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

Terms- AP Language and Composition Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4747598271allegoryA literary work in which characters, objects, or actions represent abstractions A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one0
4747599039alliterationIt is a stylistic device in which a number of words, having the same first consonant sound, occur close together in a series.1
4747599040allusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.2
4747599390ambiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.3
4747599391analogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.4
4747599780antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.5
4747600466antithesis(n.) the direct opposite, a sharp contrast6
4747600467aphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author's point7
4747601152apostrophe1. punctuation mark; 2. appeal to someone not present (a figure of speech)8
4747601153atmosphereThe emotional nod 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. Even such elements as a description of the weather can contribute to the atmosphere. Frequently atmosphere foreshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood.9
4747601692caricature(n.) a representation (especially in drawing) in which the subject's characteristic features are deliberately exaggerated; (v.) to present someone or something in a deliberately distorted way10
4747602142clauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. The point that you want to consider is the question of what or why the author subordinates one element should also become aware of making effective use of subordination in your own writing.11
4747602143colloquial(adj.) characteristic of informal conversation (Adam's essay on sexual response in primates was marked down because it contained too many colloquial expressions.)12
4747603036conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.13
4747603037connotationAll the meanings, associations, or emotions that a word suggests14
4747603469denotationThe dictionary definition of a word15
4747603470dictionThe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing16
4747603940dedacticInstructive, preachy, dogmatic intended to teach; inclined to teach excessively17
4747604384euphemismAn indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant A polite or vague word or phrase used to replace another word or phrase that is thought of as too direct or rude.18
4747604385extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work. A comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem.19
4747605035figurative languageLanguage that cannot be taken literally since it was written to create a special effect or feeling.20
4747605036figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Figures of speech include apotrophe hyperbole irony metaphor oxymoron paradox personification simile syneddoche understatement21
4747618668generic conventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, and differentiate an essay they differentiate they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and political writing. On the AP language exam,try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.22
4747622330genreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.However, genre is a flexible term; within these broad boundaries exist many subdivisions that are often called genres themselves. For example, prose can be divided into fiction (novels and short stories) or nonfiction (essays, biographies,autobiographies, etc.). Poetry can be divided into lyric, dramatic, narrative, epic, etc. Drama can be divided into tragedy,comedy, melodrama, farce, etc. On the AP language exam, expect the majority of the passages to be from the following genres: autobiography, biography, diaries, criticism, essays, and journalistic, political, scientific, and nature writing. There may be fiction or poetry.23
4747622331homilyThis term literally means "sermon", but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.24
4747622839hyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor25
4747622840imageryDescription that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) Descriptive or figurative language in a literary work; the use of language to create sensory impressions.26
4747623706inferenceA conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning27
4747625424invectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.28
4747625425ironyA contrast or discrepancy between what is stated and what is really meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually does happen.29
4747625865litotesA figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite.30
4747626307non- periodic sentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea comes first, followed by a dependent grammatical unit such as a phrase or a clause31
4747626308metaphorA comparison that establishes a figurative identity between objects being compared.32
4747627635metonymy(mĕtŏn′ ĭmē) A term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name," metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. For example, a news release that claims "the White House declared" rather than "the President declared" is using metonymy; Shakespeare uses it to signify the male and female sexes in As You Like It: "doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat." The substituted term generally carries a more potent emotional impact.33
4747627636moodFeeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader How the reader feels about the text while reading.34
4747628408narrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.35
4747628409onomatopiathe formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named36
4747629721oxymoronA figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.37
4747629722paradoxA statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.38
4747630508parallelismAlso referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning "beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of believe, it was the epoch of incredulity....") The effects of parallelism are numerous, but frequently they act as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical rhythm. Adapted from V. Stevenson, Patrick Henry High School, and Abrams' Glossary of Literary Terms39
4747630996anaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences. MLK used anaphora in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech (1963). A rhetorical figure of repetition in which the same word or phrase is repeated in (and usually at the beginning of) successive lines, clauses, or sentences.40
4747653539parodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. It exploits peculiarities of an author's expression (propensity to use too many parentheses, certain favorite words, etc.) Well-written parody offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers only ineffectual imitation. nuances of the newer work. Occasionally, however, parodies take on a life of their own and don't require knowledge of the original.41
4747653540pedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.42
4747654179periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a 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 alone. The effect of a periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety. It is also a much stronger sentence than the loose sentence. (Example: After a long, bumpy flight and multiple delays, I arrived at the San Diego airport.)43
4747655340personificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions. Personification is used to make these abstractions, animals, or objects appear more vivid to the reader.44
4747655341point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told45
4747656069prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure. Any material that is not written in a regular meter like poetry46
4747656070repetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.47
4747657558rhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.48
4747658480rhetorical modesThis flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing. The four most common rhetorical modes (often referred to as "modes of discourse") are as follows: (1) The purpose of exposition (or expository writing) is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. The AP language exam essay questions are frequently expository topics. (2) The purpose of argumentation is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, an additional aim of urging some form of action. (3) The purpose of description is to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five senses in description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional an subjective. (4) The purpose of narration is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing. Adapted from V. Stevenson, Patrick Henry High School, and Abrams' Glossary of Literary Terms49
4747661049sarcasmthe use of irony to mock or convey contempt50
4747661050satireA work that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of human behavior by portraying it in an extreme way. It doesn't simply abuse (as in invective) or get personal (as in sarcasm). It targets groups or large concepts rather than individuals.51
4747661051semanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.52
4747662020styleThe consideration of style has two purposes: (1) An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other We can analyze and describe an author's personal style and make judgments on how appropriate it is to the author's purpose. Styles can be called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, laconic, etc. (2) Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors. By means of such classification and comparison, we can see how an author's style reflects and helps to define a historical period, such as the Renaissance or the Victorian period, or a literary movement, such as the romantic, transcendental, or realist movement.53
4747662024subject complementThe word (with any accompanying phrases) or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by either (1) renaming it (the predicate nominative) or (2) describing it (the predicate adjective). These are defined below: (1) the predicate nominative - a noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject. It, like the predicate adjective, follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence. Example: Julia Roberts is a movie star. movie star = predicate nominative, as it renames the subject, Julia Roberts (2) the predicate adjective -- an adjective, a group of adjectives, or adjective clause that follows a linking verb. It is in the predicate of the sentence, and modifies, or describes, the subject. Example: Warren remained optimistic. optimistic = predicate adjective, as it modifies the subject, Warren54
4747663984subordinate clauseA clause in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and that functions within the sentence as a noun or adjective or adverb55
4747667095syllogismA form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.56
4747667445symbolA thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.57
4747667739synecdocheA figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole (as hand for sailor), the whole for a part (as the law for police officer), the specific for the general (as cutthroat for assassin), the general for the specific (as thief for pickpocket), or the material for the thing made from it (as steel for sword).58
4747668553synsthesiaAbnormal condition in which sensory nerve messages connect to the wrong centers of the brain. For example, touching an object may produce the perception of a sound, while hearing a tone may produce the visualization of a color59
4747669230syntaxThe arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.60
4747671494themeA topic of discussion or writing; a major idea broad enough to cover the entire scope of a literary work.61
4747673123thesisIn expository writing, the thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position. Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, effectively, and thoroughly a writer has proven the thesis.62
4747673124toneA writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization on the sentence and global levels.63
4747673771transitionA word or phrase that links one idea to the next and carries the reader from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph64
4747675563understatementA figure of speech in which a writer or speaker says less than what he or she means; the opposite of exaggeration.65
4747675564witin modern usage intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. A witty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speakers verbal power66

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!