AP Notes, Outlines, Study Guides, Vocabulary, Practice Exams and more!

McMichael AP Language and Composition Terms - Sets 1 & 2 Combined Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
1162291850Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
1162291851AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. i.e. Animal Farm characters; The Crucible1
1162291852AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
1162291853AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work or art purpose: writer does not have to elaborate3
1162291854AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
1162291855AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them; using something well known to help explain something not as well known. (similar to simile)5
1162291856AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
1162291857AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
1162291858ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction, such as liberty or love and adds familiarity or emotion intensity8
1162291859AtmosphereThe emotional mood created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the author's choice of objects that are described.9
1162291860ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
1162291861ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
1162291862ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects; displays intellectual cleverness due to the unusual comparison12
1162291863ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
1162291864DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
1162291865DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
1162291866DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
1162291867EuphemismA more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts. Can be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness, or to add humor or ironic understatement17
1162291868Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
1162291869Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
1162291870Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
1162291871Generic conventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre and helps define each genre. For example, they differentiate between an essay and journalistic writing and an autobiography and political writing21
1162291872GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
1162291873HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
1162291874HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
1162291875ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
1162291876InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
1162291877InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
1162291878IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
1162291879Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
1162291880Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
1162291881Dramatic ironyFacts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction but known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work31
1162291882Loose sentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses. Makes work often seem informal, relaxed, and conversational32
1162291883MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
1162291884MetonymyA figure of speech which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. Example: the White House declared instead of the President declared34
1162291885MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
1162291886Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
1162291887Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
1162291888Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
1162291889NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
1162291890OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
1162291891OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
1162291892ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
1162291893ParallelismRefers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity; structuring in generally same way to link them all43
1162291894ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. It distorts or exaggerates distinctive features of the original44
1162291895PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
1162291896Periodic sentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone46
1162291898Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
1162291899First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
1162291900Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
1162291901Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
1162291902Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
1162291903Predicate adjectivesOne type of subject complement- an adjective, group of adjectives, or adjective clauses that follows a linking verb Example: My boyfriend is tall, dark, and handsome. Tall, dark and handsome is describing boyfriend52
1162291904Predicate nominativeA second type of subject complement- a noun, group of nouns, or noun clauses that renames the subject Example: "Lincoln was a man of integrity" Man of integrity describes Lincoln53
1162291905ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
1162291906RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
1162291907RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
1162291908Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
1162291909ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
1162291910ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
1162291912SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
1162291913SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
1162291915StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
1162291916Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
1162291917Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
1162291918SyllogismFrom the Greek "reckoning together" this term is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises, first major and second minor Major premise: All men are mortal. Minor premise: Socrates is a man. Conclusion: Socrates is mortal.65
1162291919SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
1162291920Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
1162291921Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
1162291922Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
1162291923SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
1162291924ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
1162291925ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
1162291926ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
1162291927TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
1162291928UnderstatementThe ironic minimalizing of fact, presenting something less significant than it actually is. Makes a work humorous and emphatic;A statement that lacks emphasis and is given less force than normal.75
1162291929Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
1162291930AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
1162291931Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
1162291932Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
1162291933DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
1162291934Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
1162291935Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
1162291936Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
1162291937Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
1162291938Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
1162291939Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
1162291940Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
1162291941Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
1162291942Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
1162291943HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
1162291945Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
1162291946AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
1162291947HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
1162291948Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
1162291949Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
1162291950DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
1162291951SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
1162291952Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
1162291955Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
1162291956SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
1162291957ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
1162291958ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
1162291959ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
1162291960Chiasmus(Form of parallelism) The structure of two lines are crisscrossed. The beginning of the first is at the end of the second and vice versa.104
1162291961Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
1162291962Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
1162291963MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
1162291964ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
1162291966EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
1162291967AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
1162291968EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
1162291969AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
1162291970Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
1162291971ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
1162291972Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
1162291974HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
1162291975AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
1162291976AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
1162291977Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
1162291978Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
1162291979AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
1162291980PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
1162291981ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
1162291983EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
1162291985TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
1162291986PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
1162291987EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
1162291988PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
1162291989Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
1162291990Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
1162291991HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
1162291992PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
1162414130AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
1162414131AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
1162414132ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
1162414133Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
1162414134Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
1162414135ColloquialismA word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y'all, ain't)138
1162414136Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
1162414137Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
1162414138loose (cumulative) sentenceA sentence in which the main independent clause is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases (main clause is at the beginning)141
1162414139Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
1162414140DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
1162414141Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
1162414142Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
1162414143Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
1162414144EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
1162414145EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
1162414146EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
1162414147Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
1162483255EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
1162483256Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
1162483257Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
1162483258Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
1162483259Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
1162483260FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
1162483261FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
1162483262FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
1162483263Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
1162483264ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
1162483265Frame devicea story within a story. An example is Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, in which the primary tales are told within the "frame story" of the pilgrimage to Canterbury161
1162483266HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
1162483267Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
1162483268IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
1162483269ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
1162483270Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
1162483271JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
1162483272LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
1162483273LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
1162483274Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
1162483275Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
1162483276MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
1162483277MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
1162483278MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
1162483279Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
1162483280Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
1162483281Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
1162483282PathosAppeal to emotion178
1162483283LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
1162483284EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
1162483285PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
1162483286PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
1162483287ResolutionAlso called the denouement, this is the final stage in the plot of a drama or work of fiction. Here the action comes to an end and remaining loose ends are tied up.183
1162483288Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
1162483289Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
1162483290Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
1162483291Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
1162483292SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
1162483293StructureArrangement of parts189
1162483294SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
1162483295SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
1162516032Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
1162516033Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
1162516034TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
1162516035Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
1162516036VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
1162543818ArchaismA word, expression, spelling, or phrase that is out of date in the common speech of an era, but still deliberately used by a writer, poet, or playwright for artistic purposes197
1162543819Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
1162543820IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
1162543821Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
1162543822Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
1162543823Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
1162543824Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
1162543825Absolute metaphora metaphor (or figurative comparison) in which one of the terms (the tenor) can't be readily distinguished from the other (the vehicle).Example: "We are the eyelids of defeated caves."204
1162543826Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
1162543827Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
1162543828Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
1162543829Submerged metaphorone in which the vehicle is implied, or indicated by one aspect. Example: "my winged thought". Here, the audience must supply the image of the bird.208
1162543830Neoclassical dramaNeoclassicism covers the period from the end of the English Renaissance in 1642 to the culmination of the French Revolution and the beheading of Louis the XVI in 1793 - in this type of drama, there were either comedies or tragedies - no combination of the two.209
1162543831Implied metaphorone in which the tenor is not specified but implied. Example: "Shut your trap!" Here, the mouth of the listener is the unspecified tenor.210
2244294680undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
2244303784anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212

Need Help?

We hope your visit has been a productive one. If you're having any problems, or would like to give some feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

For general help, questions, and suggestions, try our dedicated support forums.

If you need to contact the Course-Notes.Org web experience team, please use our contact form.

Need Notes?

While we strive to provide the most comprehensive notes for as many high school textbooks as possible, there are certainly going to be some that we miss. Drop us a note and let us know which textbooks you need. Be sure to include which edition of the textbook you are using! If we see enough demand, we'll do whatever we can to get those notes up on the site for you!