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

AP Lang Quiz #18 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9676241210Abstractrefers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images.0
9676241211Allegorya work that functions on a symbolic level.1
9676241212Antecedentthe word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers. The AP English Language and Composition Exam often expects you to identify it in a passage.2
9676241213Epigraphthe use of a quotation at the beginning of a work that hints at its theme.3
9676241214Expositionbackground information presented in a literary work.4
9676241215Puna play on words that often has a comic effect. Associated with wit and cleverness. A writer who speaks of the "grave topic of American funerals" may be employing an intentional or unintentional pun.5
9676241216Reductio ad Absurdumthe Latin for "to reduce to the absurd." This is a technique useful in creating a comic effect (See Twain's "At the Funeral.") and is also an argumentative technique. It is considered a rhetorical fallacy, because it reduces an argument to an either/or choice.6
9676241217Voicecan refer to two different areas of writing. One refers to the relationship between a sentence's subject and verb (active voice and passive voice). The second refers to the total "sound" of a writer's style.7
9676366351partitionIn ancient Roman oratory, the part of a speech where the speaker would divide the main topic into parts.8
9676366352epanalepsisRepetition at the end of a clause of the word that occurred at the beginning of the clause. Ex: Blood hath brought blood.9

AP Language Vocab List #13 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8229006985AcurityMental or visual sharpness0
8229006986Braggartsomeone who boasts1
8229006987Debunkingexposing false claims or myths2
8229006988Epitomizedtypified; characterized; personified3
8229006989Hideboundrigid in opinions4
8229006990Languishdecay; fade away; get weaker5
8229006991Obsequiousservile; submissive6
8229006992Polemicalcausing debate or argument7
8229006993Restorativea tonic8
8229006994Thwartprevent; frustrate9

AP language logical fallacies Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8688991461Hasty GeneralizationAn inference drawn from insufficient evidence ex: men are slobes. women are emotional0
8688991462red herringchanges the subject abruptly to throw readers or listeners off the trail1
8688991463straw manattack an argument that isn't really there. The speaker or writer sets this up to create an argument that is easy to knock down, proceeds to do so, and then claims victory over the opponent whose real argument was quite different2
8688991464Non-sequituran argument whose claims, reasons or warrants do not connect logically3
8688991465begging the questionclaim is made on grounds that can't be accepted as true because the grounds themselves are in question4
8688991466equivocationshalf truths or arguments that give lies an honest appearance -- are usually based on tricks of language5
8688991467faulty analogycomparisons can help to clarify one concept by measuring it against another that is more familiar6

AP Language Vocabulary Unit 1 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4774103307Aberrationa deviating from the right path or usual course of action; a mental disorder, especially of a minor or temporary nature0
4774104048Abstinencethe giving up of certain pleasures such as food and drink1
4774106741Abstracttheoretical, not applied or practical; not concrete; hard to understand2
4774107672Acclaimloud applause; approval3
4774108205Acquiesceto accept the conclusions or arrangements of others; to accede; to give consent by keeping silent4
4774110033Admonishto advise against something; to warn; to scold gently5
4774110383Advocateto support; to be in favor of6
4774111082Aestheticshowing an appreciation of beauty in nature or art; artistic7
4774112462Affinitynatural attraction to a person or liking for a thing; relation; connection8
4774112943Aggrandizementan increase in rank or wealth; growth in power9

AP Language & Composition Laginess Tone List 1 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7872513396Acerbicacidic; harsh0
7872515555Bemusedbewildered or confused; absorbed1
7872522694Blithelighthearted; casual2
7872527374Bluntabrupt; straight to the point3
7872534786Cynicaldistrustful of human nature and motive4
7872546739Didacticdesigned or intended to teach5
7872551083Dolefulfull of grief; cheerless6
7872558354Facetioushumorous or funny; not serious7
7872565735Frankmarked by forthright or sincere expression8
7872571262Haughtydisdainfully proud9
7872583446Imperiouscommanding; dominant10
7872588758Indifferentwithout interest or concern11
7872590805Reverentvery respectful; worshipful12
7872597739Truculentfeeling or displaying ferocity13
7872607817Wistfulfull of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy14

AP Language - List 3 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7460665896EuphemismA mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term.0
7460665897ExegesisA detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of prose or poetry.1
7460665898ExposeA piece of writing that reveals the weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other shortcomings.2
7460669700ExpositionThe background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of an essay or other work; setting forth the meaning or purpose of a piece of writing or discourse.3
7460669701ExplicationThe interpretation or analysis of a text.4
7460669702Extended metaphorSeries of comparisons between two unlike objects.5
7460671634FableA short tale often with nonhuman characters from which a useful lesson may be drawn.6
7460674882Fallacy, fallacious reasoningAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.7
7460676588FantasyA story containing unreal, imaginary features.8
7460676589FarceA comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious purpose.9
7460679332Figure of speech, figurative languageImplies meaning, not literal, like metaphor, simile, personification.10
7460679333FrameStructure that provides a promise or setting for a narrative or other discourse.11
7460679334GenreA term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, essay.12
7460679335HarangueA forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade.13
7460679336HomilyA lecture or sermon on a religious or moral theme meant to guide human behavior.14
7460681058HubrisExcessive pride in a character which leads to his or her downfall.15
7460681059HumanismA belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity.16
7460681060HyperboleOverstatement, gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect.17
7460681061IdyllLyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place.18
7460682901ImageryThe use of sensory images in speech and writing.19
7460682902Indirect quotationA rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased.20
7460685014Inductive reasoningMethod of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.21
7460685015InferenceConclusion or proposition arrived at by considering facts, observations, or other data.22
7460688667InvectiveDirect verbal assault; a denunciation.23
7460688668IronyWhen the opposite of what is expected happens.24
7460688681KenningThe name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities.25
7460691272LampoonA mocking, satirical assault on a person or situation.26
7460691273LitotesForm of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.27
7460691274Loose sentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases.28
7460694724Lyrical prosePersonal, reflective prose that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject.29

Terminology of AP Language and Composition Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7234561377Alliteration- The repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of the consecutive words or syllablesExample-Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers0
7234562510Allusion- An indirect reference, often to another test or historic eventExample- The saying " He is a real romeo with the ladies"1
7234563374Analogy- An extended comparison between two seemingly dissimilar thingsExample- Butterfly wings and bat wings2
7234563378Anecdote - A short account of an interesting eventExample- I went to comic con and i saw a lot of deadpools dancing and being goofy.3
7234564390Aphorism- A short, astute statement of a general truthExample- There's no time like the present4
7234564391Assumption- A belief or statement taken for granted without proofExample- An owner blames his dog for breaking a glass vase without really knowing if it was the dog or not5
7234567909Bias- Prejudice or predisposition toward one one side of a subject or issue of a textExample- When a person reads review on a an item and sees it all bad review, therefore does not buy the item6
7234568511Epigram- A belief witty statementExample- "The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on; it is never any uses to oneself"- Oscar Wilde7
7234568512Hyperbole- Exaggeration for the purpose of emphasisExample- I'm so hungry, I can eat a horse8
7234569437Juxtaposition- Placement of two things side by side for emphasisExample- Having two billboards side by side one about eating healthy and one about eating fast food9
7234569438Metaphor- A figure of speech or trope through which one thing is spoken of as though it were something else, thus making an implicit comparisonExample- Friendship are diamonds and Memories are pearls10
7234570656Metonymy- Use of an aspect of something to represent the wholeExample- The white house declared war against another country11
7234572237Oxymoron- A figure of speech that combines two contradictory termsExample- A jumbo shrimp12
7234572238Paradox- A statement that seems contradictory but it actually trueExample- I am nobody13
7234573034Personification- Assigning lifelike characteristics to inanimate objectsExample- The fire danced in the dark.14
7234573514Rhetorical Question- A question asked more to produce an effect than to summon an answerExample- Are you crazy?15
7234573515Simile- A figure of speech that uses "like" or "as" to compare thingsExample- Her eyes shine like the stars16
7234574530Understatement- Lack of emphasis in a statement or point, restraint in language often used for ironic effectExample- *While the titanic ship is sinking* Someone says " I think there's a leak"17

AP English Language and Composition - Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5032365386AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
5032365387AntecedentWord, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.1
5032365388AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
5032365389AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
5032365390ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
5032365391Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
5032365392ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
5032365393EuphemismEuphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
5032365394HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
5032365395InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
5032365396Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
5032365397AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
5032365398PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
5032365399Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
5032365400SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
5032365401SyllogismFrom the Greek for "reckoning together," a syllogism is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.15
5032365402SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole or, occasionally, the whole is used to represent a part.16
5032365403SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
5032365404AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
5032365405EpigramA brief witty statement.19
5032365406DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
5032365407Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
5032365408Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
5032365409AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
5032365410DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
5032365411FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
5032365412HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
5032365413Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
5032365414LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
5032365415MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
5032365416Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
5032365417AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
5032365418JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
5032365419DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
5032365420DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
5032365421PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
5032365422BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
5032365423VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
5032365424ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
5032365425TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
5032365426InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
5032365427LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
5032365428ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
5032365429DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
5032365430DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
5032365431PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
5032365432InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
5032365433ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
5032365434CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
5032365435VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

AP Language Vocabulary Unit 5 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4894027851CajoleTo persuade by pleasant words or false promises0
4894029538CallousUnfeeling; insensitive1
4894031251CapitulateTo surrender; to cease resisting2
4894033947CapriciousChangeable; fickle3
4894035970CarpingComplaining4
4894035972CatalystSomeone or something that brings about a change5
4894039988CatharsisAn emotional purification or relief6
4894045185CausticStinging; biting7
4894045186CelestialHaving to do with the heavens; divine8
4894051226CensureTo blame; to criticize adversely9

Unit #5 Vocabulary (AP Language and Composition) Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7908336071acuity(n.) sharpness (particularly of the mind or senses). synonyms: keeness, acuteness0
7908336072delineate(v.) to portray, sketch, or describe in accurate and vivid detail; to represent pictorially. synonyms: depict, picture, render1
7908336073depraved(adj.) marked by evil and corruption, devoid of moral principles. synonyms: perverted, degenerate, vicious, corrupt2
7908336074enervate(v.) to weaken or lessen the mental, moral, or physical vigor of; enfeeble, hamstring. synonyms: impair, cripple, paralyze3
7908336075esoteric(adj.) intended for or understood by only a select few, private, secret. synonyms: occult, cryptic, arcane, recondite4
7908336076fecund(adj.) fruitful in offspring or vegetation; intellectually productive. synonyms: fertile, teeming, prolific5
7908336077fiat(n.) an arbitrary order or decree; a command or act of will or consciousness. synonyms: edict, dictum, ukase6
7908336078figment(n.) a fabrication of the mind; an arbitrary notion. synonyms: creation, invention, fancy7
7908336079garner(v.) to acquire as the result of effort; to gather and store away, as for future use. synonyms: collect, accumulate, accrue8
7908336080hallow(v.) to set apart as holy or sacred, sanctify, consecrate; to honor greatly, revere. synonyms: venerate, bless9
7908336081idiosyncrasy(n.) a peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify. synonyms: eccentricity, quirk, mannerism10
7908336082ignominy(n.) shame and disgrace. synonyms: dishonor, humiliation, disrepute, odium11
7908336083mundane(adj.) earthly, worldly, relating to practical and material affairs; concerned with what is ordinary. synonyms: prosaic, humdrum, routine, sublunary12
7908336084nuance(n.) a subtle or slight variation (as in color, meaning, quality), delicate gradation or shade of difference. synonyms: shade, nicety, refinement13
7908336085overweening(adj.) conceited, presumptuous; excessive, immoderate. synonyms: arrogant, unbridled, inflated14
7908336086penchant(n.) a strong attraction or inclination. synonyms: proclivity, propensity, predilection15
7908336087reputed(adj.) according to reputation or general belief; having widespread acceptance and good reputation; (part.) alleged. synonyms: putative, reputable, supposed16
7908336088sophistry(n.) reasoning that seems plausible but is actually unsound; a fallacy. synonyms: specious reasoning17
7908336089sumptuous(adj.) costly, rich, magnificent. synonyms: lavish, munificent, opulent, splendid18
7908336090ubiquitous(adj.) present or existing everywhere. synonyms: omnipresent, pervasive, universal19

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!