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

AP Language Rhetorical Terms Set 1 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
12257373297abstractRefers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images0
12257373298allusionA 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.1
12257373299analogyA 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.2
12257373300anecdoteis a brief, engaging account of some happening, often historical, biographical, or personal. As a technique in writing, anecdote is especially, effective in creating interesting essay introductions, and also an illuminating abstract concepts in the body of the essay.3
12257373301antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences.4
12257373302antithesisis the balancing of one idea or term against another for emphasis5
12257373303assumptionin 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
12257373304colloquial languageSlang or common language that is informal7
12257373305connotationAn idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning, "shades of meaning"8
12257373306deductive 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

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!