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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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9816879871Ad 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
9816879872Ad 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
9816879873AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
9816879874AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
9816879875AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
9816879876AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
9816879877antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
9816879878AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
9816879879Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
9816879880ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
9816879881Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
9816879882AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
9816879883AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
9816879884CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
9816879885ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
9816879886ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
9816879887ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
9816879888CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
9816879889ChiasmusA 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
9816879890AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
9816879891ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
9816879892ClaimAlso 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
9816879893Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
9816879894Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
9816879895Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
9816879896Closed 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
9816879897conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
9816879898Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
9816879899denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
9816879900dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
9816879901didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
9816879902ethosA 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
9816879903euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
9816879904extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
9816879905homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
9816879906hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
9816879907imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
9816879908inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
9816879909ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
9816879910juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
9816879911logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
9816879912metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
9816879913mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
9816879914mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
9816879915mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
9816879916mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
9816879917onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
9816879918parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
9816879919parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
9816879920pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
9816879921personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
9816879922point 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
9816879923point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
9816879924proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
9816879925repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
9816879926rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
9816879927logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
9816879928rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
9816879929oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
9816879930personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
9816879931polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
9816879932polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
9816879933propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
9816879934Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
9816879935schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
9816879936second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
9816879937tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
9816879938metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
9816879939synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
9816879940ZeugmaThe 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
9816879941rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
9816879942satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
9816879943similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
9816879944styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
9816879945syllogismA 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
9816879946symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
9816879947syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
9816879948themethe 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
9816879949thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
9816879950tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
9816879951moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
9816879952transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
9816879953rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
9816879954begging 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
9816879955Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
9816879956First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
9816879957Hasty 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
9816879958Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
9816879959occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
9816879960open 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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