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Mr. Lev's AP Language Rhetorical Terms Flashcards

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6668021453abstractRefers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images0
6668021454allusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art; can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.1
6668021455analogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them; can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar; can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.2
6668021456anecdoteis a brief, engaging account of some happening, often historical, biographical, or personal. As a technique in writing, it is especially, effective in creating interesting essay introductions, and also an illuminating abstract concepts in the body of the essay.3
6668021457antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for it in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences.4
6668021458antithesisis the balancing of one idea or term against another for emphasis5
6668021459assumptionin argumentation is anything taken for granted or presumed to be accepted by the audience and therefore understated. This can be dangerous because the audience might not accept the idea implicit in them (circular reasoning, begging the question)6
6668021460colloquial languageSlang or common language that is informal7
6668021461connotationAn idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning, "shades of meaning"8
6668021462deductive reasoningreasoning in which a conclusion is reached by stating a general principle and then applying that principle to a specific case (The sun rises every morning; therefore, the sun will rise on Tuesday morning.)9
6668021463denotationThe dictionary definition of a word10
6668021464dictionthe manner of expression in words, choice of words, or wording. Writers must choose vocabulary carefully and precisely to communicate a message and also to address an intended audience effectively.11
6668021465editorializingTo include personal opinions in a supposedly objective stories12
6668021466episodicrelates to the variety of narrative writing that develops through a series of incidents or events.13
6668021467fallacyan error in logic or in the reasoning process; occur because of vague development of ideas, lack of awareness of the speaker, or faulty assumptions about the proposition14
6668021468generalizationis a broad idea or statement, requiring particulars and illustrations to support them.15
6668021469genrea type or form of literature - for example, short fiction, novel, poetry, essay, letter, editorial, speech, etc.16
6668021470hyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor17
6668021471hypothesisA supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.18
6668021472hypotheticbased on an assumption or guess; used as a provisional or tentative idea to guide or direct investigation19
6668021473imageryis clear, vivid description that appeals to the sense of sight, smell, touch, sound, or taste.20
6668021474inferenceA conclusion reached on the basis of (text) evidence and reasoning21
6668021475interrogative sentencesA sentence that asks a question22
6668021476ironythe use of language to suggest the opposite of what is stated. Writers use it to reveal unpleasant or troublesome realities that exist in life or to poke fun at human weaknesses and foolish attitude.23
6668021477jargonspecial words associated with a specific area or knowledge or a particular profession. Writers who employ it either assume that readers know the specialized terms or take care to define terms for the benefit of the audience.24
6668021478juxtapositionthe placement of two things being close together (side by side) with contrasting effect25
6668021479logosAn appeal to reason. It occurs when a writer tries to convince you of the logic of his argument using facts and examples, and a generally rational tone to their language. The problem with itis that is can appear reasonable until you dissect the argument and then find fallacies that defeat the viability of the argument on the reader's eyes. Of course, that presupposes that the readers is able to identify the fallacies.26
6668021480ethosan appeal to credibility. The writer is seeking to convince you that he or she has the background, history, skills, and/or expertise to speak on the issue.27
6668021481pathosAn appeal to emotion. Typically, pathos arguments may use loaded words to make you feel guilty, lonely, worried, insecure, or confused. The easiest way to remember whats pathos arguments are is to see most advertising as a form of pathos argument.28
6668021482loaded wordsWords that are emotionally charged--either positively or negatively.29
6668021483metaphorA figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.30
6668021484moodthe creation of atmosphere in writing31
6668021485non sequiturA statement that does not follow logically from evidence32
6668021486subjective/objectivewriting refers to the attitude that writers take toward their subject. When writers are objective, they try not to report their personal feelings about the subject; they attempt to be detached, impersonal and unbiased. Conversely, subjective writing reveals an author's personal attitudes and emotions.33
6668021487paradoxA statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.34
6668021488parallelismthe use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same; or similar in their construction, sound, meaning or meter.35
6668021489subjectis what the writer wants to explore in a work.36
6668021490refutationin argumentation is a method by which writers recognize and deal effectively with the arguments of their opponents. Their own argument will be stronger if they refute - prove false or weak - all opposing arguments.37
6668021491rhetoricis the art of using words effectively in speaking or writing.38
6668021492rhetorical questionis a question asked only to emphasize a point, introduce a topic, or provoke thought, but not to elicit an answer.39
6668021493satireA humorous literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies.40
6668021494styleis the specific or characteristic manner of expression, execution, construction, or design of a writer. As a manner or mode of expression of language, it is the unique way each writer handles ideas.41
6668021495symbolis something - normally a concrete image - that exists in itself but also stands for something else or has a greater meaning.42
6668021496toneis the writer's attitude toward his or her subject or material; may be objective, subjective, comic, ironic, nostalgic, critical, reflective, etc.43
6668021497transitionis the linking of ideas in sentences, paragraphs, and larger segments of an essay in order to achieve coherence.44
6668021498understatementa method of making a weaker statement than is warranted by truth, accuracy, or importance.45
6668021499voiceis the way you express your ideas to the reader, the tone you take in addressing your audience. Voice reflects your personality and attitude both towards the subject and your audience.46
6668021500syntaxThe arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.47
6668021501warrantto give adequate reasons/justification for a claim48
6668021502qualifyto limit, modify, or restrict a claim in order to clarify its' validity49

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