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AP Language and Composition Terms Flashcards

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7946543950Ad hominem argumentArgument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, to feeling rather than intellect0
7946543951AllegoryThe 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
7946543952AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
7946543953AllusionA 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
7946543954AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
7946543955AnalogyA 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
7946543956AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.6
7946543957AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle; a memorable summation of the author's point7
7946543958ApostropheA 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
7946543959AtmosphereThe 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
7946543960ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.10
7946543961ColloquialThe use of slang or in formalities in speech or writing. Gives work a conversational, familiar tone. Often used to express regional or local dialects11
7946543962ConceitA 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
7946543963ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning13
7946543964DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
7946543965DictionRelated to style, refers to the writer's word choice15
7946543966DidacticMeaning "teaching", it has the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
7946543967EuphemismA 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
7946543968Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
7946543969Figurative languageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
7946543970Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language, Many compare dissimilar things20
7946543971Generic 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
7946543972GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry , and drama22
7946543973HomilyThis term literally means "sermon" but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
7946543974HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis24
7946543975ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, uses terms related to the five senses25
7946543976InferenceTo draw reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
7946543977InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
7946543978IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true28
7946543979Verbal ironyThe words literally state the opposite of the writers or speakers true meaning29
7946543980Situational ironyEvents turn out the opposite of what was expected30
7946543981Dramatic 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
7946543982Loose 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
7946543983MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other33
7946543984MetonymyA 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
7946543985MoodThe overall feel of the writing (created by writer; determined by reader)35
7946543986Indicative moodused only for factual sentences "Joe eats too quickly"36
7946543987Subjunctive moodUsed for a doubtful or conditional attitude "If I were you, I would get another job."37
7946543988Imperative moodUsed for commands "Shut the door!"38
7946543989NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events39
7946543990OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words40
7946543991OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish" a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Example: Jumbo Shrimp41
7946543992ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity42
7946543993ParallelismRefers 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
7946543994ParodyA 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
7946543995PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish45
7946543996Periodic 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
7946543997Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told47
7946543998First-person narratorTells the story with the first-person pronoun "I" and is a character in the story.48
7946543999Third person narratorRelates the events with the third person pronouns, "he, she it"49
7946544000Third person omniscientthe narrator, with god-like knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters50
7946544001Third person limited omniscientPresents the feelings and thoughts of only the actions of all remaining characters51
7946544002Predicate 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
7946544003Predicate 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
7946544004ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech54
7946544005RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate of any element of language55
7946544006RhetoricFrom the Greek "orator" describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively56
7946544007Rhetorical modesDescribes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing57
7946544008ExpositionTo explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion58
7946544009ArgumentationTo prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning59
7946544010SarcasmBitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something60
7946544011SatireA work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions or conventions for reform or ridicule61
7946544012StyleAn author's sum of choices that he or she makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices62
7946544013Subject complementThe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by renaming it or describing it63
7946544014Subordinate clauseContains a subject and a verb but can not stand alone64
7946544015SyllogismFrom 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
7946544016SymbolAnything that represents or stands for something else66
7946544017Natural symbolsUse objects and occurrences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them I.e. Dawn and new beginnings67
7946544018Conventional symbolsThose that have been invested with meaning by a group i.e. Star of David68
7946544019Literary symbolsThey are found in a variety of literature and are generally recognized i.e. whale in Moby Dick69
7946544020SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences70
7946544021ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life71
7946544022ThesisStatement that is a sentence that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or preposition72
7946544023ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his or her material or the audience73
7946544024TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas74
7946544025UnderstatementThe 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
7946544026Witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights76
7946544027AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing (related to tone)77
7946544028Concrete detailA non abstract detail asked on essay portion78
7946544029Descriptive detailDetail appealing to the visual sense of the reader79
7946544030DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect80
7946544031Languagehow the elements of this combine to form a whole (diction, syntax, figurative language, etc)81
7946544032Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial time82
7946544033Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the story, especially the order of events and their detail83
7946544034Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations hint at this. Words that intensify the emotional effect84
7946544035Persuasive essayAn essay that leads to appeal to the audience's emotion or ethical standards to make them feel or support the author's position85
7946544036Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer such as diction, syntax, sentence structure, etc86
7946544037Rhetorical featuresRefers to how a passage is constructed. Look at the passage's organization and how the writer combines images, details, or arguments87
7946544038Sentence structureThe type of sentences the author uses; the simple, compound, complex types of this88
7946544039Bathosthe sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style; insincere or overdone pathos89
7946544040HyperboleA non-literal exaggeration to emphasize something.90
7946544041Litotes(Similar to understatement) Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition.91
7946544042AntithesisA structure that places contrasting ideas next to each other.92
7946544043HypophoraAsking a question, then answering it too.93
7946544044Rhetorical QuestionA question that is asked to create an effect, not really to be answered.94
7946544045Procatalepsis(Form of hypophora) Eliminates an objection without asking any questions.95
7946544046DistinctioGiving the definition of a word so that the word isn't taken the wrong way.96
7946544047SimileA figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two thing somewhat alike.97
7946544048Metaphor(Similar to simile) Speaking of something as though it were another.98
7946544049Eponym(Similar to allusion) Linking the attributes of a well known person to another person.99
7946544050SententiaA quotation or wise saying. Can be a quote from a person.100
7946544051ExemplumProviding the reader with an example to illustrate what the author means. Fictional examples need to be hypothetical.101
7946544052ClimaxOrganizing ideas in writing from least to most important.102
7946544053ParallelismStructuring multiple sentences, generally the same way, to link them all.103
7946544054Chiasmus(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
7946544055Anadiplosis(Form of repetition) Repeating the last word of a phrase or sentence near the beginning of the next.105
7946544056Conduplicatio(Form of repetition) Take an important word in the previous sentence or phrase and repeats it at the beginning of the next.106
7946544057MetabasisA summary of a previous body of work that allows the reader to move on to a new point.107
7946544058ParenthesisA device that is used to insert additional information into the main body of the writing.Equivalent to the spoken aside.108
7946544059EnumeratioA list of details about something that is supplied.109
7946544060AntanagogeMaking negative things seem not as bad so the reader doesn't feel as strongly about them.110
7946544061EpithetAdding a descriptive adjective to a noun to evoke an idea or emotion.111
7946544062AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions in lists or between phrases, words, or clauses.112
7946544063Polysyndeton(The stylistic Opposite of asyndeton) Deliberate use of conjunctions.113
7946544064ZeugmaLinking unexpected items together by a shared word.114
7946544065Synecdoche(Similar to metonymy) Using part of something to refer to another thing as a larger whole.115
7946544066HyperbatonPurposely arranging words in an unexpected order.116
7946544067AporiaUsed to express doubt about an idea.117
7946544068AnaphoraThe use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each phrase or sentence.118
7946544069Epistrophe(Similar to anaphora) The use of the same word or phrase at the end of each phrase or sentence.119
7946544070Symploce(Form of parallelism) A combination of using a word or phrase repeatedly at the beginning or end of a phrase or sentence.120
7946544071AmplificationRepeating something just said but adding more detail to it.121
7946544072PersonificationGiving human-like traits to something not human.122
7946544073ParataxisA series of clauses without conjunctions.123
7946544074EnthymemeAn abbreviated, informal structured argument with a major and minor premises, both assumed true, making the audience assume the conclusion is also true.124
7946544075TropeA figure of speech in which words are used in a way that changes their meanings.125
7946544076PolemicAn attack during an argument that hits the opposing point of view.126
7946544077EquivocationA fallacy that uses a word with two meanings but concludes the word to have only one meaning.127
7946544078PhronesisEffects Ethos in making it seem the speaker has the wisdom to judge right from wrong.128
7946544079Red HerringA remark that distracts or sidetracks from the original subject of argument.129
7946544080Straw ManA fallacy that attacks the weaker side of the argument and not the issue at hand.130
7946544081HortatorySpeech or writing that urges or commands the audience to do something.131
7946544082PersonaA voice or mask that is used with acting or speaking that the person uses for a particular reason.132
7946544083AbsoluteA word free from limitations or qualifications133
7946544084AdageA familiar proverb or wise saying134
7946544085ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that appears frequently in literature and is thought to appeal in a universal way135
7946544086Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast136
7946544087Cliche'An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off137
7946544088ColloquialismA 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
7946544089Complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause139
7946544090Compound sentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.140
7946544091loose (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
7946544092Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement or declaration142
7946544093DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.143
7946544094Dilemmaa difficult or perplexing situation or problem requiring a person to decide between two equally attractive or unattractive alternatives144
7946544095Dissonanceharsh, inharmonious sounds145
7946544096Elegya sorrowful formal poem or speech about death or another solemn theme146
7946544097EllipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.147
7946544098EpicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society148
7946544099EpigramA brief witty poem, often satirical.149
7946544100Epigrapha saying or statement on a title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work150
7946544101EpiphanyA moment of sudden revelation or insight151
7946544102Epitapha brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone152
7946544103Eulogya speech honoring the dead153
7946544104Exclamatory sentenceA sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark154
7946544105Expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; often a profanity155
7946544106FableA brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters156
7946544107FantasyA story including elements that are impossible or make-believe.157
7946544108FlashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events158
7946544109Flat characterA character who is not well-developed, but rather one-dimensional ; he/she has only one or two personality traits159
7946544110ForeshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.160
7946544111Frame 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
7946544112HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy162
7946544113Hypothetical questiona question that asks how a respondent might react in a given situation163
7946544114IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.164
7946544115ImplicationA suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.165
7946544116Jargonspecialized technical terminology; a characteristic language of a particular group166
7946544117JuxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts167
7946544118LegendA narrative story about mythical or supernatural beings or events handed down from the past168
7946544119LimerickA five line poem in which lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.169
7946544120Literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect170
7946544121Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar171
7946544122MaximA concise statement, often offering advice; an adage172
7946544123MotifA recurring element, such as an image, theme, or type of incident.173
7946544124MotivationA character's incentive or reason for behaving in a certain manner; that which impels a character to act174
7946544125Mytha traditional story where supernatural characters and events are used to explain a natural event175
7946544126Non sequiturAn argument where claim, reasons and warrants don't connect logically, and one point doesn't follow another.176
7946544127Parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain177
7946544128PathosAppeal to emotion178
7946544129LogosAppeal to logic; facts179
7946544130EthosAppeal to ethics; credibility180
7946544131PhilippicA bitter verbal attack181
7946544132PunPlay on words; achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings182
7946544133ResolutionAlso 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
7946544134Round characterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work184
7946544135Romantic19th century artistic movement that appealed to emotion rather than reason185
7946544136Scapegoata person or thing carrying the blame for others186
7946544137Simple sentenceA sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause187
7946544138SolecismNonstandard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules188
7946544139StructureArrangement of parts189
7946544140SurrealismAn artistic movement that displayed vivid dream worlds and fantastic unreal images190
7946544141SyllepsisA construction in which one word is used in two different senses ("After he threw the ball, he threw a fit.")191
7946544142Synesthesiadescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")192
7946544143Tautologyneedless repetition using different but equivalent words; a redundancy (ex: widow woman, free gift)193
7946544144TrilogyA group of three literary or musical works that have a related theme194
7946544145Tritecommonplace; overused, stale195
7946544146VernacularEveryday language used in a country or region.196
7946544147ArchaismA 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
7946544148Authorial intrusionliterary device wherein the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.198
7946544149IdyllA scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature199
7946544150Socratic ironysomeone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of someone else.200
7946544151Ironic overstatementwhen a person exaggerates the character of something.201
7946544152Ironic understatementwhen a person undermines the character of something.202
7946544153Melodramaa play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action203
7946544154Absolute 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
7946544155Active metaphorone which is relatively new and has not become part of everyday linguistic usage. The audience knows that a metaphor has been used.205
7946544156Dead metaphormetaphors that normally go unnoticed or that are cliché206
7946544157Mixed metaphora metaphor that combines different images or ideas in a way that is foolish or illogical207
7946544158Submerged 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
7946544159Neoclassical 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
7946544160Implied 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
7946544161undertonean attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under the surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones211
7946544162anecdotea short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event.212
7946552025coherencea principle demanding parts of any composition to be arranged so that the meaning may be immideately clear and intelligible.213
7946562024unreliable narratoran untrustworthy commentator on events and characters in a story214

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