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

AP Language Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9896324997Monosyllabicone syllable in length0
9896329613polysyllabicmore than one syllable1
9896331802colloquialslang2
9896331803informalconversational3
9896335867formalliterary4
9896354970connotativesymbolic5
9896358194euphoniouspleasant sounding6
9896363356cacophonousharsh sounds7
9896366625artificialfalse8
9896366626bombastichigh sounding,pompous9
9896374647colloquialvernacular(slang)10
9896377442concreteactual,specific,particular11
9896383399culturedcultivated,redefined,finished12
9896393454detachedcut-off,removed,seperated13
9896400947emotionalexpressive14
9896405367esotericunderstood by a chosen few15
9896409283euphemisticinsincere,affected16
9896412874exactverbatim17
9896415432figurativeserving as illustration18
9896419666grotesquehideous19
9896427251homespunfolsky20
9896430393idiomaticpeculiar21
9896435918insipiduninteresting,tame,dull22
9896439270jargonvocabulary for a profession23

AP Language and Composition Terms. Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4742003055AlliterationThe repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of consecutive words or syllables. Ex: Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers.0
4742004571AllusionAn indirect reference, often to another text or an historic event. Ex: Ellen acted she's the Helen of Troy.1
4742004988AnalogyAn extended comparison between two seemingly dissimilar things. Ex: Life is like a box of chocolate2
4742006241AnaphoraRepetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses. Ex: I want money right now, right here, all right?3
4742009825AnecdoteA short account of an interesting event Ex:4
4742029025AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text. Ex: Student taking notes on examples from5
4742029389AntecedentThe noun to which a later pronoun refers. Ex: John plays the guitar in the park. Everyone goes there to listen.6
4742030467AntimetaboleRepetition of words in an inverted order to sharpen a contrast Ex: "Eat to live, not live to eat,"-Socrates7
4742176005AntithesisParallel structure that juxtaposes contrasting ideas Ex: You are easy on the eye but hard on the heart.8
4752619077AphorismA short, astute statement of a general truth Ex: "Youth is blunder, manhood a struggle, old age regret"- Benjamin Disraeli9
4752680165AppositiveA word or phrase that renames a nearby noun or pronoun. Ex: The insect, a cockroach, crawls around the kitchen.10
4752681711Archaic dictionThe use of words common to an earlier time period; antiquated language. Ex: hath, thy, thee, etc.11
4752686053ArgumentA statement put forth and supported by evidence. Ex:Milk is beneficial to children. It gives them vitamins that helps there bone.12
4752686054Aristotelian triangleA diagram that represents a rhetorical situation as the relationship among the speaker, the subject, and the audience (see rhetorical triangle).13
4752687276AssertionAn emphatic statement; declaration. An assertion supported by evidence becomes an argument. Ex: I understand you're busy, and me too but it is difficult to finish this project on my own. So I want you to help me completing this project.14
4752687872AssumptionA belief or statement taken for granted without proof Ex: The earth is flat.15
4752689428AsyndetonLeaving out conjunctions between words, phrases, clauses. Ex: "without looking, without making a sound, without talking"(Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles)16
4752690321Attitude-The speaker's position on a subject as revealed through his or her tone17
4752690322AudienceOne's listener or readership18
4752740980AuthorityA reliable, respected source—someone with knowledge.19
4752740981BiasPrejudice or predisposition toward one side of a subject or issue Ex: If a person loves sports they tend to be more biased on what they sports they play.20
4752742640CiteIdentifying a part of a piece of writing as being derived from a source.21
4752746975ClaimAn assertion, usually supported by evidence22
4752747958Close readingA careful reading that is attentive to organization, figurative language,sentence structure, vocabulary, and other literary and structural elements of a text23
4752749264Colloquial/ismAn informal or conversational use of language.24
4752749773Common groundShared beliefs, values, or positions.25
4752750355Complex sentenceA sentence that includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Ex: I burned the dinner but not the cake.26
4752750866ConcessionA reluctant acknowledgment or yielding.27
4752752058ConnotationThat which is implied by a word, as opposed to the word's literal meaning. Ex: Home means to feel safe, comfort, and family28
4752752622ContextWords, events, or circumstances that help determine meaning. Ex: He met an obstruction on the way. The rocks and boulder blocked his path.29
4752812827CoordinationGrammatical equivalence between parts of a sentence, often through a coordinating conjunction such as and, or but.30
4752813280CounterargumentA challenge to a position; an opposing argument. Cumulative sentence An independent clause followed by subordinate clauses or phrases that supply additional detail.31
4753550056Cumulative sentenceAn independent clause followed by subordinate clauses or phrases that supply additional detail.32
4752814783Declarative sentenceAn independent clause followed by subordinate clauses or phrases that supply additional detail.33
4752815874DeductionReasoning from general to specific.34
4752817964DenotationThe literal meaning of a word; its dictionary definition. Ex: Home is a place where you can stay35
4752822658DictionWord choice.36
4752834324DocumentationBibliographic information about the sources used in a piece of writing.37
4752835865ElegiacMournful over what has passed or been lost; often used to describe tone.38
4752836339EpigramA brief witty statement. Ex: "Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind."(John F. Kennedy)39
4752837357EthosA Greek term referring to the character of a person; one of Aristotle's three rhetorical appeals (see logos and pathos). Ex: Using professional athletes to endorse a product.40
4752838636Figurative languageThe use of tropes or figures of speech; going beyond literal meaning to achieve literary effect Ex: Metaphors, simile, hyperbole, etc.41
4752841100Figure of speechAn expression that strives for literary effect rather than conveying a literal meaning. Ex: Silly sells shells.42
4752842291HyperboleExaggeration for the purpose of emphasis. Ex: Your house looks like a tornado went over it.43
4752844289ImageryVivid use of language that evokes a reader's senses (sight, smell, taste,touch, hearing). Ex: The small loaf of banana bread tasted sweet and smelled great.44
4752844808Imperative sentenceA sentence that requests or commands. Ex: You must run now.45
4752845375InductionReasoning from specific to general.46
4752850158InversionA sentence in which the verb precedes the subject.47
4752850580IronyA contradiction between what is said and what is meant; incongruity between action and result.48
4752883245JuxtapositionPlacement of two things side by side for emphasis49
4752885296LogosA Greek term that means "word"; an appeal to logic; one of Aristotle's three rhetorical appeals (see ethos and pathos) Ex: Telephone companies used facts to show that they're better than the other.50
4752919661MetaphorA figure of speech or trope through which one thing is spoken of as though it were something else, thus making an implicit comparison. Ex: Dave is a bear when it comes to eating.51
4752926391MetonymyUse of an aspect of something to represent the whole52
4752927184OccasionAn aspect of context; the cause or reason for writing.53
4752930091OxymoronA figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms.54
4752930611ParadoxA statement that seems contradictory but is actually true.55
4752931575ParallelismThe repetition of similar grammatical or syntactical patterns.56
4752933314ParodyA piece that imitates and exaggerates the prominent features of another; used for comic effect or ridicule.57
4752934018PathosA Greek term that refers to suffering but has come to be associated with broader appeals to emotion; one of Aristotle's three rhetorical appeals (see ethos and logos). Ex: Using dogs abandoned to donate to their cause.58
4752934909PersonaThe speaker, voice, or character assumed by the author of a piece of writing.59
4752940148PersonificationAssigning lifelike characteristics to inanimate objects. Ex: The house look at him with pleasure.60
4752954156PolemicAn argument against an idea, usually regarding philosophy, politics, or religion. Ex: Any type of religion is stupid since there's not a lot of evidence of a god.61
4753426569PolysyndetonThe deliberate use of a series of conjunctions.62
4753428489Premise: major, minorTwo parts of a syllogism. The concluding sentence of asyllogism takes its predicate from the major premise and its subject from the minor premise63
4753431808Major PremiseAll mammals are warm-blooded64
4753434219Minor PremiseHorses are warm-blooded.65
4753538683conlusionAll horses are warm-blooded66
4753447880PropagandaA negative term for writing designed to sway opinion rather than present information.67
4753448711PurposeOne's intention or objective in a speech or piece of writing. Ex: The Declaration of Independence purpose was to declare independence from Britain.68
4753451028RefuteTo discredit an argument, particularly a counterargument.69
4753452185RhetoricThe study of effective, persuasive language use; according to Aristotle,use of the "available means of persuasion."70
4753452839Rhetorical modes:Patterns of organization developed to achieve a specific purpose; modes include but are not limited to narration, description, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, definition, exemplification, classification and division, process analysis, and argumentation.71
4753452840Rhetorical questionA question asked more to produce an effect than to summon an answer.72
4753458297Rhetorical triangleA diagram that represents a rhetorical situation as the relationship among the speaker, the subject, and the audience (see Aristotelian triangle).73
4753502704SatireAn ironic, sarcastic or witty composition that claims to argue for something, but actually argues against it74
4753504226SchemeA pattern of words or sentence construction used for rhetorical effect75
4753504995Sentence patternsThe arrangement of independent and dependent clauses into known sentence constructions - such as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex.76
4753505417Sentence varietyUsing a variety of sentence patterns to create a desired effect77
4753505859SimileA figure of speech that uses "like" or "as" to compare two things. Ex: She ran as fast as a cheetah.78
4753507156Simple sentenceA statement containing a subject and predicate; an independent clause.79
4753508006SourceA book, article, person or other resource consulted for information80
4753508717SpeakerA term used for the author, speaker, or the person whose perspective (real or imagined) is being advanced in a speech or piece of writing81
4753509888Straw manA logical fallacy that involves the creation of an easily refutable position; misrepresenting, then attacking an opponent's position82
4753511595StyleThe distinctive quality if speech or writing created by the selection and arrangement of words and figures of speech83
4753512082SubjectIn rhetoric, the topic addressed in a piece of writing84
4753512693Subordinate clauseCreated b a subordinating conjunction, a clause that modifies an independent clause85
4753513235SubordinationThe dependence of one syntactical element on another in a sentence86
4753514131SyllogismA form of deductive reasoning in which the conclusion is supported by a major and minor premise. (see premise; major, and minor)87
4753515034SyntaxSentence structure.88
4753515884SynthesizeCombining or bringing together two or more elements to produce something more complex89
4753516381ThesisThe central idea in a work to which all parts of the work refer90
4753517370Thesis statementA statement of the central idea in a work, may be explicit or implicit.91
4753522530ToneThe speaker's attitude toward the subject or audience92
4753524198Topic sentenceA sentence, most often appearing at the beginning of a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's idea and often unites it with the work's thesis93
4753529151TropeArtful diction; the use of language in a non-literal way; also called figure of speech94
4753529874UnderstatementLack of emphasis in a statement or point; restrain in language often used for ironic effect95
4753530170VoiceIn grammar, a term for the relationship between a verb and a noun (active or passive voice). In rhetoric, a distinctive quality in the style and tone of writing.96
4753532572ZeugmaA construction in which one word (usually a verb) modifies or governs- often in different, sometimes in congruent ways- two or more words in a sentence97

AP Language Terms: Genre Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8473944204AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to its literal meaning - a story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities (such as hope or freedom). The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence - Thus an allegory is a story with two meanings, a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning.0
8473969051Anecdotebrief story, told to illustrate a point or serve as an example of something, often shows character of an individual. Found to be humorous, yet insightful.1
8473977661Aphorisma brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life, or of a principle or accepted general truth. A term used to describe a principle expressed tersely in a few telling words or any general truth conveyed in a short and pithy sentence, in such a way that when once heard it is unlikely to pass from memory. (Also called maxim, epigram).2
8473993743Canoncomprises those novels, stories, films, etc., that are considered to be genuine or officially sanctioned, and those events, characters, settings, etc., that are considered to have existence within the fictional universe.3
8474006356Comedyin general, a story that ends with a happy resolution of the conflicts face by the main character or characters.4
8474011840Eulogyis great praise or commendation, a laudatory speech, often about someone who has died.5
8474015056Epica long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society or culture.6
8474021594Essaya short piece of nonfiction prose in which the writer discusses some aspect of a subject.7
8474026267Fablea very short story told in prose or poetry that teaches a practical lesson about how to succeed in life.8
8474030005Farcea type of comedy in which ridiculous and often stereotyped characters are involved in silly, far-fetched situations.9
8474035325Parablea relatively short story that teaches a moral, or lesson about how to lead a good life.10
8474037823Parodya work that makes fun of another word by imitating some aspect of the writer's style. In contemporary usage, a parody is a work that imitates another work in order to ridicule, ironically comment on, or poke some affectionate fun at the work itself, the subject of the work, the author or fictional voice of the parody, or another subject. (might also be called a spoof)11
8474057253Romancein general, a story in which an idealized hero or heroine undertakes a quest and is successful.12
8474063762Satirea type of writing that ridicules the shortcomings of people or institutions in an attempt to bring about a change.13
8474068800Tall talean outrageously exaggerated, humorous story that is obviously unbelievable.14

Ap language Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9966274773Ayndeton ExampleI came, I saw, I conquered0
9966274774polysyndeton exampleThey read and studied and wrote and drilled. I laughed and played and talked and flunked.1
9966274775loose sentence exampleI went to the movies yesterday, bought candy, and shopped at the mall.2
9966274776chiasmus exampleIn peace SONS bury their FATHERS, but in war FATHERS bury their SONS.3
9966274777SynechdocheUses a part to explain a whole or a whole to explain a part. ex. Lend me an ear.4
9966274778metonymy example"The White House declared..." rather than "The President declared..."5
9966274779antithesis example"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"6
9966274780Ad hominenargument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position7
9966274781inductive reasoninga sequence of thought that moves from specific facts to a general conclusion8
9966274782deductive reasoningThe process of using logic to draw conclusions9
9966274783Understatementthe presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.10
9966274784Asyndeton exampleI came, I saw, I conquered11
9966274785anaphora exampleMy life is my purpose. My life is my goal. My life is my inspiration.12

AP Language Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
10167881568Cumulative (Loose) Sentencebegins with a main clause that is followed by phrases and/or clauses that modify the main clause. These phrases or clauses add information to the main or independent clause.0
10167881569Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
10167881570Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
10167881571Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
10167881572Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
10167881573Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
10167881574Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
10167881575Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
10167881576SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
10167881577Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
10167881578Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
10167881579Inductiona logical process wherein you reason from particulars to universal, using specific cases in order to draw a conclusion, which is also called a generalization.11
10167881580Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
10167881581Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
10167881582Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
10167881583Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
10167881584Similea figure of speech used to explain or clarify an idea by comparing it explicitly to something else, using words like, as, or as though.16
10167881585Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
10167881586Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
10167881587Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
10167881588Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
10167881589Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
10167881590Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
10167881591Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
10167881592Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
10167881593Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
10167881594Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
10167881595Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
10167881596Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
10167881597Rhetorical QuestionFigure of speech in the form of a question posed for the rhetorical effect rather than for the purpose of getting an answer. Ex.) Are you stupid?29
10167881598Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
10167881599RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
10167881600Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
10167881601Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
10167881602Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
10167881603Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
10167881604Modes of DisclosureExposition- illustrates a point Narration- tells a story Description- creates a sensory image Argumentation- takes a position on an issue and defends it.36
10167881605Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
10167881606Contrast/ Comparisona method of presenting similarities and differences between or among at least two persons, places, things, ideas, etc. may be organized by: Subject by subject Point by point Combination38
10167881607Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
10167881608Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
10167881609Processsimply "how to" do something is done. It can have one of two purposes. It can either give instructions or inform the reader about how something is done.41
10167881610Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
10167881611Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
10167881612Descriptionwriting that appeals to the senses. It can be objective, which is scientific or clinical, or it can be impressionistic, which tries to involve the reader's emotions or feelings.44
10167881613Dogmatism`a fallacy of argument in which a claim is supported on the grounds that it's the only conclusion acceptable within a given community.45
10167881614False Dilemma or Dichotomya fallacy of argument in which a complicated issue is misrepresented as offering only two possible alternatives, one of which is often made to seem vastly preferable to the other.46
10167881615False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
10167881616Faulty causalitya fallacy of argument making the unwarranted assumption that because one event follows another, the first event causes the second. Also called post hoc, ergo propter hoc, this forms the basis of many superstitions.48
10167881617Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
10167881618Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
10167881642AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. A story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.51
10167881643AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
10167881644AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
10167881645AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
10167881646AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
10167881647AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
10167881648Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
10167881649AphorismA 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.)58
10167881650ApostropheA prayer like figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer.59
10167881651AtmosphereThe 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.60
10167881652Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
10167881653ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
10167881654Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
10167881655Literary ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects; displays intellectual cleverness through unusual comparisons that make good sense64
10167881656ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
10167881657DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
10167881658DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
10167881659DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
10167881660EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
10167881661Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
10167881662Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
10167881663Figure 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 understatement72
10167881664GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
10167881665HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
10167881666HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
10167881667ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
10167881668Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
10167881669Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
10167881670Irony/ironicThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.79
10167881671Loose sentence/non-periodic sentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses.80
10167881672MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
10167881673MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
10167881674MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
10167881675NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
10167881676onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
10167881677OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
10167881678ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
10167881679Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
10167881680ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
10167881681PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish (language that might be described as "show-offy"; using big words for the sake of using big words).90
10167881682Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
10167881683PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
10167881684Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
10167881685Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
10167881686RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
10167881687RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
10167881688SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
10167881689SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
10167881690Subordinate clauseLike all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but unlike the independent clause, this clause cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought.99
10167881691SyllogismA deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the first one called "major" and the second called "minor") that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.100
10167881692Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
10167881693SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
10167881694ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
10167881695ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
10167881696ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
10167881697TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas. Used especially, although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, effectively signal a shift from one idea to another.106
10167881698Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
10167881699Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
10167881700Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
10167881701straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
10167881702EthosAn appeal to credibility. The writer is seeking to convince you that he or she has the background, history, skills, and/or expertise to speak on the issue.111
10167881703JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
10167881704LogosAn appeal to reason.113
10167881705PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
10167881706Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
10167881707SimileA critical figure of speech in an argument when what is unknown is compared to something that is known using the word "like," "as," or "than" in order to better perceive its importance.116
10167881708rhetorical appealthe persuasive devices by which a writer tries to sway an audience's attention and response to any given work. See logos, ethos, and pathos.117
10167881709descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
10167881710devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
10167881711narrative devicesThis term describes the tools of the storyteller (also used in nonfiction), such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial or appropriate moment when revealing it creates a desired effect. On the essay portion of the exam, this term may also apply to biographical and autobiographical writing.120
10167881712narrative techniquesThe style of telling the "story," even if the passage is nonfiction. Concentrate on the order of events and on their detail in evaluating a writer's technique.121
10167881713Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
10167881714AnaphoraFigure of repetition that occurs when the first word or set of words in one sentence, clause, or phrase is/are repeated at or very near the beginning of successive sentences, clauses, or phrases; repetition of the initial words over successive phrases or clauses123
10167881715AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
10167881716Appeal to authorityA fallacy in which a speaker or writer seeks to persuade not by giving evidence but by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or institution.125
10167881717Argumentationone of the four forms of discourse which uses logic, ethics, and emotional appeals (logos, ethos, pathos) to develop an effective means to convince the reader to think or act in a certain way.126
10167881718AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
10167881719AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
10167881720toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
10167881721Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast130
10167881722Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.131
10167881619understatement"I have to have this operation. It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain." Holden Caulfield, Catcher in the Rye132
10167881620parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy133
10167881621allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.134
10167881622hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"135
10167881623aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."136
10167881624metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I137
10167881625invective"I cannot but conclude the bulk of your natives to be the most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth." Jonathan Swift Gulliver's Travels138
10167881626antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"139
10167881627euphemism"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs." William Shakespeare Othello140
10167881628periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.141
10167881629paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi142
10167881630alliteration"His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead."143
10167881631chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"144
10167881632oxymoron"Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. / Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, / That I shall say good night till it be morrow."145
10167881633personification"Pearl Button swung on the little gate in front of the House of Boxes. It was the early afternoon of a sunshiny day with little winds playing hide-and-seek in it."146
10167881634onomatopoeia"He saw nothing and heard nothing but he could feel his heart pounding and then he heard the clack on stone and the leaping, dropping clicks of a small rock falling."147
10167881635inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."148
10167881636spatial description"In my pantry, coffee, tea powder, and sugar have been kept in the top shelf. Flour, canned food, and dry pasta are on the second shelf."149
10167881637synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa, as in Cleveland won by six runs (meaning "Cleveland's baseball team").150
10167881638zeugmaa figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses (e.g., John and his license expired last week ) or to two others of which it semantically suits only one (e.g., with weeping eyes and hearts ).151
10167881639kairosRefers to the "timeliness" of an argument. Often, for an ad or an argument to be successful, it needs appropriate tone and structure and come at the right time.152
10167881640decorumetiquette; behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety.153
10167881641audiencethe assembled spectators or listeners at a public event, such as a play, movie, concert, or meeting.154

AP English Language and Composition Exam: 101 Key Terms Flashcards

This list includes some of the most common academic vocabulary on the AP Lang Exam.

Terms : Hide Images
6200122355Ad HominemAn argument based on the failings of an adversary rather than on the merits of the case; a logical fallacy that involves a personal attack.0
6200122356AdjectiveThe part of speech (or word class) that modifies a noun or a pronoun.1
6200122357AdverbThe part of speech (or word class) that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb.2
6200122358AllegoryExtending a metaphor so that objects, persons, and actions in a text are equated with meanings that lie outside the text.3
6200122359AlliterationThe repetition of an initial consonant sound.4
6200122360AllusionA brief, usually indirect reference to a person, place, or event--real or fictional.5
6200122361AmbiguityThe presence of two or more possible meanings in any passage.6
6200122362AnalogyReasoning or arguing from parallel cases.7
6200122363AnaphoraThe repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses.8
6200122364AntecedentThe noun or noun phrase referred to by a pronoun.9
6200122365AntithesisThe juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.10
6200122366Aphorism(1) A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion. (2) A brief statement of a principle.11
6200122367ApostropheA rhetorical term for breaking off discourse to address some absent person or thing.12
6200122368Appeal to AuthorityA fallacy in which a speaker or writer seeks to persuade not by giving evidence but by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or institution.13
6200122369Appeal to IgnoranceA fallacy that uses an opponent's inability to disprove a conclusion as proof of the conclusion's correctness.14
6200122370ArgumentA course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood.15
6200122371AssonanceThe identity or similarity in sound between internal vowels in neighboring words.16
6200122372AsyndetonThe omission of conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses (opposite of polysyndeton).17
6200122373CharacterAn individual (usually a person) in a narrative (usually a work of fiction or creative nonfiction).18
6200122374ChiasmusA verbal pattern in which the second half of an expression is balanced against the first but with the parts reversed.19
6200122375Circular ArgumentAn argument that commits the logical fallacy of assuming what it is attempting to prove.20
6200122376ClaimAn arguable statement, which may be a claim of fact, value, or policy.21
6200122377ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a predicate.22
6200122378ClimaxMounting by degrees through words or sentences of increasing weight and in parallel construction with an emphasis on the high point or culmination of a series of events.23
6200122379ColloquialCharacteristic of writing that seeks the effect of informal spoken language as distinct from formal or literary English.24
6200122380ComparisonA rhetorical strategy in which a writer examines similarities and/or differences between two people, places, ideas, or objects.25
6200122381ComplementA word or word group that completes the predicate in a sentence.26
6200122382ConcessionAn argumentative strategy by which a speaker or writer acknowledges the validity of an opponent's point.27
6200122383ConfirmationThe main part of a text in which logical arguments in support of a position are elaborated.28
6200122384ConjunctionThe part of speech (or word class) that serves to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.29
6200122385ConnotationThe emotional implications and associations that a word may carry.30
6200122386CoordinationThe grammatical connection of two or more ideas to give them equal emphasis and importance. Contrast with subordination.31
6200122387DeductionA method of reasoning in which a conclusion follows necessarily from the stated premises.32
6200122388DenotationThe direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings.33
6200122389DialectA regional or social variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, and/or vocabulary.34
6200122390Diction(1) The choice and use of words in speech or writing. (2) A way of speaking, usually assessed in terms of prevailing standards of pronunciation and elocution.35
6200122391DidacticIntended or inclined to teach or instruct, often excessively.36
6200122392EncomiumA tribute or eulogy in prose or verse glorifying people, objects, ideas, or events.37
6200122393EpiphoraThe repetition of a word or phrase at the end of several clauses. (Also known as epistrophe.)38
6200122394Epitaph(1) A short inscription in prose or verse on a tombstone or monument. (2) A statement or speech commemorating someone who has died: a funeral oration.39
6200122395EthosA persuasive appeal based on the projected character of the speaker or narrator.40
6200122396EulogyA formal expression of praise for someone who has recently died.41
6200122397EuphemismThe substitution of an inoffensive term for one considered offensively explicit.42
6200122398ExpositionA statement or type of composition intended to give information about (or an explanation of) an issue, subject, method, or idea.43
6200122399Extended MetaphorA comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem.44
6200122400FallacyAn error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.45
6200122401False DilemmaA fallacy of oversimplification that offers a limited number of options (usually two) when in fact more options are available.46
6200122402Figurative LanguageLanguage in which figures of speech (such as metaphors, similes, and hyperbole) freely occur.47
6200122403Figures of SpeechThe various uses of language that depart from customary construction, order, or significance.48
6200122404FlashbackA shift in a narrative to an earlier event that interrupts the normal chronological development of a story.49
6200122405GenreA category of artistic composition, as in film or literature, marked by a distinctive style, form, or content.50
6200122406Hasty GeneralizationA fallacy in which a conclusion is not logically justified by sufficient or unbiased evidence.51
6200122407HyperboleA figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect; an extravagant statement.52
6200122408ImageryVivid descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses.53
6200122409InductionA method of reasoning by which a rhetor collects a number of instances and forms a generalization that is meant to apply to all instances.54
6200122410InvectiveDenunciatory or abusive language; discourse that casts blame on somebody or something.55
6200122411IronyThe use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning. A statement or situation where the meaning is directly contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea.56
6200122412IsocolonA succession of phrases of approximately equal length and corresponding structure.57
6200122413JargonThe specialized language of a professional, occupational, or other group, often meaningless to outsiders.58
6200122414LitotesA figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite.59
6200122415Loose SentenceA sentence structure in which a main clause is followed by subordinate phrases and clauses. Contrast with periodic sentence.60
6200122416MetaphorA figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something important in common.61
6200122417MetonymyA figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated (such as "crown" for "royalty").62
6200122418Mode of DiscourseThe way in which information is presented in a text. The four traditional modes are narration, description, exposition, and argument.63
6200122419Mood(1) The quality of a verb that conveys the writer's attitude toward a subject. (2) The emotion evoked by a text.64
6200122420NarrativeA rhetorical strategy that recounts a sequence of events, usually in chronological order.65
6200122421NounThe part of speech (or word class) that is used to name a person, place, thing, quality, or action.66
6200122422OnomatopoeiaThe formation or use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.67
6200122423OxymoronA figure of speech in which incongruous or contradictory terms appear side by side.68
6200122424ParadoxA statement that appears to contradict itself.69
6200122425ParallelismThe similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.70
6200122426ParodyA literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule.71
6200122427PathosThe means of persuasion that appeals to the audience's emotions.72
6200122428Periodic SentenceA long and frequently involved sentence, marked by suspended syntax, in which the sense is not completed until the final word--usually with an emphatic climax.73
6200122429PersonificationA figure of speech in which an inanimate object or abstraction is endowed with human qualities or abilities.74
6200122430Point of ViewThe perspective from which a speaker or writer tells a story or presents information.75
6200122431PredicateOne of the two main parts of a sentence or clause, modifying the subject and including the verb, objects, or phrases governed by the verb.76
6200122432PronounA word (a part of speech or word class) that takes the place of a noun.77
6200122433ProseOrdinary writing (both fiction and nonfiction) as distinguished from verse.78
6200122434RefutationThe part of an argument wherein a speaker or writer anticipates and counters opposing points of view.79
6200122435RepetitionAn instance of using a word, phrase, or clause more than once in a short passage--dwelling on a point.80
6200122436RhetoricThe study and practice of effective communication.81
6200122437Rhetorical QuestionA question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.82
6200122438Running StyleSentence style that appears to follow the mind as it worries a problem through, mimicking the "rambling, associative syntax of conversation"--the opposite of periodic sentence style.83
6200122439SarcasmA mocking, often ironic or satirical remark.84
6200122440SatireA text or performance that uses irony, derision, or wit to expose or attack human vice, foolishness, or stupidity.85
6200122441SimileA figure of speech in which two fundamentally unlike things are explicitly compared, usually in a phrase introduced by "like" or "as."86
6200122442StyleNarrowly interpreted as those figures that ornament speech or writing; broadly, as representing a manifestation of the person speaking or writing.87
6200122443SubjectThe part of a sentence or clause that indicates what it is about.88
6200122444SyllogismA form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.89
6200122445SubordinationWords, phrases, and clauses that make one element of a sentence dependent on (or subordinate to) another. Contrast with coordination.90
6200122446SymbolA person, place, action, or thing that (by association, resemblance, or convention) represents something other than itself.91
6200122447SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole or the whole for a part.92
6200122448Syntax(1) The study of the rules that govern the way words combine to form phrases, clauses, and sentences. (2) The arrangement of words in a sentence.93
6200122449ThesisThe main idea of an essay or report, often written as a single declarative sentence.94
6200122450ToneA writer's attitude toward the subject and audience. Tone is primarily conveyed through diction, point of view, syntax, and level of formality.95
6200122451TransitionThe connection between two parts of a piece of writing, contributing to coherence.96
6200122452UnderstatementA figure of speech in which a writer deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is.97
6200122453VerbThe part of speech (or word class) that describes an action or occurrence or indicates a state of being.98
6200122454Voice(1) The quality of a verb that indicates whether its subject acts (active voice) or is acted upon (passive voice). (2) The distinctive style or manner of expression of an author or narrator.99
6200122455ZeugmaThe use of a word to modify or govern two or more words although its use may be grammatically or logically correct with only one.100

AP Language and Composition Vocabulary #10 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6209012849fortuitoushappening by chance, often lucky or fortunate0
6209012850garruloustalkative, wordy1
6209014927harrowinggreatly distressing, vexing2
6209014928implacableincapable of being appeased or mitigated3
6209017019latenthidden, but capable of being exposed4
6209022018malleablecapable of being shaped or transformed5

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!