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AP Language Vocabulary BGHS Flashcards

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13930072054Ad Hominem ArgumentLatin for "to or against the person," this fallacy involves switching the argument from the issue at hand to the character of the other speaker0
13930072055Ad Populum (bandwagon appeal)This fallacy occurs when evidence boils down to "everybody's doing it, so it must be a good thing to do."1
13930072056AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
13930072057AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
13930072058AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
13930072059AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
13930072060antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
13930072061AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
13930072062Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
13930072068ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.9
13930072069ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.10
13930072070ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.11
13930072071CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward12
13930072074ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing13
13930072075ClaimAlso called an assertion or a proposition, a claim states the argument's main idea or position. A claim differs from a topic or subject in that a claim has to be arguable.14
13930072076Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!15
13930072077Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.16
13930072078Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!17
13930072079Closed ThesisA closed thesis is a statement of the main idea of the argument that also previews major points the writer intends to make. Ex. The three-dimensional characters, exciting plot, and complex themes of the Harry Potter series makes them legendary children's books.18
13930072081Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.19
13930072082denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.20
13930072083dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.21
13930072084didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals22
13930072085ethosA speaker's expertise, knowledge, experience, sincerity, and common purpose with the audience are examples of how a speaker demonstrates they are credible and trustworthy.23
13930072086euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts24
13930072087extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length25
13930072089hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement26
13930072090imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions27
13930072091inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.28
13930072092ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.29
13930072093juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.30
13930072094logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.31
13930072095metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.32
13930072096mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point33
13930072097mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events34
13930072098mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere35
13930072099mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning36
13930072101parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity37
13930072102parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule38
13930072103pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience39
13930072104personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics40
13930072106point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character41
13930072108repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.42
13930072109rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively43
13930072110logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details44
13930072111rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.45
13930072112oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words46
13930072113personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience47
13930072114polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.48
13930072116propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause49
13930072117Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely50
13930072119secondary sourceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation51
13930072124rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply52
13930072125satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule53
13930072127styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.54
13930072128syllogismA deductive system of formal logic that presents to premises--the first one called major and the second minor--that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.55
13930072130syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences56
13930072131themethe central idea or message of a work. Themes should be expressed in complete sentences by combining the topic with a verb. Ex. Forgiveness is earned through sacrifice.57
13930072132thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.58
13930072133tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.59
13930072135transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.60
13930072136rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style61
13930072137begging the questionA fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support that is in doubt. It "begs" a question whether the support itself is sound.62
13930072138Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.63
13930072139primary sourceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.64
13930072140Hasty generalizationA fallacy in which a faulty conclusion is reached because of inadequate information. Ex. Smoking isn't bad for you; my aunt smoked a pack a day and lived to be 90.65
13930072141Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."66
13930072142occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written67
13930072143open thesisan open thesis is one that does not list all of the points the writer intends to cover in an essay. Ex. The popularity of the Harry Potter books demonstrates that both young and old readers value the fanciful world of wizardry.68

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