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AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

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5227906626Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
5227906627AllegoryThe 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
5227906628AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
5227906629AllusionA 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
5227906630AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
5227906631AnalogyA 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
5227906632AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
5227906633AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
5227906634ApostropheA 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
5227906635AtmosphereThe 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
5227906636ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
5227906637ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
5227906638ConceitA 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
5227906639ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
5227906640DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
5227906641DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
5227906642DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
5227906643EuphemismA 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
5227906644Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
5227906645Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
5227906646Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
5227906647Generic 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
5227906648GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
5227906649HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
5227906650HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
5227906651ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
5227906652InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
5227906653InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
5227906654IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
5227906655Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
5227906656Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
5227906657Dramatic 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
5227906658Loose 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
5227906659MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
5227906660MetonymyA 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
5227906661MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
5227906662Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
5227906663Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
5227906664Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
5227906665NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
5227906666OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
5227906667OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
5227906668ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
5227906669ParallelismRefers 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
5227906670ParodyA 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
5227906671PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
5227906672Periodic 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
5227906673Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
5227906674First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
5227906675Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
5227906676Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
5227906677Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
5227906678Predicate 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
5227906679Predicate 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
5227906680ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
5227906681RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
5227906682RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
5227906683Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
5227906684ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
5227906685ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
5227906686SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
5227906687SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
5227906688StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
5227906689Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
5227906690Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
5227906691SyllogismFrom 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
5227906692SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
5227906693Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
5227906694Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
5227906695Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
5227906696SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
5227906697ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
5227906698ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
5227906699ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
5227906700TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
5227906701UnderstatementThe 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
5227906702Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
5227906703AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
5227906704Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
5227906705Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
5227906706DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
5227906707Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
5227906708Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
5227906709Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
5227906710Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
5227906711Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
5227906712Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
5227906713Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
5227906714Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
5227906715Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
5227906716HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
5227906717Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
5227906718AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
5227906719HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
5227906720Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
5227906721Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
5227906722DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
5227906723SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
5227906724Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
5227906725Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
5227906726SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
5227906727ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
5227906728ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
5227906729ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
5227906730Chiasmus(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
5227906731Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
5227906732Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
5227906733MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
5227906734ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
5227906735EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
5227906736AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
5227906737EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
5227906738AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
5227906739Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
5227906740ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
5227906741Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
5227906742HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
5227906743AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
5227906744AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
5227906745Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
5227906746Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
5227906747AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
5227906748PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
5227906749ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
5227906750EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
5227906751TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
5227906752PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
5227906753EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
5227906754PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
5227906755Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
5227906756Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
5227906757HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
5227906758PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
5227906759AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
5227906760AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
5227906761ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
5227906762Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
5227906763Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
5227906764ColloquialismA 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
5227906765Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
5227906766Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
5227906767loose (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
5227906768Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
5227906769DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
5227906770Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
5227906771Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
5227906772Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
5227906773EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
5227906774EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
5227906775EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
5227906776Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
5227906777EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
5227906778Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
5227906779Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
5227906780Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
5227906781Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
5227906782FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
5227906783FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
5227906784FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
5227906785Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
5227906786ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
5227906787Frame 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
5227906788HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
5227906789Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
5227906790IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
5227906791ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
5227906792Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
5227906793JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
5227906794LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
5227906795LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
5227906796Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
5227906797Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
5227906798MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
5227906799MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
5227906800MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
5227906801Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
5227906802Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
5227906803Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
5227906804PathosAppeal to emotion178
5227906805LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
5227906806EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
5227906807PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
5227906808PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
5227906809ResolutionAlso 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
5227906810Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
5227906811Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
5227906812Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
5227906813Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
5227906814SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
5227906815StructureArrangement of parts189
5227906816SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
5227906817SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
5227906818Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
5227906819Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
5227906820TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
5227906821Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
5227906822VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
5227906823ArchaismA 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
5227906824Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
5227906825IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
5227906826Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
5227906827Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
5227906828Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
5227906829Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
5227906830Absolute 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
5227906831Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
5227906832Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
5227906833Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
5227906834Submerged 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
5227906835Neoclassical 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
5227906836Implied 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
5227906837undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
5227906838anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212

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