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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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7595556737Ad 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
7595556738Ad 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
7595556739AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
7595556740AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
7595556744AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.4
7595556745Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.5
7595556749AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.6
7595556751ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
7595556753ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.8
7595556754CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward9
7595556758ClaimAlso 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.10
7595556759Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!11
7595556760Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.12
7595556761Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!13
7595556762Closed ThesisA thesis that is a statement of the main idea of the argument that also previews major points the writer intends to make.14
7595556765DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.15
7595556766Dictionrelated to style, refers to the writer's word choices. Examples include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.16
7595556768EthosA speaker's expertise, knowledge, experience, sincerity, and common purpose with the audience are examples of how a speaker demonstrates they are credible and trustworthy.17
7595556770Extended Metaphora metaphor developed at great length18
7595556773Imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions19
7595556774Inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.20
7595556776Juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.21
7595556777Logical FallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.22
7595556779Mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point23
7595556780Mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events24
7595556781Mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere25
7595556782Mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning26
7595556784Parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structureThe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity27
7595556786Pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience28
7595556792RhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively29
7595556793LogosEmploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details30
7595556794Rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.31
7595556795Oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words32
7595556796PersonaThe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience33
7595556797PolemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others.34
7595556799PropagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause35
7595556800QualifierWords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely36
7595556802Second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation37
7595556807Rhetorical Questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply38
7595556808SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule39
7595556810StyleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.40
7595556811SyllogismA 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.41
7595556812SymbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.42
7595556813Syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences43
7595556815ThesisA statement that is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.44
7595556816Tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.45
7595556817MoodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.46
7595556819Rhetorical StrategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style47
7595556820Begging the questionA fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support that is in doubt.48
7595556821Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.49
7595556822First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.50
7595556823Hasty generalizationA fallacy in which a faulty conclusion is reached because of inadequate information.51
7595556824Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action.52
7595556825Occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written53
7595556826Open thesisA thesis that does not list all of the points the writer intends to cover in an essay.54

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