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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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7767416554Ad 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
7767416555Ad 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
7767416556AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
7767416557AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
7767416558AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
7767416559AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
7767416560antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
7767416561AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
7767416562Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
7767416563ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
7767416564Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
7767416565AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
7767416566AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
7767416567CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
7767416568ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
7767416569ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
7767416570ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
7767416571CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
7767416572ChiasmusA 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
7767416573AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
7767416574ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
7767416575ClaimAlso 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
7767416576Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
7767416577Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
7767416578Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
7767416579Closed 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
7767416580conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
7767416581Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
7767416582denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
7767416583dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
7767416584didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
7767416585ethosA 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
7767416586euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
7767416587extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
7767416588homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
7767416589hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
7767416590imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
7767416591inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
7767416592ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
7767416593juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
7767416594logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
7767416595metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
7767416596mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
7767416597mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
7767416598mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
7767416599mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
7767416600onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
7767416601parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
7767416602parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
7767416603pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
7767416604personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
7767416605point 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
7767416606point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
7767416607proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
7767416608repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
7767416609rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
7767416610logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
7767416611rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
7767416612oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
7767416613personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
7767416614polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
7767416615polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
7767416616propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
7767416617Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
7767416618schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
7767416619second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
7767416620tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
7767416621metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
7767416622synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
7767416623ZeugmaThe 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
7767416624rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
7767416625satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
7767416626similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
7767416627styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
7767416628syllogismA 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
7767416629symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
7767416630syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
7767416631themethe 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
7767416632thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
7767416633tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
7767416634moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
7767416635transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
7767416636rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
7767416637begging 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
7767416638Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
7767416639First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
7767416640Hasty 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
7767416641Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
7767416642occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
7767416643open 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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