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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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11666600485Ad 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
11666600486Ad 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
11666600487AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
11666600488AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
11666600489AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
11666600490AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
11666600491antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
11666600492AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
11666600493Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
11666600494ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
11666600495Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
11666600496AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
11666600497AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
11666600498CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
11666600499ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
11666600500ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
11666600501ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
11666600502CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
11666600503ChiasmusA 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
11666600504AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
11666600505ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
11666600506ClaimAlso 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
11666600507Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
11666600508Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
11666600509Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
11666600510Closed 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
11666600511conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
11666600512Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
11666600513denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
11666600514dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
11666600515didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
11666600516ethosA 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
11666600517euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
11666600518extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
11666600519homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
11666600520hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
11666600521imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
11666600522inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
11666600523ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
11666600524juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
11666600525logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
11666600526metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
11666600527mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
11666600528mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
11666600529mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
11666600530mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
11666600531onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
11666600532parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
11666600533parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
11666600534pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
11666600535personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
11666600536point 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
11666600537point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
11666600538proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
11666600539repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
11666600540rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
11666600541logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
11666600542rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
11666600543oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
11666600544personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
11666600545polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
11666600546polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
11666600547propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
11666600548Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
11666600549schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
11666600550second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
11666600551tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
11666600552metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
11666600553synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
11666600554ZeugmaThe 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
11666600555rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
11666600556satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
11666600557similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
11666600558styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
11666600559syllogismA 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
11666600560symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
11666600561syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
11666600562themethe 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
11666600563thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
11666600564tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
11666600565moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
11666600566transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
11666600567rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
11666600568begging 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
11666600569Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
11666600570First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
11666600571Hasty 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
11666600572Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
11666600573occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
11666600574open 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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