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

AP Literature Terms 3 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
10976608880free versepoetry that does not conform to a regular meter or rhyme scheme0
10976608881hyperbolea figure of speech that uses an incredible exaggeration or overstatement, for effect1
10976608882idioma common expression that has a meaning particular to a language or region2
10976608883imagerytext that creates a mental picture and appeals to the senses3
10976608884ironya discrepancy between appearances and reality4
10976608885verbal ironyoccurs when someone says one thing, but means something else5
10976608886situational ironytakes place when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen or what would be appropriate to happen and what actually happens6
10976608887dramatic ironyso called because it is often used on stage; a character in the play or story thinks one thing is true, but the audience or reader knows better7
10976608888juxtapositionpoetic and rhetorical device in which normally unassociated ideas, words, or phrases are placed next to one another, creating an effect of surprise and wit8
10976608889litotesa deliberate understatement, often expressed negatively9
10976608890lyric poema poem that does not tell a story but expresses the personal feelings or thoughts of the speaker10
10976608891metaphora comparison of 2 unlike things without using "like" or "as"11
10976608892extended metaphormetaphor that is extended or developed as far as the writer wants to take it12
10976608893meterthe pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem13
10976608894metonymyfigure of speech in which a person, place, or thing, is referred to by something closely associated with it14
10976608895monologuea long uninterrupted speech performed by a single character15
10976608896moodan atmosphere created by a writer's diction and the details selected16
10976608897motifa recurring image, word, phrase, action, idea, object, or situation used throughout a work17
10976608898onomatopoeiathe use of words that mimic the sounds they describe18
10976608899oxymoronfigure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase19
10976608900parablerelatively short story that teaches a moral, or lesson about how to lead a good life20
10976608901paradoxa statement that appears self-contradictory, but that reveals a kind of truth21
10976608902parodya work that makes fun of another work by imitating some aspect of the writer's style22
10976608903personificationa figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes23
10976608904plotthe series of related events in a story or play, sometimes called the storyline24
10976608905expositionintroduces characters, situation, setting25
10976608906rising actioncomplications in conflict and situations (may introduce new ones as well)26
10976608907climaxthat point in a plot that creates the greatest intensity, suspense, or interest; also called turning point27
10976608908falling actionevents following the climax in a narrative28
10976608909resolutionthe conclusion of a story, when all or most of the conflicts have been settled; often called the denouement29

AP Literature Terminology 2 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
10911483588Antagonista character or a group of characters which stand in opposition to the protagonist or the main character.0
10911505033Characterizationthe act of creating and developing a character.1
10911531200Deuteragonistthe second most important character, after the protagonist, often a foil or eventual antagonist2
10911590469Dynamic CharacterA character who grows, learns, or changes as a result of the story's action3
10911604482Flat CharacterA character who embodies a single quality and who does not develop in the course of a story4
10911630355FoilA character who acts as a contrast to another character5
10911630356Heroan inspiring character who demonstrates honor and integrity and does noble deeds6
10911633334Hubrisexcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy7
10911633335Protagonistmain character8
10911637925Round CharacterA character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work9
10911640940Static CharacterA character that does not change from the beginning of the story to the end10
10911640941Stock Characterthe stereotyped character in which he is immediately known from typical characters in history11
10911645156Tragic FlawA weakness or limitation of character, resulting in the fall of the tragic hero.12
10911645157Asidea line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage13
10911650960ColloquialCharacteristic of ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing14
10911650961DialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.15
10911650962Dictionword choice16
10911655875Euphemisima mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.17
10911655876Figure of Speecha word or phrase that has a meaning other than the literal meaning.18
10911664203Hyperboleexaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.19

AP Language, Rhetorical Analysis Review Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
13480318265AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.0
13480318267AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.1
13480318268Ambiguity (am-bi-gyoo-i-tee)The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.2
13480318269AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them- can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.3
13480318270Anaphora (uh-naf-er-uh)One of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences. I have a dream that ....I have a dream that ....(Martin Luther King).4
13480318271AnecdoteA short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person5
13480318272Antithesis (an-tih-theh-sis)Figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences.6
13480318273Aphorismphrase that shares a general truth or a moral principle. Ex: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. THINK: Ben Franklin7
13480318274ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love, an address to someone or something that cannot answer.8
13480318275AtmosphereThe 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. Even such elements as description of the weather can contribute to the atmosphere. Frequently atmosphere forshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood.9
13480318276Chiasmus (kahy-az-muhs)a figure of speech in which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse the order of the analogous words.10
13480318277Clausea grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can sand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause.11
13480318279CoherenceA principle demanding that the parts of any composition be arranged so that the meaning of the whole may be immediately clear and intelligible.12
13480318281ConnotationThe nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.13
13480318282DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.14
13480318285Didactic (dahy-dak-tik)From the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles. This is a strong tone word.15
13480318286EnumeratioFigure of amplification in which a subject is divided into constituent parts or details, and may include a listing of causes, effects, problems, solutions, conditions, and consequences; the listing or detailing of the parts of something.16
13480318287Expletive (ek-spli-tiv)Figure of emphasis in which a single word or short phrase, usually interrupting normal speech, is used to lend emphasis to the words on either side of the expletive. Ex: "The strength of America's response, *please understand,* flows from the principles upon which we stand."17
13480318288Euphemism (yoo-fuh-miz-uhm)a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. Ex: "racially charged" instead of "racist"18
13480318289ExpositionThe purpose is to explain or introduce something in an essay or work.19
13480318290Extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.20
13480318291Figurative language- Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.21
13480318292Figure of speechA device used to produce figurate language. Many compare dissimilar things. May include apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, metonymy, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, and understatement. This is an umbrella statement.22
13480318293GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.23
13480318294Homily (hom-uh-lee)This term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.24
13480318295Hyperbole (hahy-pur-buh-lee)A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.25
13480318296HypophoraFigure of reasoning in which one or more questions is/are asked and then answered, often at length, by one and the same speaker; raising and responding to one's own question(s).26
13480318297ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.27
13480318299InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attach using strong, abusive language.28
13480318300Irony/ironicThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant. The difference between what appears to be and what actually is true, is used for many reasons, but frequently, it's used to create poignancy or humor. This is often present in satire.29
13480318301Juxtaposition (juhk-stuh-puh-zish-uhn)When two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.30
13480318302LitotesFrom the Greek word "simple" or "plain." Litotes is a figure of thought in which a point is affirmed by negating its opposite. It is a special form of understatement. Ex: "Not too bad"31
13480318303MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.32
13480318304Metonymy (mi-ton-uh-mee)a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. Example: A news release that claims "the White House declared" rather that "the President declared"33
13480318305MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect the mood. In this usage, mood is *similar* to tone and nearly identical to atmosphere.34
13480318306NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.35
13480318307Onomatopoeia (on-uh-mat-uh-pee-uh)A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur.36
13480318308Oxymoronthe author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness."37
13480318309ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.38
13480318310ParallelismThe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. Parallelism acts as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical rhythm.39
13480318311ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.40
13480318312Pedantic (puh-dan-tik)An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.41
13480318313PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.42
13480318314Polysyndeton (paulee-sin-dih-tawn)Figure of addition and emphasis which intentionally employs a series of conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) not normally found in successive words, phrases or clauses. Ex: "And Joshua, and all of Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had."43
13480318315Proserefers to fiction and non-fiction, including all its forms.44
13480318316RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.45
13480318317RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.46
13480318319Rhetorical Questionnot answered by the writer because its answer is obvious or obviously desired, and usually just a yes or no answer would suffice. It is used for effect, emphasis, or provocation, or for drawing a conclusionary statement from the fact at hand.47
13480318320Sarcasmlanguage that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.48
13480318321SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for (mostly) reform or (less frequently) simply ridicule.49
13480318323Style(1) An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. (2) Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors.50
13480318324Subordinate clauseLike all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb, but unlike the independent clause, cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought.51
13480318326Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else. Usually something concrete - such as object, action, character, or scene - that represents something more abstract.52
13480318327Synecdoche (si-nek-duh-kee)is a type of metaphor in which the part stands for the whole or the whole for a part. Ex: The word "boots" usually refers to soldiers.53
13480318329ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.54
13480318330ThesisThe sentence or a group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.55
13480318332TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas. effectively signals a shift from one idea to another.56
13480318333UnderstatementThe ironic minimizing of fact presents something as less significant than it is.57
13480318337Rhetorical AppealsLogos, Ethos Pathos are the primary ones. Remember, these are established, NOT used.58
13480318338LogosAppealing to reason; presented calmly, logically, step-by-step. They can include references to historical events, experts, and statistics. Tone will often be measured, neutral, logical (but not always).59
13480318339EthosAn appeal to show that the speaker or writer is credible, a person whom we can trust, a good person who knows what he is talking about or who cares about us and knows us.60
13480318340PathosAppeal that tugs at people's feelings; may include emotional diction, imagery, repetition, and figurative language. Might make you laugh or cry. Could also be intended to make you afraid or feel outraged.61
13480318341SyntaxThe arrangement of words and the order of grammatical elements in a sentence or paragraph. Sentence types, sentences lengths -- how the sentence is structured. The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences; similar to diction, but more focused on punctuation, etc.62
13480318346ToneWriter's or speaker's attitude toward a subject, character, or audience. Is it amused? Hostile? Angry? Sad? Reflective? Remember: start with positive/negative/neutral, but NEVER end there.63
13480318347DictionThe writer's or speaker's word choice intended to create a particular impact on the audience.64
13480318349AlliterationThe practice of beginning several consecutive or neighboring words with the same sound. ex) She sells sea shells ...65
13480318352SOAPSToneA strategy for establishing the rhetorical situation of a text. Think of this for your introduction (plus the thesis statement).66
13480318353The first S in SOAPSToneThe speaker or source of the text. What do you know about the speaker? (Relates to ethos)67
13480318354The O in SOAPSToneThe occasion or circumstance of the text. What has happened or is happening? Why has the writer written this NOW? This is the context of the piece.68
13480318355The A in SOAPSToneThe intended audience or recipient of the text. Many texts will have multiple audiences.69
13480318356The P in SOAPSTonethe speaker's purpose for the text; the desired outcome. Ex) Lou Gehrig wants to thank his fans and show them that is remains positive.70
13480318357The second S in SOAPSToneThe subject of the text. This takes the shape of "A [what the text is shaped as] about [a basic topic]"71
13480318358CounterargumentOpposing argument to the one the writer is putting forward. Rather than ignoring the counterargument, the writer will acknowledge it and then crush it with the mighty weight of their pen (and brain).72
13480318359Colloquial LanguageAn informal type of diction that reflects casual, conversational language and often times slang. Examples: "What's up dude" and "y'all" opposed to "How's it going" and "you all"73
13480318361Verbal IronySomeone's spoken meaning is different from the words being used. Closely associated with sarcasm.74
13480318363Logical Fallacy -- GeneralizationAn argument based on unsound logic. Ex) Generalization: Stating that all members of a group are a particular way. This is what the Muslim travel ban is saying about people from these Muslim majority countries. If a generalization is to have validity, it must be supported with facts. How can you prove anything about 1.6 billion Muslims?75
13480318364Logical Fallacy -- BandwagonEveryone is doing it -- so you should do it too! Another argument based on unsound logic. Used in advertising a lot.76
13480318365Logical Fallacy -- Ad HominemAttack on character. Someone who cannot attack someone's ideas, so goes after them personally. Ex) Donald Trump (when he was a candidate) attacked female candidate's appearance stating, "Look at that face." He did not attack her policies.77
13480318366Inclusive and Exclusive LanguageUsing language to include or exclude people. "We're in this together" makes people feel like they are a team. "Those people are a threat" can exclude people and creates divisions between people.78
13480318367Anecdotal EvidenceEvidence that is a personal story.79
13480318368Expert TestimonyAn expert in a field who can support the argument with facts and data.80
13480318369Research findingsEvidence derived from a study.81
13480318370Emotive languageLanguage that is sensational -- designed to get an emotional response from the reader.82

AP World History: Unit 4 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
13744446700Trans-Oceanic Tradeglobal trading system in the Caribbean and the Americans trade networks extended to all corners of Atlantic Ocean0
13744446701Columbian ExchangeAn exchange of goods, ideas and skills from the Old World (Europe, Asia and Africa) to the New World (North and South America) and vice versa.1
13744446702MercantilismAn economic policy under which nations sought to increase their wealth and power by obtaining large amounts of gold and silver and by selling more goods than they bought2
13744446706Joint-stock companiesbusinesses formed by groups of people who jointly make an investment and share in the profits and losses3
13744446717Plantation EconomyThis referred to the inefficient, slave-centered economy of the South where all land was used to grow large amounts of cash crops for export.4
13744446719Encomienda SystemSpaniards received grants of a number of Indians, from whom they could exact "tribute" in the form of gold or labor5
13744446721DevshirmeChristian boys, taken from the Balkan provinces, converted to Islam, and recruited by force to serve the Ottoman government.6
13744446723Daimyo(in feudal Japan) one of the great lords who were vassals of the shogun7
13744446728Commercial RevolutionA dramatic change in the economy of Europe at the end of the Middle Ages. It is characterized by an increase in towns and trade, the use of banks and credit, and the establishment of guilds to regulate quality and price.8
13744446734Divine RightsA belief of kings and monarchs that they have a God-given right to rule and that rebellion against them is a sin.9
13744446736Safavids (Abbas)Gun powder empire (Persians)10
13744446737Mughals (Akbar, Aurangzeb)Gunpowder empire (India)11
13744446741Tokugawa ShogunateUnified daimyo (lords) to keep peace from 1600 to 1867 in Japan12
13744446756Women's Rights in the Ottoman Empirecould own property and retain it after marriage. Could buy, sell, and inherit real estate. Could also testify for themselves in court.13
13744446757Japanese social structurebased on a feudal system that divided people by class and or occupation.14
13744446758social stratificationa system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy15

AP World History Cities Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
14633677139Canton (China)0
14633677140Baghdad1
14633677141Batavia2
14633677142Mecca3
14633677143Malacca4
14633677144Constantinople/Istanbul5
14633677145Cordoba6
14633677146Tours7
14633677147Jerusalem8
14633677148Tenochtitlan9
14633677149Timbuktu10
14633677150Beijing11
14633677151Kilwa12
14633677152Calcutta13
14633677153Jenne14
14633677154Moscow15

Pages

Subscribe to CourseNotes RSS

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!