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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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11044993906Ad 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
11044993907Ad 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
11044993908AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
11044993909AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
11044993910AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
11044993911AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
11044993912antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
11044993913AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
11044993914Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
11044993915ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
11044993916Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
11044993917AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
11044993918AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
11044993919CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
11044993920ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
11044993921ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
11044993922ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
11044993923CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
11044993924ChiasmusA 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
11044993925AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
11044993926ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
11044993927ClaimAlso 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
11044993928Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
11044993929Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
11044993930Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
11044993931Closed 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
11044993932conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
11044993933Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
11044993934denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
11044993935dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
11044993936didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
11044993937ethosA 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
11044993938euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
11044993939extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
11044993940homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
11044993941hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
11044993942imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
11044993943inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
11044993944ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
11044993945juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
11044993946logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
11044993947metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
11044993948mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
11044993949mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
11044993950mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
11044993951mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
11044993952onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
11044993953parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
11044993954parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
11044993955pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
11044993956personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
11044993957point 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
11044993958point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
11044993959proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
11044993960repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
11044993961rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
11044993962logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
11044993963rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
11044993964oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
11044993965personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
11044993966polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
11044993967polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
11044993968propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
11044993969Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
11044993970schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
11044993971second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
11044993972tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
11044993973metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
11044993974synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
11044993975ZeugmaThe 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
11044993976rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
11044993977satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
11044993978similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
11044993979styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
11044993980syllogismA 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
11044993981symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
11044993982syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
11044993983themethe 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
11044993984thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
11044993985tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
11044993986moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
11044993987transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
11044993988rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
11044993989begging 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
11044993990Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
11044993991First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
11044993992Hasty 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
11044993993Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
11044993994occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
11044993995open 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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