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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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9508628623Ad 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
9508628624Ad 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
9508628625AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
9508628626AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something that is commonly known. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.3
9508628627AmbiguityThe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.4
9508628628AnalogyA similarity or relationship between two things. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.5
9508628629antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
9508628630AntithesisA figure of speech that involves an opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.7
9508628631Appeal to False AuthorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise on a subject is cited as an authority.8
9508628632ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.9
9508628633Archaic DictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words10
9508628634AsyndentonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.11
9508628635AttitudeA writer's position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.12
9508628636CaricatureA representation in which the subject's features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.13
9508628637ConcessionAn acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.14
9508628638ConnotationsMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition. Connotations are positive or negative.15
9508628639ContextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.16
9508628640CounterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward17
9508628641ChiasmusA 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
9508628642AntimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus, but not all chiasmus are a type of antimetabole.19
9508628643ColloquialismSlang or informality in speech or writing20
9508628644ClaimAlso 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
9508628645Claim of FactA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true. Ex. Test scores accurately measure a student's success!22
9508628646Claim of ValueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong. Ex. Video games are corrupting today's youth.23
9508628647Claim of PolicyA claim of policy proposes a change. Ex. Legalize marijuana!24
9508628648Closed 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
9508628649conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between two dissimilar objects.26
9508628650Concrete detailSpecific details, facts, or examples used to support the main idea of a text.27
9508628651denotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.28
9508628652dictionrelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices. Examples of diction include, formal or informal, ornate or plain.29
9508628653didacticdidactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially teaching moral or ethical principals30
9508628654ethosA 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
9508628655euphemisma more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts32
9508628656extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length33
9508628657homilyThis term literally means, "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.34
9508628658hyperbolea figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement35
9508628659imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions36
9508628660inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. Inferences are not directly stated.37
9508628661ironythe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.38
9508628662juxtapositionplacing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas closely together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.39
9508628663logical fallacyA mistake in verbal reasoning. The reasoning must be potentially deceptive.40
9508628664metaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of unlike things. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.41
9508628665mode of discourse: expositionwriting that intends to inform and demonstrate a point42
9508628666mode of discourse: narrationwriting that tells a story or relates a series of events43
9508628667mode of discourse: descriptionwriting that creates sensory images, often evoking a mood or atmosphere44
9508628668mode of discourse: argumentationwriting that takes a stand on an issue and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning45
9508628669onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sound of words46
9508628670parallelism/parallel construction/parallel structurethe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give structural similarity47
9508628671parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another work with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule48
9508628672pathosa speaker's intent to inspire an emotional reaction in an audience49
9508628673personificationa figure of speech in which the author endows an inanimate object with human qualities or characteristics50
9508628674point 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
9508628675point of view--third person limited omniscientUses "he," "she," and "it." Limited omniscient--the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character52
9508628676proseProse refers to fiction and nonfiction. Prose is written in ordinary language and most closely resembles everyday speech.53
9508628677repetitionThe duplication of any element of language, such as sound, word, phrase, sentence, or grammatical pattern.54
9508628678rhetoricGreek for "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively55
9508628679logosemploys logical reasoning, combining a clear idea with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details56
9508628680rhetorical appealsThe persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to a given work.57
9508628681oxymorona paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words58
9508628682personathe face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience59
9508628683polemicAn aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Ex. No concession to other arguments.60
9508628684polysyndetonThe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.61
9508628685propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause62
9508628686Qualifierwords used to temper a claim, making it less absolute Ex. usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, most likely63
9508628687schemeartful syntax; a deviation from the normal order of words64
9508628688second-hand evidenceevidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation65
9508628689tropeartful diction; a figure of speech such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, or synecdoche66
9508628690metonymya figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it.67
9508628691synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole. Ex. "All hands on deck!"68
9508628692ZeugmaThe 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
9508628693rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply70
9508628694satirea work that targets human vices and follies, or societal institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule71
9508628695similean explicit comparison, using "like" or "as"72
9508628696styleAn evaluation of a sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.73
9508628697syllogismA 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
9508628698symbolAn object, action, character, scene, or idea that represents something more abstract.75
9508628699syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences76
9508628700themethe 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
9508628701thesisThe thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly express the author's opinion, purpose, meaning or proposition.78
9508628702tonetone describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both.79
9508628703moodThe dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by a text. Ex. Mood is how "you" feel after reading a text.80
9508628704transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas or effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.81
9508628705rhetorical strategiesA global term that refers to all the strategies an author can use. Ex. structure, purpose, style82
9508628706begging 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
9508628707Either/Or (false dilemma)In this fallacy, the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.84
9508628708First-hand evidenceEvidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience or observations.85
9508628709Hasty 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
9508628710Hortative SentenceSentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. Ex. "Let both sides explore what problem unite us..."87
9508628711occasionthe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written88
9508628712open 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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