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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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5638619519Ad 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
5638632518Ad 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
5638645404AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
5638662254AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
5638681173AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
5638687520AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
5638702463antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
5638712778AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
5638722256Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
5638732568ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
5638742234Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
5638853374AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
5638873317AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
5638879814CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
5638887508ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
5638896370ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
5638916229ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
5638927881CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
5638934633ChiasmusA 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
5638950064AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
5638968625ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
5638975617ClaimAlso 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
5638987143Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
5638987144Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
5639005044Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
5639014543Closed 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
5639031637conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
5639048004Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
5639054379denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
5640199342dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
5640217516didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
5641639690ethosA 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
5641686647euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
5641694559extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
5641704361homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
5641712630hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
5641737797imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
5641741773inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
5641753895ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
5641778723juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
5641872938logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
5641939395metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
5641966998mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
5641974560mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
5641977050mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
5641987764mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
5641993411onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
5642007518parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
5642021012parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
5642044976pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
5642059592personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
5642071071point 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
5642097789point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
5642120661proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
5642164578repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
5642175002rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
5642260270logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
5642282010rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
5642318015oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
5642318016personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
5642332826polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
5642349272polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
5642361780propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
5642364085Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
5642370945schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
5642381208second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
5642392203tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
5642403336metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
5642420922synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
5642427171ZeugmaThe 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
5642452882rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
5642458300satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
5642478281similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
5642485000styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
5642495379syllogismA 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
5642504249symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
5642512002syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
5642521726themethe 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
5642534724thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
5642547047tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
5642560447moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
5642574091transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
5642583900rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
5642607166begging 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
5642618023Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
5642624852First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
5642678435Hasty 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
5642692584Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
5642703220occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
5642703221open 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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