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AP Human Geography Chapter 6 Language Flashcards

Language

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5734569468AccentA distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, especially one associated with a particular nation, locality, or social class.0
5734569469DialectA particular form of a language that is particular to a specific region or social group. ex: regional slang, pop or soda, cellar or basement1
5734569470EsperantoAn artificial language devised in 1887 as an international medium of communication, based on roots from the chief European languages.2
5734569471Extinct LanguageAn extinct language is a language that no longer has any speakers, or that is no longer in current use.3
5734569472IdeogramA written character symbolizing the idea of a thing without indicating the sounds used to say it. An Example: 6 (six)4
5734569473IsoglossA geographic boundary line delimiting the area in which a given linguistic feature occurs.5
5734569474Isolated Languagea natural language with no demonstrable genealogical (or "genetic") relationship with other languages; that is, one that has not been demonstrated to descend from an ancestor common with any other language. i.e A language family with only one language.6
5734569475Language BranchA Subsection of a Language Family. i.e The Romance "-------" of the Indo-European language family.7
5734569476LanguageThe method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.8
5734569477Language GroupA Collection of languages within a branch that share a common origin in the relatively recent past and display relatively few differences in grammar and vocabulary. ex: Romance language group derived from Latin: Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Portuguese, and French9
5734569478Language FamilyA collection of languages related to each other through a same original tongue, but have different characteristics ex: 50% of global population speak languages from Indo-European family10
5734569479Indo European language familyLargest language family that includes English and most other languages in the Western Hemisphere. Also used in South and Southwest Asia.11
5734569480Sino-Tibetan Language Family2nd largest language family. Includes Madarin, Thai, Cantonese and Burmese12
5734569481Lingua FrancaA Language mutually understood and commonly used in trade by people who have different native languages, sometimes a combination of 2 languages13
5734569482Literary TraditionA Language that is written as well as spoken14
5734569483MonolingualThe condition of being able to speak only a single language15
5734569484BilingualThe ability to speak two languages16
5734569485MultilingualThe ability to speak multiple languages17
5734569486Official LanguageThe language adopted for use by the government for the conduct of business and publication of documents.18
5734569487OrthographyThe conventional spelling system of a language.19
5734569488Pidgin LanguageA Form of speech that adopts a simplified grammar and limited vocabulary of a lingua franca, used for communications among speakers of two different languages.20
5734569489Standard LanguageThe form of a language used for official government business, education, and mass communications.21
5734569490Toponyma place name or a word derived from the name of a place22
5734569491Trade LanguageA language, especially a pidgin, used by speakers of different native languages for communication in commercial trade.23
5734569492VernacularUsing a language or dialect native to a region or country rather than a literary, cultured, or foreign language. It is usually the language of the common people.24
5734569493Creolea mother tongue formed from the contact of two languages that was a pidgin language that has become the primary language of people who speak it.25
5734569494DenglishThe term is used in all German-speaking countries to refer to the increasingly strong influx of macaronic (slang) English or pseudo-English vocabulary into German.26
5734569495Franglaisa form of French using many words and idioms borrowed from English.27
5734569496EbonicsAmerican black English regarded as a language in its own right rather than as a dialect of standard English28
5734569497Spanglisha hybrid language combining words and idioms from both Spanish and English, especially Spanish speech that uses many English words and expressions.29
5734569498Language dominanceMany linguists believe that development of alphabets and resulting literary traditions contributed to dominance of particular languages and cultures across the globe. ex: English spoken in India, Portuguese in Brazil30
5734569499vernacular regionsa perceptual region defined by perceived unique physical and cultural characteristics in that area31

AP Lang Figurative Language Flashcards

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10398059131TropeA figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression0
10398059132MotifA recurring theme, subject or idea1
10398059133ImageryDescription that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)2
10398059134MetaphorA comparison that establishes a figurative identity between objects being compared.3
10398059135SimileA comparison using "like" or "as"4
10398059136PersonificationA figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes5
10398059137ApostropheA figure of speech wherein the speaker speaks directly to something nonhuman6
10398059138HyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor7
10398059139Overstatementthe action of expressing or stating something too strongly; exaggeration.8
10398059140UnderstatementA statement that says less than what is meant9
10398059141AllusionA reference to another work of literature, person, or event10
10398059142SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part is substituted for the whole.11
10398068970Metonymysubstituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it12
10398068971OnomatopoeiaA word that imitates the sound it represents.13
10398068972AlliterationRepetition of initial consonant sounds14
10398068973AssonanceRepetition of vowel sounds15
10398068974ConsonanceRepetition of consonant sounds16
10398068975Cacophonyharsh, jarring sound17
10398068976Euphonypleasant, harmonious sound18
10398081135SatireA literary style used to make fun of or ridicule an idea or human vice or weakness19
10398081136Oxymoronconjoining contradictory terms (as in 'deafening silence')20
10398081137Paradoxa statement that seems contradictory but is actually true21
10398081138IronyA contrast between expectation and reality22
10398081139Verbal ironyA figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant23
10398081140Dramatic ironyWhen the audience knows something the characters don't24
10398081141Situational ironyWhat actually happens is the opposite of what is expected or appropriate25
10398081142PunA play on words26
10398081143ParodyHumorous imitation27
10398081144CaricatureAn exaggerated portrayal of one's features28

AP Language and Comp. Vocab #7 Flashcards

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5427821108ebullienceintense enthusiasm (noun)0
5427821109effusiveemotionally unrestrained; gushy (adjective)1
5427827221egregiousconspicuously bad or offensive2
5427829239flagrantextremely or deliberately shocking or noticeable3
5427829240freneticwildly excited or active (adjective)4
5427830995gratuitousgiven freely; unearned; unwarranted5
5427830996superfluousextra; unnecessary6

AP Human Geography: Chap 5 - Language Flashcards

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5346351861CreoleThe mixture of two languages (usually the result of colonization) from an earlier pidgin language. It CAN (and does) have native speakers.0
5346351862DialectWhen a language is changed not enough to become a different language but they have different sounds for some letters or words.1
5346351863Extinct LanguageWhen a language becomes extinct that means that no one speaks this language anymore but may come back making it a revived language.2
5346351864IdeogramsImages that represent the idea of something but don't actually state the sound(s) used to pronounce it.3
5346351865Indo-European LanguagesA language family originating from Eurasia. All the languages here are all related to each other and one of them made the English language.4
5346351866IsoglossA boundary line on a dialect map showing where one dialect area begins and where the other ends.5
5346351867Isolated LanguageThis is a language that has no evidence showing that it is related to any other language.6
5346351868Language FamilyThis is a group of languages that are related to each other and have a common ancestor.7
5346351869Language GroupA collection of languages within a branch that share a common origin in the relatively recent past and display relatively few differences in grammar and vocabulary.8
5346351870Language Subgroupa smaller group of related languages within a language group. A division of a language group that could be divided into individual languages.9
5346351871Lingua FrancaA common language that is adopted between two or more countries that they all understand because their native language is different from each other. Swahili is a great example.10
5346351872Linguistic DiversityThis is a difference in types of traits including language family, grammar, and vocabulary.11
5346351873MonolingualA person, text, or place who may only speak one language or officially recognized.12
5346351874MultilingualA person, text, or place that can speak more than two languages.13
5346351875Official LanguageA language that is given a legal status and is the main language spoken in a country.14
5346351876Pidgin LanguageA simplified form of a lingua franca spoken to aid communication between two groups of people that don't have a common language between each other. It has NO native speakers.15
5346351877Revived LanguageA language that is revived is brought back by people who want to be able to speak that language and that makes it popular again.16
5346351878Romance LanguageA romance language is a language deriving from the Romanian language. Italian, French, Spanish, Romanian, and Portuguese.17
5346351879ToponymyThis is the study of places names and how they relate to culture.18

Semester 2 AP Language Final Flashcards

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6889985513Ad hominemattack the person not the argument0
6889986431Allegorystory with a hidden meaning1
6889987675Allusionreference to a famous person or work2
6889988722Analogyextended simile3
6889988723Anaphorasame expression is used at the beginning of a sentence4
6889994453Anecdoteshort narrative to provide an illustration5
6889995581Antithesisa direct contrast of structurally parallel work groupings6
6890000653Aphorisma statement with general principle (a few words)7
6890001811Apostrophefigure of speech when a speaker directly addresses an inanimate object8
6890011238Bathosoverdone pathos9
6890011239Chiasmussentence structure (ABBA)10
6890012726Loose sentencesentence brought to the close before the end11
6890014123deductive reasoninggeneral to specific12
6890019150didacticteaches a specific lesson or moral of correct behavior or thinking13
6890020117Dysphemisma derogatory term instead of a neutral one "loony bin" for "mental facility"14
6890031683ellipsis................15
6890031698Epiphanywhen the character realizes something16
6890033623Epistrophebeginning with the same word or phrase17
6890035533Ethosethical/ credibility appeal18
6890037029Euphanismreplaces with indirect words (passed away for died)19
6890038408Idiomwords in a different order than what makes sense (How do you do?)20
6890056665Imperativeextremely necessary; vitally important21
6890058137Incongruous(adj) out of place, inappropriate, not harmonious22
6890059681Inductive reasoningspecific to general23
6890061205Litotesdeliberate use of understatement24
6890065769LogosAppeal to logic25
6890067618Maxima general truth or rule of conduct; a short saying26
6890070171MetonymyUsing a single feature to represent the whole27
6890071903Non sequitursomething that does not logically follow28
6890073018OnomatopoeiaA word that imitates the sound it represents. (Boom crash)29
6890075883OxymoronTwo words that do not make sense together30
6890083538ParadoxA contradictory statement or proposition31
6890086453Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses32
6890087609Parodya work which imitates another in a ridiculous manner33
6890088467PathosAppeal to emotion34
6890090300Periodic sentenceThe bulk of the sentence is at the end35
6890092804Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea36
6890095152Post hoc ergo propter hocafter this therefore because of this37
6890109901PunA play on words38
6890113628SimileComparison using like or as39
6890115956Slippery slopeGoes to the extreme40
6890127554Syllogistic reasoningIf A=B and B=C, then A=C41
6890131612SynecdocheA part that stands for a whole42
6890133308Synesthesiaa sound and an image (Loud Shirt and Blue Note)43
6890136892Understatementunderstating something44

AP Language and Composition Lesson 3 Definitions Flashcards

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6158564115difficult to understand, recondite, concealedabstruse0
6158564116friendly, courteous, amiableaffable1
6158564117excessive boldness, rashness, daringaudacity2
6158564118extremely apologetic, remorseful, repentantcontrite3
6158564119believing on slight evidence, gulliblecredulous4
6158564120moral corruption, a wicked or perverse actdepravity5
6158564121to disapprove regretfully, to belittle, to express mild disapprovaldeprecate6
6158564122instructive, designed to teachdidactic7
6158564123inactive, sleepingdormant8
6158564124mysterious, inexplicableenigmatic9
6158564125scholarlyerudite10
6158564126foreign, unfamiliarexotic11
6158564127to mix or join (usually by melting)fuse12
6158564128unchangingimmutable13
6158564129incapable of being reformed or improvedincorrigible14
6158564130to detestloathe15
6158564131to cause to become less harsh or hostile; to make less severemitigate16
6158564132to cause to not be in effect, to negatenullify17
6158564133oposed to war or use of forcepacifistic18
6158564134making an extravagant outward show, self-importantpretentious19
6158564135introductory remarks in a speech, play or literary work, introductory actionprologue20
6158564136to withdraw or to repudiate a statement or belief, revokerecant21
6158564137overly submissiveservile22
6158564138fear, trembling, agitationtrepidation23
6158564139to malign, to defame, to utter abusive statements againstvillify24
6158596003One's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed; receiving endaudience25
6158602903A reliable, respected source—someone with knowledge;authority26
6158610032Prejudice or predisposition toward one side of a subject or issue; Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfairbias27
6158616247Identifying a part of a piece of writing as being derived from a source;cite28
6158623937An assertion, usually supported by evidence;claim29
6158633350A careful reading that is attentive to organization, figurative language, sentence structure, vocabulary, and other literary and structural elements of a textclose reading30
6158643912An informal or conversational use of language; An informal expression that is more often used in casual conversation than in formal speech or writing. "Latinas are in oppressive structures. We can fool ourselves, but we'd still be getting ~dumped on.~"colloquialism31
6158653642Shared beliefs, values, or positionscommon ground32
6158659260A sentence that includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clausecomplex sentence33
6158662918A reluctant acknowledgment or yieldingconcession34

AP Language Words Flashcards

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8654765974anecdoteA short, simple narrative often used for humorous effect to make a point0
8654765975ArgumentationWriting that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting "reasoned" arguments; persuasive writing is a form of argumentation & is the focus of the AP Lang. & composition program1
8654765976AllegoryAn extended narrative of an incident in prose or verse in which characters, events, & settings represent abstract qualities & in which the writer intends a second meaning to be read beneath the surface of the story; the underlying meaning may be moral, religious, political, social, or satiric2
8654765977AnnotationExplanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite sources, or give bibliographic data. In AP Lang. you will need to demonstrate detailed annotations on most of your readings3
8655234378AntithesisThe presentation of two contrasting images. The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs. "To be or not to be"4
8655234379RhetoricThe art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques5
8655234380ColloquialismA word or phrase(including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is also inappropriate in formal writing (y'all, ain't, can't)6
8655234381ConnotationWords suggesting implied meaning because of its association in a reader's mind. Opposite of dennotation7
8655234382ConsonanceRepetition of identical consonant sounds within 2 or more words in close proximity: boot/beat/best/brag or even compound words(fulfill, ping-pong)8
8655234383CaricatureDescriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person's appearance or a facet of personality9
8655234384CoherenceThe "quality" of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central ideal theme or organizing principle10
8655234385AphorismA short, often witty, statement of a principle or truth about life. Benjamin Franklin was somewhat famous for these in Poor Richard's Almanac "The early bird gets the worm"11
8655234386ApostropheUsually in poetry but sometimes in prose: the device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person or to a place, thing, or personified abstraction12
8655234387CacophonyAlso referred to as dissonance...hard, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose; the opposite of Euphony13
8655234388EnumerationEnumeration is a rhetorical device used for listing the details or a process of mentioning words or phrases step by step. In fact, it is a type of amplification or division in which a subject is further distributed into components or parts. Writers use this to clarify & detail understanding14
8655234389AnalogyAn analogy is a comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it. It aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something that is familiar15
8655234390ParallelismThe use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same; or similar in their construction, sound, meaning, or meter. Like father like son, easy come easy go, flying is fast comfortable and safe16
8655234391AllusionA brief & indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical culture, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers17
8655234392MetonymyA figure of speech that replaces the name of a person, place, or thing w/ the name of something else w/ which it is closely associated. Do not confuse this with a metaphor as a metonymy is not creating a comparison18
8665980683Anaphora (n)In writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect is known as Anaphora. Anaphora, possible the oldest library device, has its roots in Biblical Psalms used to emphasize certain words or phrases. Gradually, Elizabethan and Romantic writers brought this device into practice19
8665980684EpistropheEpistrophe is derived from a Greek word that means turning upon, which indicates the the same word returns at the end of each sentence. Epistrophe is a stylistic device that can be defined as the repetition of phrases or words at the end of the classes or sentences. It is also called epiphora. Epistrophe examples are frequently found in literary pieces, in persuasive writing and speeches20
8665980685AsyndetonIs derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a stylistic device used in literature & poetry to intentionally eliminate connections between the phrases & in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. Mostly this technique is employed in speech but can be used in written works too21
8665980686PolysyndetonThe term polysyndeton comes from a Greek word meaning "bound together" It makes use of coordinating conjunctions like "and", "or", "but", & "nor"(mostly and & or) which are used to join successive words, phrases, or clauses in such a way these conjunctions are even used where they may have been emitted22
8704423933SynecdocheA literary device in which a part of something represents the whole or a whole to represent a part. Ex: the word "sails" refers to a whole ship The word "suits" refers to a business man23
8704423934Toneattitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience. Generally conveyed through the choice of words or the viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject24
8704423935Process AnalysisA step-by-step breakdown of the phases of a process, used to convey the details of each phase of thinking, an operation, etc. It is often used to improve understanding & also to breakdown an argument to make it more comprehensible25
8704423936SyntaxA set of rules in a language. It dictates how words from diff. parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought. In plain English "syntax" refers to how we choose to arrange our words. The choice of specific words is called diction. Thus, the two are closely related in creating an argument26
8821570138Provocative Diction"diction" is our choice of words. Thus, "provocative diction" is the purposeful choice of words serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate a provocative question that will frame a rhetorical argument27
8821598104Classificationthe action or process of classifying something according to shared qualities or characteristics. This often is a strategy of argumentation or an argumentative response in an effort to provide the reader w/ structure to your argument. It would be considered to support to both logos & ethos in presenting an argument.28
8821665715Understatementfor example you win 10 million dollars in a lottery. When you tell a news reporter "I am delighted" you are making an understatement. It is opposite of hyperbole or overstatement.29
8821689852Colorful Dictiondiction is your conscious choice of words as a writer. It stands to reason that "colorful diction" is a very purposeful word choice that will serve to accentuate meaning & tone.30
8821716310Counterargumentan argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument. When writing in the argumentative mode, it is mandatory that the writer acknowledge the "other" side to his or her argument. It is part of the refutation of someone else's claim to support your own "side" of the argument that you are making31
8821767639Claimwhen someone provides an argument to support his/her position the process is called making a claim. Different reasons are usually presented to prove why a certain point should be accepted as logical.32
8821802258Evidenceevidence is a type of literary device that appears in different categories of essays and theses in the form of paraphrase and quotations. It is presented to persuade the readers and used with powerful arguments in the text or essays. In rhetoric, when a person makes a claim or presents an argument, he needs to present evidence in support of his claim and argument in order to establish the veracity and authenticity of his claim or argument. If there is no evidence, the claim stands quashed. The same is true with a case in law where a case or litigation is quashed, if there is no evidence to support the claim. However, literary evidence is only used in literature, essays, and research papers for persuasion and convincing purposes.33
8822049421Warranta warrant is the glue that holds an argument together. It links the evidence to the claim. It says something like "This evidence supports the claim because..." and it is always in a similar form that is more of a statement of support of "WHY" your evidence supports your assertion/claim34
8822074147Fallacya fallacy is an erroneous argument dependent upon an unsound or illogical contention. There are many fallacy examples that we can find in everyday conversations.35
8822090126Logical FallacyIn argumentation, a formal fallacy (also called deductive fallacy) is a pattern of reasoning/thinking rendered invalid by a flaw in its logical structure that can neatly be expressed in a standard logic system, for example, propositional logic. An argument that is formally fallacious is always considered wrong36
8822137154Prophecymany believed that a prediction & a prophecy are the same, but they are mistaken. It is true that both "forecast" the future, but there is a significant difference. A prophecy has all the element of a prediction except the element of time. W/o the element of time, a prophecy is hard to determine. A "prophecy" has more of a religious connotation since there is an element of uncertainty about time37
8822182403Predictiona prediction is a forecast made by those who calculate the parameters of the subject involved after evaluating the odds they can predict the future. The weather forecast is a good example. A "prediction" is limited to a time element, unlike a prophecy38
8822208123Adagea short, pointed, & memorable saying based on facts, & is considered a veritable truth by the majority of people. Famous adages become popular due to their usage over a long period of time. In fact, an adage expresses a general fact or truth about life.39
8822242988Pedanticcomes from a French word, pedant, means "to teach or to act as pedagogue" A pedantic is someone who is concerned with precision, formalism, accuracy, minute details in order to make an arrogant & ostentatious show of learning. He could be a writer, a character, feelings, tones, or words.40
8822273342Flippantlacking proper respect or seriousness. This is often associated w/ the impatience of youth41
8822295571Evocativethe use of language that "suggests" meanings other than the denotative. Language that connects w/ emotions or feelings not associated w/ the actual meaning of a word42
8822316030Syntactical Inversioninversion, also called anastrophe, in literary style and rhetoric, the synatic reversal of the normal order of the words and phrases in a sentence, as, in English, the placing of an adjective after the noun it modifies ( "the form divine"), a verb before its subject ("came the dawn")43
8822342564Appositionis a grammatical construction in which two elements, normally noun phrases, are placed side by side, with one element serving to identify the other in a different way. The two elements are said to be apposition44
8822364268Didacticthe word didactic is frequently used for those literary texts which are overloaded with informative or realistic matter and are marked by the omission of graceful and pleasing details. Didactic, therefore, becomes a derogatory term referring to the forms of literature that are ostentatiously dull and erudite. However, some literary texts are entertaining as well as didactic45
8822416154Conceita figure of speech in which two vastly different objects are likened together with the help of similes or metaphors. Thus, conceit examples have a surprising or shocking effect on the readers because they are novel comparisons unlike the conventional comparisons made in similes and metaphors46
8822440754Anadiplosisthe repetition of a word or words in successive clauses in such a way that the second clause starts with the same word which marks the end of the previous clause47
8822460090Anachronismderived from the Greek word anachronus, which means "against time" An anachronism is an error of chronology or timeline in a literary piece. In other words, anything that is out of time & out of place is an anachronism48
8822478981Anagramrearranging letters so a new word is formed49
8822483431Hyperboleexaggeration50
8822489326Onomatopoeiasound effect51
8822491614Periodic Sentencehas the main clause or predicate at the end. This is used for emphasis & can be persuasive by putting reasons for something at the beginning before the final point is made. It can also create suspense or interest for the reader. EX: with low taxes, beautiful views, & a mild climate, this city is a great place to live.52
8822533790Paradoxa statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in an innovative way. EX: Your enemy's friend is your enemy53
8822575920Ironya figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meanings of the words. It may also be a situation that may end up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between appearance and reality54
8822608615Parenthesisa stylistic device that comes from a Greek word, meaning to place alongside. Parenthesis is a qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause or word that writers insert into a paragraph or passage55
8822629047Sardonicgrimly mocking, sarcastic, satirical mocking in a humorous manner. This is one of those "tone" words that describe writing that fits the meaning56
8822650648Satirea technique employed by writers to expose & criticize foolishness & corruption of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing follies & foibles. A writer in a satire uses fictional characters which stand for real people to expose & condemn their corruption57
8822689118Polemicalrelating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech58
8822700747Ambiguitythe fallacy of ambiguity is a word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning. Skilled writers use ambiguity w/ purpose & intent. However, most students who are just learning about language use it w/o thought & it detracts from their writing. Here is a good example of purposeful use to "tag" a teenager speaking59
8822740600Archetypealso known as universal symbol, may be a character, a theme, a symbol or even a setting. Many literary critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common & recurring representation in a particular culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literary work60
8822772188Function of Archetypethe use of archetypical characters & situations gives a literary work a universal acceptance, as readers identify the characters & situations in their social & cultural context. By using common archetype, the writers attempt to impart realism to their works, as the situations & characters are drawn from the experience of the world61
8822815025Tragic Flawa literary device that can be defined as a trait in a character leading to his downfall & the character is often the hero of the literary piece. This trait could be the lack of self knowledge, lack of self pride and often it is hubris (pride)62
8822844486Assertionwhen someone makes a statement investing his strong belief in it, as if it is true though it my not be, he is making an assertion. Assertion is a stylistic approach or technique involving strong declaration, a forceful or confident & positive statement regarding a belief or fact. Often, it is w/o a proof or any support. Its purpose is to express ideas or feelings directly, for instance, "I have put my every effort to complete this task today."63
8822889310Autobiographya one type of biography which tells a life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author's life. Rather than being written by somebody else, an auto biography comes through the person's own pen, in his own words.64
8901580187Memoira record of memories, & particular events that have taken place in the author's life. In fact, it is the telling of a story or an event from his life; an account that does not tell the full record of a life65
8901700338Cumulative Sentencea loose sentence that starts with an independent clause or main clause which is simple & straight, provides main idea & then adds subordinate elements or modifiers. It adds subordinate or modifying elements after the subject & the predicate. Writers use these types of sentences when they want to put the main idea 1st & provide details to elucidate the idea further there after. Consider how this is different from the periodic sentence (where the main clause is left to the end of the sentence)66
8926164174Blank Versea literary device defined as un-rhyming verse written iambic pentameter. In poetry & prose, it has a consistent meter with 10 syllables in each line; where, unstressed syllables are followed by stressed ones & 5 of which are stressed but do not rhyme, although it can if the poet chooses. It is also known as iambic pentameter.67

AP Language Literary Terms, AP Language terms Flashcards

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9682759977Cumulative (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
9682759978Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
9682759979Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
9682759980Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
9682759981Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
9682759982Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
9682759983Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
9682759984Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
9682759985SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
9682759986Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
9682759987Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
9682759988Inductiona 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
9682759989Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
9682759990Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
9682759991Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
9682759992Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
9682759993Similea 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
9682759994Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
9682759995Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
9682759996Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
9682759997Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
9682759998Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
9682759999Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
9682760000Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
9682760001Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
9682760002Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
9682760003Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
9682760004Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
9682760005Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
9682760006Rhetorical 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
9682760007Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
9682760008RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
9682760009Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
9682760010Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
9682760011Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
9682760012Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
9682760013Modes 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
9682760014Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
9682760015Contrast/ 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
9682760016Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
9682760017Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
9682760018Processsimply "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
9682760019Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
9682760020Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
9682760021Descriptionwriting 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
9682760022Dogmatism`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
9682760023False 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
9682760024False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
9682760025Faulty 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
9682760026Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
9682760027Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
9682760047AllegoryThe 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
9682760048AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
9682760049AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
9682760050AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
9682760051AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
9682760052AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
9682760053Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
9682760054AphorismA 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
9682760055ApostropheA 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
9682760056AtmosphereThe 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
9682760057Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
9682760058ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
9682760059Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
9682760060Literary 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
9682760061ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
9682760062DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
9682760063DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
9682760064DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
9682760065EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
9682760066Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
9682760067Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
9682760068Figure 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
9682760069GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
9682760070HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
9682760071HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
9682760072ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
9682760073Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
9682760074Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
9682760075Irony/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
9682760076Loose 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
9682760077MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
9682760078MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
9682760079MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
9682760080NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
9682760081onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
9682760082OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
9682760083ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
9682760084Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
9682760085ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
9682760086PedanticAn 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
9682760087Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
9682760088PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
9682760089Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
9682760090Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
9682760091RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
9682760092RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
9682760093SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
9682760094SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
9682760095Subordinate 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
9682760096SyllogismA 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
9682760097Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
9682760098SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
9682760099ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
9682760100ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
9682760101ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
9682760102TransitionA 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
9682760103Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
9682760104Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
9682760105Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
9682760106straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
9682760107EthosAn 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
9682760108JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
9682760109LogosAn appeal to reason.113
9682760110PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
9682760111Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
9682760112SimileA 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
9682760113rhetorical 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
9682760114descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
9682760115devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
9682760116narrative 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
9682760117narrative 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
9682760118Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
9682760119AnaphoraFigure 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
9682760120AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
9682760121Appeal 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
9682760122Argumentationone 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
9682760123AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
9682760124AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
9682760125toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
9682760126audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.130
9682760127Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast131
9682760128Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.132
9682760028understatement"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 Rye133
9682760029parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy134
9682760030allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.135
9682760031hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"136
9682760032aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."137
9682760033metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I138
9682760034invective"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 Travels139
9682760035antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"140
9682760036euphemism"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs." William Shakespeare Othello141
9682760037periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.142
9682760038paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi143
9682760039alliteration"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."144
9682760040chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"145
9682760041oxymoron"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."146
9682760042personification"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."147
9682760043onomatopoeia"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."148
9682760044inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."149
9682760045spatial 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."150

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