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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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10785516808Ad 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
10785516809Ad 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
10785516810AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
10785516811AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
10785516812AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
10785516813AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
10785516814antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
10785516815AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
10785516816Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
10785516817ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
10785516818Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
10785516819AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
10785516820AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
10785516821CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
10785516822ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
10785516823ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
10785516824ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
10785516825CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
10785516826ChiasmusA 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
10785516827AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
10785516828ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
10785516829ClaimAlso 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
10785516830Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
10785516831Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
10785516832Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
10785516833Closed 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
10785516834conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
10785516835Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
10785516836denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
10785516837dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
10785516838didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
10785516839ethosA 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
10785516840euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
10785516841extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
10785516842homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
10785516843hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
10785516844imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
10785516845inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
10785516846ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
10785516847juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
10785516848logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
10785516849metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
10785516850mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
10785516851mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
10785516852mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
10785516853mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
10785516854onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
10785516855parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
10785516856parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
10785516857pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
10785516858personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
10785516859point 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
10785516860point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
10785516861proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
10785516862repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
10785516863rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
10785516864logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
10785516865rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
10785516866oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
10785516867personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
10785516868polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
10785516869polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
10785516870propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
10785516871Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
10785516872schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
10785516873second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
10785516874tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
10785516875metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
10785516876synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
10785516877ZeugmaThe 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
10785516878rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
10785516879satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
10785516880similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
10785516881styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
10785516882syllogismA 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
10785516883symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
10785516884syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
10785516885themethe 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
10785516886thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
10785516887tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
10785516888moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
10785516889transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
10785516890rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
10785516891begging 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
10785516892Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
10785516893First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
10785516894Hasty 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
10785516895Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
10785516896occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
10785516897open 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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