6934550826ImageryAny descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something; includes figurative language.16
6934552196ImplicationWhen something is suggested without being concretely stated.17
6934553857Inductive reasoningMaking a generalization based on specific evidence at hand.18
6934557031IronyAt 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
6934558479JuxtapositionPlacing two very different things together for effect.20
6934560506LogosAppealing to someone's sense of concrete facts and logic.21
6934562136OccasionThe reason or moment for writing or speaking.22
6934563398OrganizationHow the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech.23
6934565089PathosAn Aristotelian appeal. Involves appealing to someone's emotions.24
6934567167PurposeThe author's persuasive intention.25
6934568630RepetitionRe-using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphasis.26
6934570373RhetoricThe use of spoken or written word (or a visual medium) to convey your ideas and convince an audience.27
6934572595Rhetorical triangleThe relationship between the author, the audience, the text/message, and the context.28
6934574504SpeakerThe persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author.29
6934577487StyleThe persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author.30
6934580110SymbolismUsing a symbol to refer to an idea or concept.31
6934581581SyntaxThe way sentences are grammatically constructed.32
6934583946SynthesisCombining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point.33
6934585830ThemesOverarching ideas or driving premises of a work.34
6934588132ToneThe use of stylistic devices to reveal an author's attitude toward a subject.35
6934589255VoiceAn author's unique sound. Similar to style.36
6934591127AlliterationUsing words with the same first letter repeatedly close together in a phrase or sentence.37
6934593023AllusionMaking a brief reference to the cultural canon—e.g. the Bible, Shakespeare, classical mythology, etc.38
6934594386AnecdoteOffering 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.39
6934596167ConcessionAgreeing with the opposing viewpoint on a certain smaller point (but not in the larger argument).40
6934597888DidacticA text with an instructive purpose, often moral.41
6934598980EuphemismReferring to something with a veiled phrase instead of saying it directly42
6934602023ExemplificationProviding examples in service of a point.43
6934603437HyperboleOverstating a situation for humorous or dramatic effect.44
6934607235IdiomA commonly used phrase that signifies something very different than its literal meaning.45
6934608544OnomatopoeiaUsing "sound-effect" words (e.g. "clap," "buzz).46
6934610508ParadoxA phrase or assertion that appears to contradict itself (but the contradiction itself may have its own meaning).47
6934613971ParallelismRepeated structural elements in a sentence.48
6934615941ParodyUsing the form of something to mimic and make fun of it.49
6934617314PersonificationGiving human characteristics to a nonhuman object or idea.50
6934618827SarcasmMockingly stating the opposite of what you mean. Easier to convey in the spoken word than via writing.51
6934620021SatireA genre of humorous and mocking criticism to expose the ignorance and/or ills of society.52
6934621189SynecdocheReferring to one part of something as a way to refer to the whole.53
6934622934UnderstatementDeliberately minimizing something, usually for humorous effect.54

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