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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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8521048004Ad 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
8521048005Ad 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
8521048006AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
8521048007AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
8521048008AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
8521048009AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
8521048010antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
8521048011AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
8521048012Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
8521048013ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
8521048014Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
8521048015AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
8521048016AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
8521048017CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
8521048018ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
8521048019ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
8521048020ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
8521048021CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
8521048022ChiasmusA 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
8521048023AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
8521048024ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
8521048025ClaimAlso 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
8521048026Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
8521048027Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
8521048028Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
8521048029Closed 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
8521048030conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
8521048031Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
8521048032denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
8521048033dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
8521048034didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
8521048035ethosA 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
8521048036euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
8521048037extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
8521048038homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
8521048039hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
8521048040imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
8521048041inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
8521048042ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
8521048043juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
8521048044logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
8521048045metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
8521048046mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
8521048047mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
8521048048mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
8521048049mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
8521048050onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
8521048051parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
8521048052parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
8521048053pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
8521048054personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
8521048055point 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
8521048056point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
8521048057proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
8521048058repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
8521048059rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
8521048060logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
8521048061rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
8521048062oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
8521048063personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
8521048064polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
8521048065polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
8521048066propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
8521048067Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
8521048068schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
8521048069second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
8521048070tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
8521048071metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
8521048072synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
8521048073ZeugmaThe 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
8521048074rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
8521048075satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
8521048076similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
8521048077styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
8521048078syllogismA 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
8521048079symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
8521048080syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
8521048081themethe 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
8521048082thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
8521048083tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
8521048084moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
8521048085transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
8521048086rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
8521048087begging 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
8521048088Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
8521048089First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
8521048090Hasty 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
8521048091Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
8521048092occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
8521048093open 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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