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Unit 3 Vocabulary AP Language Flashcards

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5211964838ArticulateTo pronounce distinctly; to express well in words; to connect by a joint or joints; expressed clearly and forcefully; able to employ language clearly and forcefully; jointed0
5211964839CavortTo romp or prance around exuberantly; to make merry1
5211964840CredenceBelief; mental acceptance2
5211964841DecryTo condemn; express strong disapproval; to officially depreciate3
5211964842DissembleTo disguise or conceal; deliberately give a false impression4
5211964843DistraughtVery much agitated or upset as a result of emotion or mental conflict5
5211964844EulogyA formal statement of commendation; high praise6
5211964845EvinceTo display clearly; to make evident; to provoke7
5211964846ExhumeTo remove from a grave; to bring to light8
5211964847FecklessLacking in spirit and strength ineffective; weak; irresponsible and irreliable9
5211964848MurkyDark and gloomy; obscure; lacking in clarity and precision10
5211964849NefariousWicked, depraved; devoid of moral standards11
5211964850PiquantStimulating to the taste or mind, spicy, pungent; appealingly provocative12
5211964851PrimordialDeveloped or created at the very beginning; going back to the most ancient times or earliest stage; fundamental, basic13
5211964852PropinquityNearness in place or time; kinship14
5211964853UnwontedNot usual or expected; not in character15
5211964854UtopianFounded upon or involving a visionary view of an ideal world; impractical16
5211964855VerbiageLanguage that is too wordy or inflated in proportion to the sense or content, wordiness; a manner of expression17
5211964856VerdantGreen intent or color; immature in experience or judgment18
5211964857ViscousHaving a Gelatinous or gluey quality, lacking in easy movement or fluidity19

AP Language Vocab General Terms Flashcards

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7181849584language that describes concepts rather than concrete imagesAbstract0
7181856513an extended narrative in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and in which the writer intends a second meaning to be read beneath the surface of the storyAllegory1
7181859984comparison of two similar but different things usually to clarify an action or a relationshipAnalogy2
7182017794a short, simple narrative of an incident; often used for humorous effect or to make a pointAnecdote3
7182020698Explanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite sources, or give bibliographical data.Annotation4
7182023914a short, often witty statement of a principle or a truth about life. Examples: "Early bird gets the worm." "What goes around, comes around.." "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."Aphorism5
7182025173that which has been accepted as authentic, such as in canon law, or the "Canon according to the Theories of Einstein."Canon6
7182025174descriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person's appearance or a facet of personality.Caricature7
7182025605quality of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central idea, theme, or organizing principleCoherence8
7182025606a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun; it may also be a paradox or difficult problemConundrum9
7182025889an accepted manner, model, or tradition. For instance, Aristotle's convention's of tragedyConvention10
7182025890writing whose purpose is to instruct or to teach. The work is usually formal and focuses on moral or ethical concerns. This type of writing may be fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.Didactic11
7182027092spoken or written language, including literary works; the four traditionally classified modes are description, exposition, narration, and persuasion.Discourse12
7182027499When the reader is aware of an inconsistency between a fictional or nonfictional character's perception of a situation and the truth of that situation.Dramatic Irony13
7182027742the use of a quotation at the beginning of a work that hints at its theme. Hemingway begins The Sun Also Rises with two quotations. One of them is "You are all a lost generation" by Gertrude Stein.Epigraph14
7182027935The art of interpreting or discovering the meaning of a text. It usually involves close reading and special attention to figurative language.Explication15
7182028118the immediate revelation to the audience of the setting and other background information necessary for understanding the plot; also, explanation; one of the four modes of discourseExposition16
7182028119a type of literary work, such as a novel or poem; there are also subgenres, such as science fiction or sonnet, within the larger genresGenre17
7182028451the excessive pride of ambition that leads a tragic hero to disregard warnings of impending doom, eventually causing his or her downfall.Hubris18
7182028452anything that causes laughter or amusement; up until the end of the Renaissance, humor meant a person's temperamentHumor19
7182029123writing that records the conversation that occurs inside a character's headInterior Monologue20
7182029350a situation or statement in which the actual outcome or meaning is opposite to what was expected. Verbal Irony—what the author/narrator says is actually the opposite of what is meant; Situational Irony—when events end up the opposite of what is expected; Dramatic Irony—in drama and fiction, facts or situations are known to the reader or audience but not to the charactersIrony21
7182029351the method or form of a literary work; the manner in which a work of literature is written. The Greeks believed there were only four modes of discourse: narration, description, exposition (cause/effect, process analysis, compare/contrast), and argumentation. Contemporary thought often includes other modes, such as personal observation and narrative reflection.Mode of Discourse22
7182029697The lesson drawn from a fictional or nonfictional story. It can also mean a heavily didactic story.Moral23
7182029698main theme or subject of a work that is elaborated on in the development of the piece; a repeated pattern or ideaMotif24
7182030122the telling of a story in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama; one of the four modes of discourseNarration25
7182030134an impersonal presentation of events and characters. It is a writer's attempt to remove himself or herself from any subjective, personal involvement in a story. Hard news journalism is frequently prized for its objectivity, although even fictional stories can be told without a writer rendering personal judgment.Objectivity26
7182030455the movement of a literary piece from one point or one section to anotherPacing27
7182030456a short tale that teaches a moral; similar to but shorter than an allegoryParable28
7182030989the perspective from which a story is presentedPoint of View29
7182031216the main character of a literary workProtagonist30
7182031497an element in literature that conveys a realistic portrayal of a specific geographical locale, using the locale and its influences as a major part of the plotRegionalism31
7182031742the art of effective communication, especially persuasive discourse; Rhetoric focuses on the interrelationship of invention, arrangement, and style in order to create felicitous and appropriate discourse.Rhetoric32
7182031919exposition, description, narration, argumentationRhetorical Modes33
7182032234A 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.Satire34
7182032235Time and place of a literary workSetting35
7182032723the voice of a work; an author may speak as himself or herself or as a fictitious personaSpeaker36
7182032724an author's characteristic manner of expression - his or her diction, syntax, imagery, structure, and content all contribute to styleStyle37
7182032966a personal presentation of events and characters, influenced by the author's feelings and opinionsSubjectivity38
7182033173the central idea or "message" of a literary workTheme39
7182033174the main idea of a piece of writing. It presents the author's assertion or claim. The effectiveness of a presentation is often based on how well the writer presents, develops, and supports this.Thesis40
7182033818a word or phrase that links one idea to the next and carries the reader from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph.Transition41
7182033819quality of a piece of writing (also see coherence)Unity42
7182034734refers to two different areas of writing. One refers to the relationship between a sentence's subject and verb (active and passive voice). The second refers to the total "sound" of a writer's style.Voice43

AP Language and Comp Flashcards

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6442577609allegoryrhetorical strategy of extending a metaphor through an entire narrative. "There is an obvious allegory in Avatar, the Navi stand for Native Americans."0
6442577610alliterationThe repetition of an initial consonant sound, as in "a peck of pickled peppers."1
6442577611allusionA brief, usually indirect reference to a person, place, or event--real or fictional.2
6442577612analogyA type of composition (or, more commonly, a part of a composition or speech) in which one idea, process, or thing is explained by comparing it to something else.3
6442577613anaphora (also called epanaphora)A scheme in which the same word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. Example: "I will fight for you. I will fight to save Social Security. I will fight to raise the minimum wage."4
6442577614anastropheA scheme in which normal word order is changed for emphasis. Example: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.5
6442577615anecdoteA short account (or narrative) of an interesting or amusing incident, often intended to illustrate or support some point.6
6442577616annotationA concise statement of the key idea(s) in a text or a portion of a text. Annotations are commonly used in reading instruction and in research.7
6442577617antagonistCharacter in a story or poem who opposes the main character (protagonist). Sometimes the antagonist is an animal, an idea, or a thing. Examples of such antagonists might include illness, oppression, or the serpent in the biblical story of Adam and Eve.8
6442577618antecedentThe noun or noun phrase that a pronoun refers to. "When giving treats to ~friends~ or ~children~, give them what they like, emphatically not what is good for them."9
6442577619antimetaboleHalf of expression is balanced, other half is backwards. ABC-CBA. It's a type of chiasmus. "I know what I like, and I like what I know"10
6442577620antithesisPlacement of contrasting or opposing words, phrases, clauses, or sentences side by side. Following are examples:"The more acute the experience, the less articulate its expression." (Harold Pinter, "Writing for the Theatre," 1962)11
6442577621anthropomorphismAttribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena12
6442577622antithesisA rhetorical term for the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses. "You're easy on the eyes Hard on the heart." - (Terri Clark)13
6442577623aphorismA brief statement of a principle that makes a wise observation about life. "Haste makes waste." "The first rule of Fight Club is--you do not talk about Fight Club." (Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden, Fight Club)14
6442577624aporiaintentionally express unsureness15
6442577625apostropheA scheme in which a person or an abstract quality is directly addressed, whether present or not. Example: "Freedom! You are a beguiling mistress."16
6442577626appositionThe placement side-by-side of two coordinate elements (noun phrases), the second of which serves to identify or rename the first. "Miniver Cheevy, ~child of scorn~, grew lean while he assailed the seasons." "Gussie, ~a glutton for punishment~, stared at himself in the mirror."17
6442577627archaic dictionthe use of words that are old-fashioned or no longer commonly used.18
6442577628Aristotelian triangleRelation between audience, subject, and writer/speaker19
6442577629arrangementThe parts of a speech or, more broadly, the structure of a text. Arrangement is one of the five traditional canons or subdivisions of classical rhetorical training.20
6442577630asideIn conversation or drama, a short passage spoken in an undertone or addressed to an audience. In writing, an aside may be set off by parentheses.21
6442577631assertiona positive statement or declaration, often without support or reason22
6442577632assumptiona statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn. Little proof is given.23
6442577633asyndetonOmitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses "Anyway, like I was saying, shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo."24
6442577634attitudeCreated by a speaker or writer in order to invent materials, the manner in which an action is carried out.25
6442577635audiencethe receiving end. Always important to write and speak with the audience in mind. Clarity, brevity, interest, reaction, etc...26
6442577636biasPrejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.27
6442577637blank verseis any verse comprised of unrhymed lines all in the same meter, usually iambic pentameter. An iambic pair is pronounced as da-DUM, accentuating the stress on the second syllable. Hence, an iambic pentameter would have the form,da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM28
6442577638bombastA pejorative term for pompous and inflated speech or writing that sounds important but is generally nonsense. "empty rhetoric". Padding to something without meaning.29
6442577639cacophonyA mix of harsh, displeasing, or clashing sounds. It is commonly used to describe poetry, but can also be found in musical composition. Sometimes it is accidental, and sometimes it is used intentionally for artistic effect.30
6442577640catharsisIn literature and art, a purification of emotions. The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) used the term to describe the effect on the audience of a tragedy acted out on a theater stage. This effect consists in cleansing the audience of disturbing emotions, such as fear and pity, thereby releasing tension. In modern usage, ____ may refer to any experience, real or imagined, that purges a person of negative emotions.31
6442577641characterThe distinctive nature of something.32
6442577642chiasmusInversion in the second of two parallel phrases Example: "It's not the men in my life, it's the life in my men."33
6442577643circumlocution (or periphrasis)The use of unnecessarily wordy and indirect language to avoid getting to the point. Contrast with conciseness. Adjective: circumlocutory. (such as "a tool used for cutting things such as paper and hair") as opposed to scissors.34
6442577644claimAn assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt.35
6442577645classical modelintroduction, introduces the subject and piques the reader's interest narration, provides factual information and background material confirmation, major part of text, includes the development of the proof needed to make the writer's case refutation, addresses counterargument, bridge between proof and conclusion conclusion, brings essay to a close, "So what does it all mean?"36
6442577646climaxThe most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex.37
6442577647close readingWhen you ______, you observe facts and details about the text. You may focus on a particular passage, or on the text as a whole. Your aim may be to notice all striking features of the text, including rhetorical features, structural elements, cultural references; or, your aim may be to notice only selected features of the text—for instance, oppositions and correspondences, or particular historical references.38
6442577648colloquialismAn 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.~"39
6442577649comic reliefComic episodes in a dramatic or literary work that offset more serious sections. A character or characters providing this.40
6442577650concedeAdmit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it.41
6442577651conclusionbrings essay to a close, "So what does it all mean" or a reasoned deduction or inference.42
6442577652confirmationmajor part of text, includes the development of the proof needed to make the writer's case43
6442577653confirmation biasTendency of people to favor information that confirms their beliefs or hypotheses.44
6442577654conflictThe conflict of a story is a problem in the story. It can be internal or external.45
6442577655connotationThe emotional implications and associations that a word may carry, in contrast to its denotative (literal) meanings. An idea that is implied or suggested "The name reservation has a negative connotation among Native Americans--an intern camp of sorts." (John Russell)46
6442577656contextThe words and sentences that surround any part of a discourse and that help to determine its meaning.47
6442577657conventiona rule, method, or practice established by usage; custom48
6442577658counterargumenta contrasting, opposing, or refuting argument.49
6442577659cumulative sentencesentence that completes the main idea at the beginning of the sentence and then builds and adds on50
6442577660deductive reasoningA method of reasoning from the general to the specific. In a deductive argument, a conclusion follows necessarily from the stated premises. (Contrast with induction.) In logic, a deductive argument is called a syllogism. In rhetoric, the equivalent of the syllogism is the enthymeme.51
6442577661denotationThe direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings52
6442577662denouementIn a narrative (within an essay, short story, novel, play, or film), the event or events following the climax; the resolution or clarification of the plot.53
6442577663deus ex machina____:(god from the machine) is a term describing the sudden appearance of an unexpected way out of a difficult situation.54
6442577664dictionChoice and use of words in speech or writing55
6442577665discursive1.passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling. 2. proceeding by reasoning or argument rather than intuition.56
6442577666dramatic ironydrama, audience knows something that the characters don't know. ex.Lincoln57
6442577667dynamic charactera literary or dramatic character who undergoes an important inner change, as a change in personality or attitude: Ebeneezer Scrooge is a dynamic character.58
6442577668effectsomething that is produced by an agency or cause; result; consequence59
6442577669elegya mournful, melancholy, or plaintive poem, especially a funeral song or a lament for the dead.60
6442577670epanadiplosisA figure by which the same word is used both at the beginning and at the end of a sentence; as, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." --Phil. iv. 4.61
6442577671epicLong poem in a lofty style about the exploits of heroic figures. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, as well as the Old English poem Beowulf, are examples of epics.62
6442577672epigramany witty, ingenious, or pointed saying tersely expressed; a short, often satirical poem dealing concisely with a single subject and usually ending with a witty or ingenious turn of thought.63
6442577673epistrophe (also called epiphora)A scheme in which the same word is repeated at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. Example: "I believe we should fight for justice. You believe we should fight for justice. How can we not, then, fight for justice?"64
6442577674ethosCredibility. We tend to believe people whom we respect.65
6442577675euphemismThe substitution of an inoffensive term (such as "passed away") for one considered offensively explicit ("died"). Contrast with dysphemism. Adjective: euphemistic.66
6442577676euphonyagreeableness of sound; pleasing effect to the ear, especially a pleasant sounding or harmonious combination or succession of words67
6442577677explicationthe act of making clear or removing obscurity from the meaning of a word or symbol or expression etc..68
6442577678expositionwriting or speech primarily intended to convey information or to explain; a detailed statement or explanation; explanatory treatise69
6442577679fablea short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters; apologue70
6442577680figurative languagerefers to words, and groups of words, that exaggerate or alter the usual meanings of the component words.71
6442577681figure of speechis the use of a word or words diverging from its usual meaning. It can also be a special repetition, arrangement or omission of words with literal meaning, as in idiom, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, or personification.72
6442577682flashbacka device in the narrative of a motion picture, novel, etc., by which an event or scene taking place before the present time in the narrative is inserted into the chronological structure of the work.73
6442577683foreshadowingto show or indicate beforehand; prefigure of events that are to come74
6442577684formtypes of writing75
6442577685functionthe kind of action or activity proper to a person, thing, or institution; the purpose for which something is designed or exists; role.76
6442577686heteroclite dictionDeviating from ordinary forms or rules; irregular; anomalous; abnormal.77
6442577687hortative sentencesentence that exhorts, advices, calls to action "Go! Go! Go!" "Great job keep going!"78
6442577688hyperboleA trope composed of exaggerated words or ideals used for emphasis and not to be taken literally. Example: "I've told you a million times not to call me a liar!"79
6442577689imageform; appearance; semblance80
6442577690imageryVivid descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste).81
6442577691imperative sentencegives a command. "take me to the store." remember: it is imperative that you take me to the store!82
6442577692Impressionismuse imagism and symbolism to convey their impressions, rather than interpreting their experiences.83
6442577693inductive reasoningA method of reasoning that moves from specific instances to a generalization. Specific to general.84
6442577694inversionreversal of the usual or natural order of words; anastrophe.85
6442577695ironyA trope in which a word or phrase is used to mean the opposite of its literal meaning. Example: "I just love scrubbing the floor."86
6442577696juxtapositionan act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.87
6442577697laconicusing few words; expressing much in few words; concise: a laconic reply.88
6442577698litotesA trope in which one makes a deliberate understatement for emphasis. Example: Young lovers are kissing and an observer says: "I think they like each other."89
6442577699logoslogic means persuading by the use of reasoning.90
6442577700MachiavellianNiccolo Machiavelli helped to begin a revolution in political philosophy. His ideas were not necessarily original but still considered extremely radical at the time he published his book.91
6442577701magic realismis a genre where magic elements are a natural part in an otherwise mundane, realistic environment.[1] Although it is most commonly used as a literary genre, magic realism also applies to film and the visual arts.92
6442577702malapropAbsurd or humorous misuse of a word, especially by confusion with one of similar sound. An example is Yogi Berra's statement: "Texas has a lot of electrical votes," rather than "electoral votes".93
6442577703metaphorA trope in which a word or phrase is transferred from its literal meaning to stand for something else. Unlike a simile, in which something is said to be "like" something else, a metaphor says something is something else. Example: "Debt is a bottomless sea."94
6442577704metonymySubstitution where a word or phrase is used in place of another word or phrase (such as "crown" for "royalty"). "The pen is mightier than the sword,"95
6442577705modifierIn grammar, a modifier is an optional element in phrase structure or clause structure. A modifier is so called because it is said to modify (change the meaning of) another element in the structure, on which it is dependent. ex: "This is a red ball" vs. "This is a ball". Red modifies the noun ball.96
6442577706monologuea prolonged talk or discourse by a single speaker97
6442577707motifa recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work98
6442577708narrationprovides factual information and background material or something narrated; an account, story, or narrative99
6442577709nominalizationto convert (another part of speech) into a noun, as in changing the adjective lowly into the lowly100
6442577710occasiona special or important time101
6442577711onomatopoeiause of words that imitate sounds-CRASH, BANG, HISS102
6442577712oxymoronA trope that connects two contradictory terms. Example: "Bill is a cheerful pessimist." "Jumbo shrimp"103
6442577713pacinga rate of movement104
6442577714parableA story, usually short and simple, that illustrates a lesson.105
6442577715paradoxan assertion seemingly opposed to common sense, but that may yet have some truth in it. [What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young] "War is peace." "Freedom is slavery."106
6442577716parallel plotPlots in which each main character has a separate but related story line that merges in the end.107
6442577717parallelismThe use of identical or equivalent syntactic constructions in corresponding clauses or phrases108
6442577718parodya humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing109
6442577719pathosemotional appeal and persuasion110
6442577720periodic sentencemain subject is at the end of the sentence. "in front of the growing crowd, the women are fighting." Think: before the period111
6442577721periphrasisA trope in which one substitutes a descriptive word or phrase for a proper noun. Example: "The big man upstairs hears your prayers."112
6442577722personathe narrator of or a character in a literary work, sometimes identified with the author.113
6442577723personificationA trope in which human qualities or abilities are assigned to abstractions or inanimate objects. Example: "Integrity thumbs its nose at pomposity."114
6442577724plotAlso called storyline. the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story.115
6442577725point of viewThe perspective from which a speaker or writer recounts a narrative or presents information. Depending on the topic, purpose, and audience, writers of nonfiction may rely on the first-person point of view (I, we), the second-person (you, your), or the third-person (he, she, it, they).116
6442577726polemica controversial argument, as one against some opinion, doctrine117
6442577727polysyndetonMultiple coordinating conjunctions "Let the whitefolks have their money and power and segregation and sarcasm and big houses and schools and lawns like carpets, and books, and mostly--mostly--let them have their whiteness." (Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969)118
6442577728premisea proposition supporting or helping to support a conclusion119
6442577729propagandistica person involved in producing or spreading propaganda120
6442577730protagonistthe leading character, hero, or heroine of a drama or other literary work.121
6442577731punA play on words in which a homophone is repeated but used in a different sense. Examples: "She was always game for any game."122
6442577732purposethe reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.123
6442577733refutationaddresses counterargument, bridge between proof and conclusion124
6442577734refuteto prove to be false or erroneous, as an opinion or charge.125
6442577735rhetoricThe study and practice of effective communication. The study of the effects of texts on audiences. The art of persuasion. An insincere eloquence intended to win points and manipulate126
6442577736rhetorical appealsethos, pathos, logos127
6442577737rhetorical modesdescribe the variety, conventions, and purposes of the major kinds of writing. Four of the most common rhetorical modes and their purpose are exposition, argumentation, description, and narration.128
6442577738rhetorical questionA trope in which the one asks a leading question. Example: "With all the violence on TV today, is it any wonder kids bring guns to school?"129
6442577739satireA text or performance that uses irony, derision, or wit to expose or attack human vice, foolishness, or stupidity. With intent to improve.130
6442577740sarcasmEmpty irony. Meant for others to feel stupid and does not improve a situation131
6442577741schemeA change in standard word order or pattern.132
6442577742segueto make a transition from one thing to another smoothly and without interruption133
6442577743settingthe surrounding environment of a story134
6442577744simileA trope in which one states a comparison between two things that are not alike but have similarities. Unlike metaphors, similes employ "like" or "as." Example: "Her eyes are as blue as a robin's egg."135
6442577745soliloquyan utterance or discourse by a person who is talking to himself or herself or is disregardful of or oblivious to any hearers present136
6442577746speakerthe person speaking137
6442577747stage directionsAn instruction in the text of a play.138
6442577748static characterCharacter in a literary work who does not change his or her outlook in response to events taking place.139
6442577749structureThe arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.140
6442577750styleRefers to the way you put your writing together. It refers to your choice of sentence patterns, your overall choice of words, and the specific vocabulary you use. (e.g. using lots of dialogue, or poetic language, or lots of description).141
6442577751subjectthat which forms a basic matter of thought, discussion, investigation, etc.: a subject of conversation.142
6442577752subplotsubplot is a secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot143
6442577753subtext_____ or undertone is content of a work which is not announced explicitly by the characters (or author) but is implicit or becomes something understood by the observer of the work as the production unfolds.144
6442577754syllogismis a kind of logical argument in which one proposition (the conclusion) is inferred from two or more others (the premises) of a specific form.145
6442577755symbolsomething used for or regarded as representing something else;146
6442577756synecdocheA trope in which a part stands for the whole or a whole stands for a part. Example: "Tom just bought a fancy new set of wheels."147
6442577757syntaxIs the study of the rules that dictate how the parts of sentences go together.148
6442577758synthesizeCombines parts and elements, focuses on main ideas and details, and achieves new insight. In writing a synthesis, you infer relationships between sources, both written and non-written.149
6442577759themea subject of discourse, discussion, meditation, or composition;150
6442577760thesisa proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections151
6442577761toneThe atmosphere or emotion an author conveys through word choice, etc. Refers to how you say or write something. "The main factor in tone is diction, the words that the writer chooses. For one kind of writing, an author may choose one type of vocabulary, perhaps slang, and for another the same writer may choose an entirely different set of words. Even such small matters as contractions make a difference in tone, the contracted verbs being less formal.152
6442577762topic sentenceterm to describe the sentence in an expository paragraph which summarizes the main idea of that paragraph.153
6442577763tragic heroA tragic hero is the protagonist of a tragedy. The emotion of pity stems not from a person becoming better but when a person receives undeserved misfortune and fear comes when the misfortune befalls a man like us.154
6442577764tropeThe use of a word, phrase, or image in a way not intended by its normal signification.155
6442577765understatementthe act or an instance of understating, or representing in a weak or restrained way that is not borne out by the facts.156
6442577766verbal ironySay one thing, mean the other157
6442577767voicethe individual writing style of an author158
6442577768zeugmaA trope in which one verb governs several words, or clauses, each in a different sense. Example: "He stiffened his drink and his spine." "You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit."159
6442577769maxima short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct160
6442577770relative clausecannot stand alone, conains a subject and a verb; begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, that, or which) or a relative adverb (whre, when, why); functions as an adjective (answers, "What kind?", "How many?", "Which one?"161
6442577771Anadiplosisrepetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause162
6442577772assonanceThe repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds in neighboring words. Adjective: assonant. EX. "If I bleat when I speak it's because I just got . . . fleeced." (Al Swearengen in Deadwood, 2004)163
6442577773ParodyA literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule.164
6442577774active voicethe voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is performing the action or causing the happening denoted by the verb165
6442577775passive voicethe voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is the recipient (not the source) of the action denoted by the verb166
6635909650SOAPStoneSubject Occasion Audience Purpose Speaker Tone167
6635916044rhetorical analysis essaySOAPStone, explain how the author used rhetorical devices to help develop and strengthen their claim to reach the audience168
6635919320synthesis essaygiven several sources, must use a MINIMUM of 3 to support your claim on the given topic169
6635928778how long should you plan your essay (synthesis)?15 minutes170
6635931902how long should you write your essay (synthesis)?40 minutes171
6635935429what pov should the synthesis essay be in?3rd person objective172
6635938014toulmin modelexigence | audience | purpose | ethos, logos, pathos | organization | diction, syntax, imagery, figurative language173
6635957392rhetorical triangle174
6635992613begging the questionthe writer ignores/deflects the real question175
6635992614bandwagoneveryone is doing it!176
6636008414false dilemmaeither/or argument that states there are only 2 options177
6636010065slippery slopeone thing inevitably leads to another178
6636011893straw mandefining the opponent's position when they are not present179
6636014398ad hominem180

AP Language Vocabulary Unit 5 Flashcards

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8251992121amnesty(n.) a general pardon for an offense against a government; in general, any act of forgiveness of absolution0
8251992122autonomy(n.) self-government, political control1
8251992123axiomatic(adj.) self-evident, expressing a universally accepted principle or rule2
8251992124blazon(v.) to adorn or embellish; to display conspiciously; to publish or proclaim widely3
8251992125caveat(n.) a warning or caution to prevent misunderstanding or discourage behavior4
8251992126equitable(adj.) fair, just, embodying principles of justice5
8251992127extricate(v.) to free from entanglements or difficulties; to remove with effort6
8251992128filch(v.) to steal, especially in a sneaky way and in petty amounts7
8251992129flout(v.) to mock, treat with contempt8
8251992130factious(adj.) tending to be troublesome; unruly, quarrelsome, contrary; unpredictable9
8251992131precept(n.) a rule of conduct or action10
8251992132salutary(adj.) beneficial, helpful; healthful, wholesome11
8251992133scathing(adj.) bitterly severe, withering; causing great harm12
8251992134scourge(v.) to whip, punish severely; (n.) a cause or affliction or suffering; a source of severe punishment of criticism13
8251992135sepulchral(adj.) funereal, typical of the tomb; extremely gloomy or dismal14
8251992136soporific(adj.) tending to cause sleep, relating to sleepiness or lethargy; (n.) something that induces sleep15
8251992137straitlaced(adj.) extremely strict in regard to moral standards and conduct; prudish, puritanical16
8251992138transient(adj.) lasting only a short time, fleeting; (n.) one who stays only a short time17
8251992139unwieldy(adj.) not easily carried, handled, or managed because of size or complexity18
8251992140vapid(adj.) dull, uninteresting, tiresome; lacking in sharpness, flavor, liveliness, or force19

AP Language Vocabulary Unit 6 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8252027855anomalous(adj.) abnormal, irregular, departing from the usual0
8252027856aspersion(n.) a damaging or derogatory statement; the act of slandering or defaming1
8252027857bizarre(adj.) extremely strange, unusual, atypical2
8252027858brusque(adj.) abrupt, blunt, with no formalities3
8252027859cajole(v.) to coax, persuade through flattery or artifice; to deceive with soothing thoughts or false promises4
8252027860castigate(v.) to punish severely; to criticize severely5
8252027861contrive(v.) to plan with ingenuity, invent; to bring about as the result of a scheme or plan6
8252027862demagague(n.) a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power7
8252027863disabuse(v.) to free from deception or error; set right in ideas or thinking8
8252027864ennui(n.) weariness and dissatisfaction from lack of occupation or interest, boredom9
8252027865fetter(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
8252027866heinous(adj.) very wicked, offensive, hateful11
8252027867immutable(adj.) not subject to change, constant12
8252027868insurgent(n.) one who rebels or rises against authority; (adj.) rising in revolt, refusing to accept authority; surging or rushing in or on13
8252027869megalomania(n.) a delusion marked by a feeling of power, wealth, talent, etc..., far in excess of reality14
8252027870sinecure(n.) a position requiring little or no work; an easy job15
8252027871surreptitious(adj.) stealthy, secret, intended to escape observation; made or accomplished by fraud16
8252027872transgress(v.) to go beyond a limit or boundary; to sin, violate a law17
8252027873transmute(v.) to change from one nature, substance, or form to another18
8252027874vicarious(adj.) performed, suffered, or otherwise experienced by one person in place of another19

AP Language Vocabulary Unit 11 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6711174019abstemiouscharacterized by abstinence and self-discipline0
6711174020censurabledeserving of blame or correction1
6711174021contingent-likely but not certain to happen, possible -a representative group forming part of a larger body2
6711174022corroborateto confirm, make more certain, bolster, substantiate, verify3
6711174023denizenan inhabitant, resident*;* one who frequents a place4
6711174024discursivepassing aimlessly from one place or subject to another, rambling, roving, nomadic5
6711174025disseminateto scatter or spread widely6
6711174026dowdypoorly dressed, shabby*;* lacking smartness and good taste7
6711174027floridhighly colored, reddish*;* excessively ornate, showy8
6711174028foistto impose by fraud*;* to pass off as worthy or genuine9
6711174029gaucheawkward, lacking in social graces, tactless, clumsy10
6711174030heresyan opinion different from accepted belief11
6711174031inculcateto impress on the mind by repetition, teach persistently and earnestly12
6711174032palpablecapable of being touched or felt*;* easily seen, heard, or recognized13
6711174033perceptivehaving sympathetic insight of understanding, capable of keen appreciation14
6711174034perniciousextremely harmful*;* deadly, fatal15
6711174035salient-prominent, standing out, conspicuous -a projection or bulge, a land form that, projects upward or outward16
6711174036satiate-to satisfy completely -full, satisfied17
6711174037searto char or scorch the surface of*;* to make or become dry and withered18
6711174038speciousdeceptive, apparently good or valid but lacking real merit19

AP Language Vocabluary (List 1) Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7260207702Acquistive (adj)excessively interested in acquiring money0
7260207703Banal (adj)lacking originality, freshness, or novelty1
7260207704Belabor (v)to attack verbally, to beat soundly, to explain or insist on excessively2
7260207705Carping (adj)marked by or inclined to querulous and often perverse criticism3
7260207706Coherent (adj)(of an argument, theory, or policy) logical and consistent; united as or forming a whole4
7260207707Congeal (v)to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold, to make viscid or curdled, to make rigid, fixed, or immobile5
7260207708Emulate (v)to strive to equal or excel, imitate, to equal or approach equality with6
7260207709Eschew (v)to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds7
7260207710Germane (adj)absolete, being at once relevant and appropriate8
7260207711Insatiable (adj)incapable of being satisfied9
7260207712Invidious (adj)tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envoy; of an unpleasant or objectionable nature; of a kind to cause harm or resentment10
7260207713Reconnaissance (n)a preliminary survey to gain information, an exploratory military survey of enemy territory11
7260207714Substantial (adj)consisting of or relating to substance, not imaginary or illusionary, ample to satisfy and nourish, considerable in quantity12
7260207715Taciturn (adj)temperamental disinclined to talk13
7260207716Tenable (adj)capable of being held, maintained, or defended14

AP Language Exam Terms Flashcards

Exam on the 16th

Terms : Hide Images
9767425987Cumulative (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
9767425988Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
9767425989Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
9767425990Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
9767425991Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
9767425992Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
9767425993Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
9767425994Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
9767425995SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
9767425996Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
9767425997Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
9767425998Inductiona 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
9767425999Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
9767426000Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
9767426001Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
9767426002Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
9767426003Similea 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
9767426004Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
9767426005Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
9767426006Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
9767426007Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
9767426008Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
9767426009Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
9767426010Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
9767426011Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
9767426012Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
9767426013Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
9767426014Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
9767426015Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
9767426016Rhetorical 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
9767426017Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
9767426018RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
9767426019Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
9767426020Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
9767426021Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
9767426022Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
9767426023Modes 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
9767426024Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
9767426025Contrast/ 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
9767426026Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
9767426027Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
9767426028Processsimply "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
9767426029Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
9767426030Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
9767426031Descriptionwriting 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
9767426032Dogmatism`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
9767426033False 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
9767426034False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
9767426035Faulty 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
9767426036Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
9767426037Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
9767426056AllegoryThe 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
9767426057AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
9767426058AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
9767426059AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
9767426060AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
9767426061AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
9767426062Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
9767426063AphorismA 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
9767426064ApostropheA 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
9767426065AtmosphereThe 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
9767426066Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
9767426067ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
9767426068Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
9767426069Literary 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
9767426070ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
9767426071DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
9767426072DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
9767426073DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
9767426074EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
9767426075Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
9767426076Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
9767426077Figure 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
9767426078GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
9767426079HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
9767426080HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
9767426081ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
9767426082Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
9767426083Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
9767426084Irony/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
9767426085Loose 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
9767426086MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
9767426087MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
9767426088MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
9767426089NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
9767426090onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
9767426091OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
9767426092ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
9767426093Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
9767426094ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
9767426095PedanticAn 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
9767426096Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
9767426097PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
9767426098Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
9767426099Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
9767426100RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
9767426101RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
9767426102SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
9767426103SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
9767426104Subordinate 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
9767426105SyllogismA 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
9767426106Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
9767426107SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
9767426108ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
9767426109ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
9767426110ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
9767426111TransitionA 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
9767426112Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
9767426113Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
9767426114Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
9767426115straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
9767426116EthosAn 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
9767426117JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
9767426118LogosAn appeal to reason.113
9767426119PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
9767426120Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
9767426121SimileA 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
9767426122rhetorical 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
9767426123descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
9767426124devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
9767426125narrative 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
9767426126narrative 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
9767426127Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
9767426128AnaphoraFigure 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
9767426129AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
9767426130Appeal 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
9767426131Argumentationone 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
9767426132AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
9767426133AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
9767426134toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
9767426135audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.130
9767426136Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast131
9767426137Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.132
9767426038understatement"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
9767426039parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy134
9767426040allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.135
9767426041hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"136
9767426042aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."137
9767426043metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I138
9767426044invective"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
9767426045antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"140
9767426046euphemism"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
9767426047periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.142
9767426048paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi143
9767426049alliteration"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
9767426050chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"145
9767426051oxymoron"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
9767426052personification"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
9767426053onomatopoeia"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
9767426054inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."149
9767426055spatial 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

AP Psych- Thinking and Language Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8557235967cognitionall the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating0
8557237271concepta mental grouping of similar objects, events, or people1
8557238257prototypea mental image or best example of a category. Matching new items to this provides a quick and easy method for sorting items into categories (as when comparing feathered creatures to a typical bird, such as a robin)2
8557258632algorithma methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem3
8557264815heuristica simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently (like a rule of thumb)4
8557270516insighta sudden realization of a problem's solution5
8557271680confirmation biasa tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence6
8557276109mental seta tendency to approach a problem in one particular way, often a way that has been successful in the past7
8557289622intuitionan effortless, immediate, automatic feeling or thought8
8557291739availability 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 common9
8557297035overconfidencethe tendency to be more confident than correct- to over-estimate the accuracy of our beliefs and judgments10
8557363542belief perseveranceclinging to one's initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited11
8557371031framingthe way an issue is posed; how an issue is framed can significantly affect decisions and judgments12
8557374261creativitythe ability to produce new and valuable ideas13
8557376234convergent thinkingnarrowing the available problem solutions to determine the single best solution14
8557377806divergent thinkingexpanding the number of possible problem solutions; creative thinking that diverges in different directions15
8557382840languageour spoken, written, or signed words and the ways we combine them to communicate meaning16
8557386294phonemein a language, the smallest distinctive sound unit (single letters in the alphabet)17
8557387625morphemein a language, the smallest unit that carries meaning; may be a word or part of a word, such as a prefix (-s makes a word plural)18
8557392785grammarin a language, a system of rules that enables us to communicate with and understand others; in a given language, semantics in the set of rules of deriving meaning from sounds, and syntax is the set of rules for combining words into sensible sentences19
8557398324babbling stagebeginning at 4 months, the stage of speech development in which the infant spontaneously utters various sounds at first unrelated to the household language20
8557416230one-word stagethe stage in speech development, from about age 1 to 2, during which a child speaks mostly in single words21
8557420301two-word stagebeginning at about age 2, the stage in speech development during which a child speaks mostly in two-word statements22
8557426018telegraphic speechearly speech stage in which a child speaks like a telegraph- "go car"- using mostly nouns and verbs23
8557431650Broca's areacontrols language expression- an area of the frontal lobe, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech24
8557434467Wernicke's areacontrols language reception- a brain area involved in language comprehension and expression; usually in the left temporal lobe25
8557439776fixationthe inability to see a problem from a new perspective; an impediment to problem solving26
8557445562functional fixednessthe tendency to think of things only in terms of their usual functions; interferes with problem solving27
8557448117representative heuristicto judge the likelihood of things in terms of how well they represent particular prototypes28
8557450666belief biaswe more easily see the illogic conclusions that run counter to our beliefs than those that agree with our beliefs29
8557471274artificial intelligencetries to stimulate human thought processes, practical appliances, etc.30
8557473785neural networkscomputer circuits that mimic the brain's interconnected neural cells, performing tasks such as learning to recognize visual patterns and smells31
8557477399semanticsthe set of rules by which we derive meaning from morphemes, words, and sentences in a given language; also the study of meaning32
8557482640syntaxthe rules for combining words into grammatically sensible sentences in a given language33
8557499051linguistic relativityWhorf's hypothesis that language determines the way we think34
8557500434language acquisition deviceinnate ability to acquire language (innate)35
8557502790critical periodthe first few years of life constitute the time during which language develops readily and after which language acquisition is much more difficult and ultimately less successful36

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