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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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9884969166Ad 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
9884969167Ad 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
9884969168AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
9884969169AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
9884969170AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
9884969171AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
9884969172antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
9884969173AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
9884969174Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
9884969175ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
9884969176Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
9884969177AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
9884969178AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
9884969179CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
9884969180ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
9884969181ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
9884969182ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
9884969183CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
9884969184ChiasmusA 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
9884969185AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
9884969186ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
9884969187ClaimAlso 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
9884969188Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
9884969189Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
9884969190Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
9884969191Closed 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
9884969192conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
9884969193Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
9884969194denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
9884969195dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
9884969196didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
9884969197ethosA 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
9884969198euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
9884969199extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
9884969200homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
9884969201hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
9884969202imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
9884969203inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
9884969204ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
9884969205juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
9884969206logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
9884969207metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
9884969208mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
9884969209mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
9884969210mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
9884969211mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
9884969212onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
9884969213parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
9884969214parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
9884969215pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
9884969216personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
9884969217point 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
9884969218point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
9884969219proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
9884969220repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
9884969221rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
9884969222logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
9884969223rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
9884969224oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
9884969225personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
9884969226polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
9884969227polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
9884969228propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
9884969229Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
9884969230schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
9884969231second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
9884969232tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
9884969233metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
9884969234synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
9884969235ZeugmaThe 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
9884969236rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
9884969237satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
9884969238similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
9884969239styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
9884969240syllogismA 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
9884969241symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
9884969242syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
9884969243themethe 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
9884969244thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
9884969245tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
9884969246moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
9884969247transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
9884969248rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
9884969249begging 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
9884969250Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
9884969251First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
9884969252Hasty 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
9884969253Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
9884969254occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
9884969255open 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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