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AP Lit: Figurative Language Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9880182083Allegorya story whose characters or events closely parallel another0
9880185420Allusiona reference to a person, event, place, or idea from outside the work itself, a reference which the author expects or hopes the reader to recognize1
9880191429Foreshadowinghints of events to come2
9880197384Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration for effect or emphasis3
9880200474ImageryWords or phrases that refer to something that can be seen, heard, tasted, smelled, or touched. Images are often literal and concrete (as opposed to symbols), although they may serve a symbolic role as well4
9880206147Juxtapositionthe deliberate placement of two words, actions, or other elements of a story next to, or near, each other to enable comparison and contrast5
9880210125Metonymya figure of speech in which a related object, person, or word is substituted for the technically accurate one6
9880221901Oxymorona phrase containing contradictory terms7
9880226278Paradoxan apparent contradiction that, upon further examination, reveals a deeper truth8

AP Psychology - Language and Cognition Flashcards

Advanced Placement Psychology
Enterprise High School, Redding, CA
All terms from Myers Psychology for AP (BFW Worth, 2011)

Terms : Hide Images
8276523630cognitionall the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.0
8276523631concepta mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people.1
8276523632prototypea mental image or best example of a category.2
8276523633algorithma methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem. Contrasts with the usually speedier—but also more error-prone—use of heuristics.3
8276523634heuristica simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently; usually speedier but also more error-prone than algorithms.4
8276523635insighta sudden and often novel realization of the solution to a problem; it contrasts with strategy-based solutions.5
8276523636behaviorist theorythe theory of language development that argues humans learn language through trial/error and gradually learn more effective ways to speak to get what they want6
8276523637confirmation biasa tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence.7
8276523638fixationthe inability to see a problem from a new perspective, by employing a different mental set.8
8276523639mental seta tendency to approach a problem in one particular way, often a way that has been successful in the past.9
8276523640functional fixednessthe tendency to think of things only in terms of their usual functions; an impediment to problem solving.10
8276523641representativeness heuristicjudging the likelihood of things in terms of how well they seem to represent, or match, particular prototypes; may lead us to ignore other relevant information.11
8276523642availability heuristicestimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory; if instances come readily to mind (perhaps because of their vividness), we presume such events are common.12
8276523643nativist theorythe theory of language development that states that humans have a natural, innate ability to develop language (theorized by Chomsky)13
8276523644belief perseveranceclinging to one's initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited.14
8276523645Language Acquisition Devicethis structure allows for the innate development of language (theorized by Chomsky)15
8276523646framingthe way an issue is posed; how an issue is framed can significantly affect decisions and judgments.16
8276523647languageour spoken, written, or signed words and the ways we combine them to communicate meaning.17
8276523648phonemein language, the smallest distinctive sound unit.18
8276523649morphemein a language, the smallest unit that carries meaning; may be a word or a part of a word (such as a prefix).19
8276523650grammarin a language, a system of rules that enables us to communicate with and understand others.20
8276523651semanticsthe set of rules by which we derive meaning from morphemes, words, and sentences in a given language; also, the study of meaning.21
8276523652syntaxthe rules for combining words into grammatically sensible sentences in a given language.22
8276523653babbling stagebabies spontaneously uttering a variety of words, such as ah-goo23
8276523654one-word stagethe stage in which children speak mainly in single words24
8276523655two-word stagethey start uttering two word sentences25
8276523656telegraphic speechearly speech stage in which a child speaks like a telegram—"go car"—using mostly nouns and verbs.26
8276523657linguistic determinismWhorf's hypothesis that language determines the way we think.27

AP Language (Crucible IV) Flashcards

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7884761774stencha distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant0
7884761775gauntthin and bony1
7884761776agapeopen-mouthed; surprised; agog2
7884761777strongboxa strongly made box for holding money or valuables3
7884761778gibbetgallows from which criminals are hanged4
7884761779excommunicationbanishment from the church5
7884761780conciliatoryovercoming distrust or hostility6
7884761781beguileto deceive, to mislead, to persuade with charm7
7884761782flounderingto struggle clumsily or helplessly8
7884761783reprievea temporary relief or delay; to grant a postponement9
7884761784retaliationrevenge10
7884761785adamentunyielding; firm in opinion11
7884761786perfectionthe state of being perfect12
7884761787cleaveto cut or split open; to cling to13
7884761788disputationverbal controversy; debate; argument14
7884761789sibilancea hissing sound15

AP Language: Tone Words Flashcards

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9559145959accusatorycharging of wrong doing0
9559145960acerbicbitter, sharp in taste or temper1
9559145961admiringregarding with approval or respect2
9559145962aggressiveassertive, vigorously active, quick to attack; hostile3
9559145963ambivalentUncertain; unable to decide, or wanting to do two contradictory things at once4
9559145964amusedpleasurably entertained5
9559145965animatedlively; spirited6
9559145966apatheticFeeling or showing little emotion; indifferent7
9559145967apologeticsorry; showing regret8
9559145968appreciativeexpressing or feeling thankfulness9
9559145969ardentEnthusiastic or passionate10
9559145970arroganthaughty, too convinced of one's own importance11
9559145971assertiveActing with confidence and force; sure of one's self12
9559145972belligerentHostile and aggressive13
9559145973benevolentKind14
9559145974bitterexhibiting strong animosity as a result of pain or grief15
9559145975callousEmotionally hardened, unfeeling16
9559145976candidImpartial and honest in speech17
9559145977celebratorycongratulatory, honoring18
9559145978compassionateFeeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.19
9559145979concernedfeeling or showing worry or solicitude20
9559145980conciliatoryAppeasing; soothing; showing willingness to reconcile21
9559145981condescendingpossessing an attitude of superiority, patronizing22
9559145982contemptuousFeeling hatred; scornful23
9559145983curiousinquisitive24
9559145984cynicalbelieving that people act only out of selfish motives; bitterly pessimistic25
9559145985defensiveProtecting oneself from something.26
9559145986defiantBoldly resistant or challenging27
9559145987demeaningcausing someone to lose their dignity and the respect of others; degrading28
9559145988derisiveexpressing contempt or ridicule; mocking29
9559145989detachedImpartial, disinterested; unconcerned, distant, aloof30
9559145990dignifiedworthy of respect31
9559145991dishearteningdiscouraging32
9559145992disparagingdisapproving; belittle33
9559145993docileEasy to teach or manage; obedient34
9559145994dogmaticdictatorial in one's opinions; stubborn35
9559145995earnestSerious and sincere36
9559145996egotisticalexcessively self-centered; conceited37
9559145997empatheticidentification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives38
9559145998enthusiasticzealous39
9559145999evasivenot frank; trying to hide the truth; eluding; evading; V. evade: avoid (a duty or responsibility) or escape from by deceit40
9559146000facetioushumorous, not meant seriously; sarcastic41
9559146001flippantLacking in seriousness; disrespectful, saucy42
9559146002forcefulVehement; compelling43
9559146003formalfollowing rules or customs, often in an exact and proper way44
9559146004frankhonest45
9559146005grima facial expression of fear, disapproval, or pain46
9559146006humblemodest47
9559146007humorousfacetious; funny48
9559146008impartialunbiased, fair49
9559146009inaneFoolish50
9559146010incensedangered at something unjust or wrong51
9559146011incredulousDisbelieving, skeptical52
9559146012indignantFeeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment53
9559146013intimatemarked by close acquaintance54
9559146014ironicsatiric; unexpected55
9559146015irreverentdisrespectful56
9559146016jadedWorn out; wearied57
9559146017judgmentalcritical; disapproving58
9559146018laudatoryexpressing praise59
9559146019macabrehorrible; grim60
9559146020maliciousIntended to hurt or harm61
9559146021mockingin an insincere or pretending manner62
9559146022mourningthe act of showing sorrow or grief63
9559146023naivelacking sophistication or experience64
9559146024narcissisticConceited; having excessive self-love or admiration65
9559146025nostalgiclonging for the past66
9559146026objectiveFactual, related to reality or physical objects; not influenced by emotions, unbiased67
9559146027obsequiousOverly submissive and eager to please68
9559146028optimisticHopeful, cheerful69
9559146029outragedangered at something unjust or wrong70
9559146030outspokencandid71
9559146031patronizingCondescending, having a superior manner, treating as an inferior72
9559146032pensiveThoughtful73
9559146033pessimistica tendency to stress the negative or unfavorable.74
9559146034philosophicalcalm and wise; reasonable Interested in the study of basic truths of existence and reality75
9559146035pragmaticPractical76
9559146036pretentiousdone for show, striving to make a big impression; claiming merit or position unjustifiably; making demands on one's skill or abilities, ambitious77
9559146037resentfulangry due to a feeling of being treated unfairly78
9559146038resignedaccepting one's fate; unresisting; patiently submissive79
9559146039reverentdeeply respectful80
9559146040righteousmorally justified81
9559146041satiricalcriticizing through ridicule82
9559146042sarcasticcaustic; ironic83
9559146043scathingbitterly severe, withering; causing great harm84
9559146044scornfulcontemptuous; disdainful85
9559146045sentimentalA term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience.86
9559146046sincereearnest87
9559146047skepticalDoubtful88
9559146048solemnserious89
9559146049subjectiveExisting in the mind or relating to one's own thoughts, opinions, emotions, etc.; personal, individual, based on feelings90
9559146050submissivedocile; meek91
9559146051sulkingsad, pouting, usually silent92
9559146052sympatheticCompassionate93
9559146053thoughtfulpensive; reflective94
9559146054tolerentopen-minded, accepting of others95
9559146055unassumingmodest96
9559146056urgentcompelling immediate action; pressing; persistent; importunate; Ex. urgent in his demands97
9559146057vindictiveRevengeful98
9559146058wittyClever or amusing99

AP Language Vocabulary Unit 1 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8252016761ApprobationThe expression of approval or favorable opinion0
8252016762AssuageTo put an end to, appease, satisfy, quench1
8252016763CoalitionA combination, union, or merger2
8252016764DecadenceDecline, decay, deterioration, excessive self-indulgence3
8252016765ElicitTo draw forth4
8252016766ExpostulateTo attempt to dissuade someone from some decision5
8252016767HackneyedUsed so often as to lack originality6
8252016768HiatusA gap, opening, break7
8252016769InnuendoA hint, indirect suggestion, reference8
8252016770IntercedeTo plead on behalf of someone else, to be a third party in a disagreement9
8252016771JadedWearied, worn-out, dulled10
8252016772LuridCausing shock, horror, or revulsion11
8252016773MeritoriousWorthy, deserving of recognition or praise12
8252016774PetulantPeevish, annoyed by trifles, irritable13
8252016775PrerogativeA special right or privilege14
8252016776ProvincialLocal, narrow in mind or outlook15
8252016777SimulateTo make a pretense of, imitate16
8252016778TranscendTo rise above or beyond, exceed17
8252016779UmbrageShade cast, an overshadowing power, offense, resentment18
8252016780UnctuousExcessively smooth or smug19

AP Language Vocabulary Unit 6 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6390434284anomalous(adj.) abnormal, irregular, departing from the usual0
6390434285aspersion(n.) a damaging or derogatory statement; the act of slandering or defaming1
6390434286bizarre(adj.) extremely strange, unusual, atypical2
6390434287brusque(adj.) abrupt, blunt, with no formalities3
6390434288cajole(v.) to coax, persuade through flattery or artifice; to deceive with soothing thoughts or false promises4
6390434289castigate(v.) to punish severely; to criticize severely5
6390434290contrive(v.) to plan with ingenuity, invent; to bring about as the result of a scheme or plan6
6390434291demagague(n.) a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power7
6390434292disabuse(v.) to free from deception or error; set right in ideas or thinking8
6390434293ennui(n.) weariness and dissatisfaction from lack of occupation or interest, boredom9
6390434294fetter(n.) a chain or shackle placed on the feet (often used in plural); anything that confines or restrains; (v.) to chain or shackle; to render helpless or impotent10
6390434295heinous(adj.) very wicked, offensive, hateful11
6390434296immutable(adj.) not subject to change, constant12
6390434297insurgent(n.) one who rebels or rises against authority; (adj.) rising in revolt, refusing to accept authority; surging or rushing in or on13
6390434298megalomania(n.) a delusion marked by a feeling of power, wealth, talent, etc..., far in excess of reality14
6390434299sinecure(n.) a position requiring little or no work; an easy job15
6390434300surreptitious(adj.) stealthy, secret, intended to escape observation; made or accomplished by fraud16
6390434301transgress(v.) to go beyond a limit or boundary; to sin, violate a law17
6390434302transmute(v.) to change from one nature, substance, or form to another18
6390434303vicarious(adj.) performed, suffered, or otherwise experienced by one person in place of another19

AP Language Vocab Set 3 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4861863931Ad HominemPersonal attack0
4861864842Ad Hominem Tu QuoqueConcludes claim is false because 1. inconsistent with something else said or 2. inconsistent with actions1
4861868855Ad MisericordiamHighly exaggerated appeal to pity or sympathy.2
4861871701Ad PopulumOpinion of majority is always valid.3
4861872659Anecdotal FallacyPersonal experience as proof of a claim.4
4861874115Appeal to AuthorityUses authority as evidence when authority isn't really an authority on facts presented.5
4861876183Appeal to IgnoranceLack of proof as proof.6
4861877427Appeal to NatureNatural is better than unnatural.7
4861878972Begging the QuestionPresupposes truth of conclusion.8
4861879902Complex or Loaded QuestionHas a presumption built in, implies guilt.9
4861885940Dicto SimpliciterGeneral rule treated as universally true.10
4861886972EquivocationAmbiguous term in more than one sense.11
4861888733Fallacy of CompositionDetermines something to be true of the whole because it is true of some part of the whole.12
4861890891False DialemmaOversimplification - either-or13
4861892778Genetic FallacyArgument judged based on its origin.14
4861898027Hasty GeneralizationConclusion drawn based on a small sample size.15
4861899484Moral EquivalenceCompares minor misdeeds with major atrocities.16
4861900635Name CallingEmotionally loaded terms to influence an audience.17
4861902825Non SequiturConclusion doesn't follow logically from what preceded it.18
4861905096Post HocOne event cause of another just because it occurred before.19
4861906722Red HerringObservation meant to distract from the argument.20
4861908999Slippery SlopeCourse of action objected to on the grounds that once taken it will lead to additional actions until some undesirable consequence occurs.21
4861911948Stacking the DeckAny evidence supporting opposing arguments ignored.22
4861913073Straw ManOpponent's argument overstated or misrepresented in order to be more easily attacked.23
4861914832Weak/False AnalogyAnalogy too dissimilar to be effective.24
4861915919No True ScotsmanChanging definition of a term to make claim true.25
4915380626ClaimTo say that (something) is true when some people may say it is not true.26
4915388700ConcessionGranting something as a right, accepting something as true, or acknowledging defeat.27
4915395848EnthymemeA syllogism in which one of the premises is implicit.28
4915404824FallacyA wrong belief : a false or mistaken idea.29
4915410009PremiseA statement or idea that is accepted as being true and that is used as the basis of an argument.30
4915413365RefutationThe act or process of proving something not to be true.31
4915420329SyllogismFormed by two statements and a conclusion which must be true if the two statements are true.32
4915505602Fallacy of DivisionDetermining something to be true of parts because it's true of the whole.33

AP Language and Composition - Language List #1 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7290125659Abstract LanguageWords that refer to ideas, non-tangible0
7290125660Concrete LanguageWords that refer to physical objects, tangible1
7290125661Deductive Reasoningreasoning from the general to the specific2
7290125662Inductive ReasoningReasoning from specific instances3
7290125663Formerpreceding; previous4
7290125664Latterthe second of two or the second mentioned of two5
7290125665DenotationThe dictionary definition of a word6
7290125666Connotationthe implied or associative meaning of a word7
7290125667Loose SentenceSentence in which the main clause comes first, followed by further dependent grammatical units8
7290125668Periodic SentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.9
7290125669ImplicitImplied10
7290125670ExplicitFully and clearly expressed11
7290125671ObjectivityImpersonal presentation of events12
7290125672SubjectivityA personal presentation of events13
7290125673RhetoricTerm describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively14
7290125674OfficiousDomineering, intrusive, meddlesome15
7290125675DeferenceRespect16
7290125676ObstreperousNoisy and energetic17
7290125677EpitomeTypical of, characterized by18
7290125678NuanceSubtle, fine share of meaning19

AP Language Vocabulary Unit 3 Flashcards

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5137711279distraughtvery much agitated or upset as a result of emotion or mental conflict0
5137720044credencebelief, mental acceptance1
5137724243fecklesslacking in spirit and strength; ineffective, weak; irresponsible, unreliable2
5137732653decryto condemn, express strong disapproval3
5137756546articulateto pronounce distinctly; to express well in words; expressed clearly and forcefully4
5137775206derogatorydesigned to belittle or degrade; disparaging5
5137781814cavortto romp or prance around exuberantly6
5137841034dissembleto disguise or conceal, deliberately give false impression7
5137848123eulogya formal statement of commendation; high praise8
5186720261exhumeto remove from a grave; to bring to light9
5186722998evinceto display clearly, to make evident10
5186748676verdantgreen in tint or color; immature in experience or judgement11
5186751776verbiagelanguage that is too wordy or inflated in proportion to the sense or content, wordiness; a manner of expression12
5186759016murkydark and gloomy, obscure; lacking in clarity and precision13
5186768935propinquitynearness in place or time; kinship14
5186771067intractablehard to manage, stubborn, not responsive to discipline15
5186777623piquantstimulating to the taste or mind; spicy, pungent; appealingly provocative16
5186782728utopianfounded upon or involving a visionary view of an ideal world; impractical17
5186788454nefariouswicked depraved, devoid or moral standards18
5186791516viscoushaving a gelatinous or gluey quality, lacking in easy movement or fluidity19
5186797563unwontednot usual or expected; not in character20
5186800753primordialdeveloped or created at the very beginning; going back to the most ancient times or earliest stage; fundamental, basic21

Terms- AP Language and Composition Flashcards

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4747598271allegoryA literary work in which characters, objects, or actions represent abstractions A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one0
4747599039alliterationIt is a stylistic device in which a number of words, having the same first consonant sound, occur close together in a series.1
4747599040allusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.2
4747599390ambiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.3
4747599391analogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.4
4747599780antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.5
4747600466antithesis(n.) the direct opposite, a sharp contrast6
4747600467aphorismA 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.) An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author's point7
4747601152apostrophe1. punctuation mark; 2. appeal to someone not present (a figure of speech)8
4747601153atmosphereThe 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. Even such elements as a description of the weather can contribute to the atmosphere. Frequently atmosphere foreshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood.9
4747601692caricature(n.) a representation (especially in drawing) in which the subject's characteristic features are deliberately exaggerated; (v.) to present someone or something in a deliberately distorted way10
4747602142clauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. The point that you want to consider is the question of what or why the author subordinates one element should also become aware of making effective use of subordination in your own writing.11
4747602143colloquial(adj.) characteristic of informal conversation (Adam's essay on sexual response in primates was marked down because it contained too many colloquial expressions.)12
4747603036conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.13
4747603037connotationAll the meanings, associations, or emotions that a word suggests14
4747603469denotationThe dictionary definition of a word15
4747603470dictionThe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing16
4747603940dedacticInstructive, preachy, dogmatic intended to teach; inclined to teach excessively17
4747604384euphemismAn indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant A polite or vague word or phrase used to replace another word or phrase that is thought of as too direct or rude.18
4747604385extended metaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work. A comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem.19
4747605035figurative languageLanguage that cannot be taken literally since it was written to create a special effect or feeling.20
4747605036figure 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 understatement21
4747618668generic conventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, and differentiate an essay they differentiate they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and political writing. On the AP language exam,try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.22
4747622330genreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.However, genre is a flexible term; within these broad boundaries exist many subdivisions that are often called genres themselves. For example, prose can be divided into fiction (novels and short stories) or nonfiction (essays, biographies,autobiographies, etc.). Poetry can be divided into lyric, dramatic, narrative, epic, etc. Drama can be divided into tragedy,comedy, melodrama, farce, etc. On the AP language exam, expect the majority of the passages to be from the following genres: autobiography, biography, diaries, criticism, essays, and journalistic, political, scientific, and nature writing. There may be fiction or poetry.23
4747622331homilyThis term literally means "sermon", but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.24
4747622839hyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor25
4747622840imageryDescription that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) Descriptive or figurative language in a literary work; the use of language to create sensory impressions.26
4747623706inferenceA conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning27
4747625424invectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.28
4747625425ironyA contrast or discrepancy between what is stated and what is really meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually does happen.29
4747625865litotesA figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite.30
4747626307non- periodic sentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea comes first, followed by a dependent grammatical unit such as a phrase or a clause31
4747626308metaphorA comparison that establishes a figurative identity between objects being compared.32
4747627635metonymy(mĕtŏn′ ĭmē) A term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name," metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. For example, a news release that claims "the White House declared" rather than "the President declared" is using metonymy; Shakespeare uses it to signify the male and female sexes in As You Like It: "doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat." The substituted term generally carries a more potent emotional impact.33
4747627636moodFeeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader How the reader feels about the text while reading.34
4747628408narrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.35
4747628409onomatopiathe formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named36
4747629721oxymoronA figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.37
4747629722paradoxA statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.38
4747630508parallelismAlso referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning "beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of believe, it was the epoch of incredulity....") The effects of parallelism are numerous, but frequently they act as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical rhythm. Adapted from V. Stevenson, Patrick Henry High School, and Abrams' Glossary of Literary Terms39
4747630996anaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences. MLK used anaphora in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech (1963). A rhetorical figure of repetition in which the same word or phrase is repeated in (and usually at the beginning of) successive lines, clauses, or sentences.40
4747653539parodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. It exploits peculiarities of an author's expression (propensity to use too many parentheses, certain favorite words, etc.) Well-written parody offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers only ineffectual imitation. nuances of the newer work. Occasionally, however, parodies take on a life of their own and don't require knowledge of the original.41
4747653540pedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.42
4747654179periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. The effect of a periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety. It is also a much stronger sentence than the loose sentence. (Example: After a long, bumpy flight and multiple delays, I arrived at the San Diego airport.)43
4747655340personificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions. Personification is used to make these abstractions, animals, or objects appear more vivid to the reader.44
4747655341point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told45
4747656069prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure. Any material that is not written in a regular meter like poetry46
4747656070repetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.47
4747657558rhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.48
4747658480rhetorical modesThis flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing. The four most common rhetorical modes (often referred to as "modes of discourse") are as follows: (1) The purpose of exposition (or expository writing) is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. The AP language exam essay questions are frequently expository topics. (2) The purpose of argumentation is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, an additional aim of urging some form of action. (3) The purpose of description is to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five senses in description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional an subjective. (4) The purpose of narration is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing. Adapted from V. Stevenson, Patrick Henry High School, and Abrams' Glossary of Literary Terms49
4747661049sarcasmthe use of irony to mock or convey contempt50
4747661050satireA work that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of human behavior by portraying it in an extreme way. It doesn't simply abuse (as in invective) or get personal (as in sarcasm). It targets groups or large concepts rather than individuals.51
4747661051semanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.52
4747662020styleThe consideration of style has two purposes: (1) An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other We can analyze and describe an author's personal style and make judgments on how appropriate it is to the author's purpose. Styles can be called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, laconic, etc. (2) Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors. By means of such classification and comparison, we can see how an author's style reflects and helps to define a historical period, such as the Renaissance or the Victorian period, or a literary movement, such as the romantic, transcendental, or realist movement.53
4747662024subject complementThe word (with any accompanying phrases) or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by either (1) renaming it (the predicate nominative) or (2) describing it (the predicate adjective). These are defined below: (1) the predicate nominative - a noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject. It, like the predicate adjective, follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence. Example: Julia Roberts is a movie star. movie star = predicate nominative, as it renames the subject, Julia Roberts (2) the predicate adjective -- an adjective, a group of adjectives, or adjective clause that follows a linking verb. It is in the predicate of the sentence, and modifies, or describes, the subject. Example: Warren remained optimistic. optimistic = predicate adjective, as it modifies the subject, Warren54
4747663984subordinate clauseA clause in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and that functions within the sentence as a noun or adjective or adverb55
4747667095syllogismA form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.56
4747667445symbolA thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.57
4747667739synecdocheA figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole (as hand for sailor), the whole for a part (as the law for police officer), the specific for the general (as cutthroat for assassin), the general for the specific (as thief for pickpocket), or the material for the thing made from it (as steel for sword).58
4747668553synsthesiaAbnormal condition in which sensory nerve messages connect to the wrong centers of the brain. For example, touching an object may produce the perception of a sound, while hearing a tone may produce the visualization of a color59
4747669230syntaxThe arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.60
4747671494themeA topic of discussion or writing; a major idea broad enough to cover the entire scope of a literary work.61
4747673123thesisIn expository writing, the thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position. Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, effectively, and thoroughly a writer has proven the thesis.62
4747673124toneA writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization on the sentence and global levels.63
4747673771transitionA word or phrase that links one idea to the next and carries the reader from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph64
4747675563understatementA figure of speech in which a writer or speaker says less than what he or she means; the opposite of exaggeration.65
4747675564witin modern usage intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. A witty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speakers verbal power66

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