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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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10268674066Ad 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
10268674067Ad 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
10268674068AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
10268674069AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
10268674070AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
10268674071AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
10268674072antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
10268674073AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
10268674074Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
10268674075ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
10268674076Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
10268674077AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
10268674078AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
10268674079CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
10268674080ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
10268674081ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
10268674082ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
10268674083CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
10268674084ChiasmusA figure of speech based on inverted parallelism. It is a rhetorical figure in which two clauses are related to each other through a reversal of terms.18
10268674085AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
10268674086ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
10268674087ClaimAlso 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.21
10268674088Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
10268674089Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
10268674090Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
10268674091Closed 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.25
10268674092conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
10268674093Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
10268674094denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
10268674095dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
10268674096didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
10268674097ethosA speaker's expertise, knowledge, experience, sincerity, and common purpose with the audience are examples of how a speaker demonstrates they are credible and trustworthy.31
10268674098euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
10268674099extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
10268674100homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
10268674101hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
10268674102imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
10268674103inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
10268674104ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
10268674105juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
10268674106logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
10268674107metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
10268674108mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
10268674109mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
10268674110mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
10268674111mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
10268674112onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
10268674113parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
10268674114parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
10268674115pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
10268674116personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
10268674117point of view--first personThe perspective from which a story is told. 1st person--tells the story with the pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.51
10268674118point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
10268674119proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
10268674120repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
10268674121rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
10268674122logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
10268674123rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
10268674124oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
10268674125personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
10268674126polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
10268674127polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
10268674128propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
10268674129Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
10268674130schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
10268674131second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
10268674132tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
10268674133metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
10268674134synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
10268674135ZeugmaThe use of a word to modify two or more words when it is appropriate to use only one of them or is appropriate to use each but in a different way. Ex. "To wage war and peace" or "On his fishing trip he caught three trout and a cold."69
10268674136rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
10268674137satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
10268674138similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
10268674139styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
10268674140syllogismA 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.74
10268674141symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
10268674142syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
10268674143themethe 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.77
10268674144thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
10268674145tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
10268674146moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
10268674147transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
10268674148rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
10268674149begging 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.83
10268674150Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
10268674151First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
10268674152Hasty 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 90.86
10268674153Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
10268674154occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
10268674155open 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.89

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