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Terms- AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

Allegory The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom. The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence.
Alliteration The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells"). Although the term is not frequently in the multiple choice section, you can look for alliteration in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.
Allusion A 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.
Ambiguity The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.
Analogy A 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.
Antecedent The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences.

Terms : Hide Images
9456150369AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells"). Although the term is not frequently in the multiple choice section, you can look for _____ in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.0
9456150370AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. _____s can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of _____.1
9456150371AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An _____ can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. _____s can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.2
9456150372AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the _____ of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences. A question from the 2001 AP test as an example follows: "But it is the grandeur of all truth which can occupy a very high place in human interests that it is never absolutely novel to the meanest of minds; IT exists eternally, by way of germ of latent principle, in the lowest as in the highest, needing to be developed but never to be planted." The _____ of "IT" is...? (answer: all truth)3
9456150373AphorismA 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 _____ can be a memorable summation of the author's point.4
9456150374AtmosphereThe 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 _____. Frequently _____ foreshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood.5
9456150375ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. _____s may involve ideas, emotions or attitudes6
9456150376DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color. (Example: the _____ of knife- a utensil for cutting - Connotation - knife - such as knife in the back - anger fear violence betrayal)7
9456150377DictionRelated to style, _____ refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. For the AP Exam you should be able to describe an author's _____ (for example, formal or informal) and understand how it compliments the author's purpose. _____, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style.8
9456150378DidacticFrom the Greek, _____ literally means "teaching." Didactic words have the primary aim of teaching or instructing,especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.9
9456150379Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.10
9456150380Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid11
9456150381Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Figures of speech include apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, understatement.12
9456150382ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, _____ uses terms related to the five senses: visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, and olfactory. On a broader, deeper level, however, one image can represent more than one thing. For example, a rose may present visual imagery while also representing the color in a woman's cheeks and/or symbolizing some degree of perfection. An author may use complex _____ while simultaneously employing other figures of speech, especially metaphor and simile. In addition, this term can apply to the total of all the images in a work. On the AP language exam, pay attention to how an author creates imagery and to the effect of this _____.13
9456150383Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language. (For example, in Henry IV, Part hill of flesh.")14
9456150384Irony/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. _____ is often used to create poignancy or humor. In general, there are three major types of _____ used in language: (1) verbal _____ - when the words literally state the opposite of the writer's (or speaker's) meaning (2) situational _____ - when events turn out the opposite of what was expected; when what the characters and readers think ought to happen is not what does happen (3) dramatic _____ - when facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction but known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work.15
9456150385LitotesA form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite. _____ is the opposite of hyperbole. Examples: "Not a bad idea," "Not many," "It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain" (Salinger, Catcher in the Rye).16
9456150386MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity. _____ical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought provoking, and meaningful.17
9456150387MetonymyA term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name," _____ 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.18
9456150388MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect the _____. _____ is similar to tone and atmosphere.19
9456150389NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.20
9456150390OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur. If you note examples of onomatopoeia in an essay passage, note the effect.21
9456150391OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish," an _____ is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness." This term does not usually appear in the multiple-choice questions, but there is a chance that you might find it in an essay. Take note of the effect that the author achieves with the use of _____.22
9456150392ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity. (Think of the beginning of Dickens' Tale of Two Cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....")23
9456150393PersonificationA _____ __ ______ 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.24
9456150394Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told. There are two general divisions of _____ __ _____, and many subdivisions within those. (1) first person narrator tells the story with the first person pronoun, "I," and is a character in the story. This narrator can be the protagonist, a secondary character, or an observing character. (2) third person narrator relates the events with the third person pronouns, "he," "she," and "it." There are two main subdivisions to be aware of: a. third person omniscient, in which the narrator, with godlike knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters b. third person limited omniscient, in which the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character, presenting only the actions of all the remaining characters. In addition, be aware that the term _____ __ _____ carries an additional meaning. When you are asked to analyze the author's _____ __ ____, the appropriate point for you to address is the author's attitude.25
9456150395SarcasmFrom the Greek meaning "to tear flesh," _____ involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something. It may use irony as a device, but not all ironic statements are _____stic (that is, intended to ridicule). When well done,_____can be witty and insightful; when poorly done, it is simply cruel.26
9456150396SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform human behavior, _____ is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing. It can be recognized by the many devices used effectively by the _____ist: irony, wit, parody, caricature, often humorous, is thought provoking and insightful about the human condition. Some modern satirists include Joseph Heller (Catch 22) and Kurt Vonnegut (Cat's Cradle, Player Piano).27
9456150397SyllogismFrom the Greek for "reckoning together," a _____ (or _____istic reasoning or _____istic logic) is a 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. A frequently cited example proceeds as follows: major premise: All men are mortal. minor premise: Socrates is a man. conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is a mortal. A _____'s conclusion is valid only if each of the two premises is valid. _____s may also present the specific idea first ("Socrates") and the general second ("all men").28
9456150398Symbol/SymbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else. Usually a _____is something concrete -- such as an object, action, character, or scene - that represents something more abstract. However, _____s (1) natural _____s are objects and occurrences from nature to _____lize ideas commonly associated with them (dawn _____lizing hope or a new beginning, a rose _____izing love, a tree _____lizing knowledge). (2) conventional _____s are those that have been invested with meaning by a group (religious _____s such as a cross or Star of David; national _____s, such as a flag or an eagle; or group _____s, such as a skull and crossbones for pirates or the scale of justice for lawyers). (3) literary _____s are sometimes also conventional in the sense that they are found in a variety of works and are more generally recognized. However, a work's _____s may be more complicated, as is the jungle in Heart of Darkness. On the AP exam, try to determine what abstraction an object is a _____ for and to what extent it is successful in representing that abstraction.29
9456150399SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. _____ is similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of _____ as groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words. In the multiplechoice section of the AP exam, expect to be asked some questions about how an author manipulates _____. In the essay section, you will need to analyze how _____ produces effects.30
9456150400ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life. Usually _____ is unstated in fictional works, but in nonfiction, the _____ may be directly state, especially in expository or argumentative writing.31
9456150401ThesisIn expository writing, the _____ 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.32
9456150402ToneSimilar to mood, _____ describes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both. ____ is easier to determine in spoken language than in written language. Considering how a work would sound if it were read aloud can help in identifying an author's ____. Some words describing ____are playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, ornate, sardonic, somber, etc.33
9456150403Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact, ___________ presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. _____________ is the opposite of hyperbole. Example: Jonathan Swift's A Tale of a Tub: "Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse."34
9456150404AntiheroA protagonist (main character) who is markedly unheroic: morally weak, cowardly, dishonest, or any number of other unsavory qualities.35
9456150405ArchetypeA detail, image, or character type that occurs frequently in literature and myth and is thought to appeal in a universal way to the unconscious and to evoke a response36
9456150406SimileA comparison using like or as37
9456150407AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meanin. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom. The ________ meaning usually deals with the moral truth or a generalization about human existence.38
9456150408AntithesisThe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite39
9456150409ApostropheA 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. The effect may add familiarity or emotional intensity. William Wordsworth addresses John Milton as he writes, "Milton, thou shouldst be living at this hour:/ England hath need of thee." Another example is Keats' "Ode to Grecian Urn," in which Keats addresses the urn itself: "Thou still unravished bride of quietness". Many apostrophes imply a personification of the object addressed.40
9456150410CaricatureA verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features and other characteristics.41
9456150411ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main ______ expresses complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate ______, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent _____. The point that you want to consider is the question or what or why the author subordinates one element should also become aware of making effective use of subordination in your own writing.42
9456150412Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing, ____________ give a work a conversational, familiar tones. __________ expressions in writing include local or regional dialects.43
9456150413ConceitA fanicful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects. A _______ displays intellectual cleverness as a result of an unusual comparison being made.44
9456150414EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech", ________s are a mor agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The _________ may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or iroinic understatement. Saying "earthly remains" rather than "corpse" is an example of __________.45
9456150415Generic ConventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and a political writing. On the AP Language Exam, try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.46
9456150416GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama. However, _____ is a flexible term; within these broad boundaries exist many subdivisions that are often called _____s 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 _____s: autobiography, biography, diaries, criticism, essays, and journalistic, political, scientific, and nature writing. There may be fiction or poetry.47
9456150417HomilyThis term literally means "sermon", but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.48
9456150418HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.") _________s often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, _________ produces irony. The opposite of _________ is understatement.49
9456150419Inference/InferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. When a multiple choice asks for an _________ to be drawn from a passage, the most direct, most reasonable _________ is the safest answer choice. If an __________ is implausible, it is unlikely to be the correct answeer. Note that if the answer choice is directly stated, it is not ______ed and it is wrong. You must be careful to note the connotation-negative or positive- of the choices.50
9456150420Loose 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. If a period were placed at the end of the independent clause, the clause would be a complete sentence. A work containing many _____ ________s often seems informal, relaxed, or conversational. Generally, _____ ________s create loose style. The opposite of a _____ ________ is the periodic sentence. Example: I arrived at the San Diego airport after a long, bumpy ride and multiple delays. Could stop at: I arrived at the San Diego airport.51
9456150421ParallelismAlso referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this terms 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 preposition or verbal phrase. (Again, the opening of Dickens' Tale of Two Cities is an example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of 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 ___________ 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 rhythym.52
9456150422AnaphoraA 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).53
9456150423ParodyA 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 ______ offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers only ineffectual imitation. Usually an audience must grasp literary allusion and understand the work being ______ed in order to fully appreciate the nuances of the newer work. Occassionally, however, ______es take on a life of their own and don't require knowledge of the original.54
9456150424PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, bookish (language that might be described as "show-offy"; using big words for the sake of big words).55
9456150425Periodic 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 of clause that cannot stand alone. The effect of the ________ ________ 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.)56
9456150426ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, _____ refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms. In _____ the printer determines the length of the line; in poetry, the poet determines the length of the line.57
9456150427RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.58
9456150428RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator", this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.59
9456150429Rhetorical ModesThis flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of major kinds of writing. The four most common _________ _____ (often referred to as the 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, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation having 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 a description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive imaging may be straightforward and objective, or highly emotional and subjective. 4) The purpose of 'narration' is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mod frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing.60
9456150430SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meanings of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.61
9456150431StyleThe consideration of _____ has two purposes: 1) An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. Some authors' _____s are so idiosyncratic that we can quickly recognize works by the same author. we can analyze and describe an author's personal _____ and make judgments on how appropriate it is to the author's purpose. _____s 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 _____ 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.62
9456150432Subject 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 predicative 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, Warren63
9456150433Subordinate ClauseLike all clauses, this word group contains both a subjec and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but unlike independent clauses, the ___________ ______ cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought. The ___________ ______ depends on a main clause (or independent clause) to complete its meaning. Easily recognized key words and phrases usually begin these clauses. For example: although, because, unless, if, even though, since, as soon as, while, who, when, where, how, and that. Example: Yellowstone is a national park in the West 'that is known for its geysers'. Parenthesed phrase= ___________ ______64
9456150434SynechdocheA figure of speech in which a part of something us used to represent the whorle, or occassionally, the whole is used to represent a part. Examples: To refer to a boat as a "sail"; to refer to a car as "wheels"; to referr to the violins, violas, etc. in an orchestra as "the strings". **Different tan metynomy, in whcih one thing is represented by another thing that is commonly physically associated withi it (but is not necessarily part of it), i.e., regerring to a monarch as "the crown" or the President as "The White House".65
9456150435SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus the subjective experience of another. Ex: The sight of the red ants makes you itchy. In literature, __________ refers to the practice of associating two or more different senses in te same image. Red Hot Chili Pepper's song title,"Taste the Pain" is an example.66
9456150436TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas. Used especially, although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, __________s effectively signal a shift from one idea to another. a few commonly used __________al words or phrases are furthermore, consequently, nevertheless, for example, in addition, likewise, similarly, on the contrary,etc. More sophisitcated writers use more subtle means of __________.67
9456150437WitIn modern usage, intllectually amusing language that surprises and delights. A ___ty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speakers verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. ___ usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Historically, ___ originally meant basic understanding. Its meaning evolved to include speed of understanding, and finally, it grew to mean quick perception including creating fancy and a quick tongue to articulate an answer that demanded the same quick perception.68

Deon's AP Language & Composition Defining by Example Flashcards

Examples of words from the Glossary Review.

Terms : Hide Images
6065020143Ad hominemJordan's policy won't work because Jordan is stupid.0
6065020144AlliterationThe slippery slug slides.1
6065020145AllusionChristy didn't like to spend money. She was no Scrooge, but she seldom purchased anything except the bare necessities.2
6065020146AnadiplosisThe crime was common, common was the pain.3
6065020147Analogy"Writing a book of poetry is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo."4
6065020148Anaphora"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."5
6065020149Anastrope"So rested he by the tree" OR "arms that wrap about a shawl"6
6065020150Antimetaboleone should eat to live, not live to eat7
6065020151Antithesis"to be or not to be"8
6065020152Aphorism"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise"9
6065020153AssonanceHow now brown cow?10
6065020154Asyndeton"I came, I saw, I conquered." OR He ate, she drank, we slept.11
6065020155Cacophony"'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves "12
6065020156Chiasmus"Flowers are lovely, love is flowerlike"13
6065020157Clichélike stealing candy from a baby14
6065020158Colloquial expressions"They have must have been going some"15
6065020159Compound-complex sentenceThe cat lived in the backyard, but the dog, who knew he was superior, lived inside the house.16
6065020160Couplet"Wave after wave in hills each other crowds, / As if the deeps resolved to storm the clouds."17
6065020161DoggerelWho put the ram in the rama-lama ding dong? OR " If you see Kay, / Tell him he may. / See you in tea, / Tell him from me. "18
6065020162EllipsisI like to interview people sitting down.19
6065020163EpitaphOy, Megan's dead.20
6065020164EuphemismHe kicked the bucket21
6065020165Euphony"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, "22
6065020166Hyperbole"His eloquence would split rocks"23
6065020167Idiom"Let sleeping dogs lie" OR "Cry over spilt milk" OR "Be green with envy"24
6065020168InvectiveYour mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries.25
6065020169Isocolon"His purpose was to impress the ignorant, to perplex the dubious, and to confound the scrupulous"26
6065020170Litotes"She was not unmindful"27
6065020171Loose sentenceThat's the house that Jack built.28
6065020172MetaphorHer eyes are storm clouds.29
6065020173Metonymy"The pen is mightier than the sword" OR The colonists blamed the crown for the tax on tea.30
6065020174OnomatopoeiaHiss, buzz, bang31
6065020175OxymoronRandom pattern, large minority, deafening silence, government organization, drink responsibly, dumb genius, wireless cable32
6065020176Parallelism"He likes to fish and to swim."33
6065020177Paradox"Death, thou shalt die!"34
6065020178Pathetic fallacy"The cruel crawling foam"35
6065020179Periodic sentenceWhen she won, she bought a car.36
6065020180PersonificationThe sun sat up and yawned.37
6065020181Portmanteau wordsmog, brunch, spork38
6065020182PolysyndetonHere and there and everywhere.39
6065020183Pun"You can tune a guitar, but you can't tuna fish. Unless of course, you play bass." OR "Immanuel doesn't pun; he Kant."40
6065020184RepetitionHe said no. I can't believe it. He said no. Can you believe it? He said no!41
6065020185Rhetorical questionWhy do I even bother?42
6065020186SimileShe was like Aphrodite in human form.43
6065020187SyllogismBikers are mean. Mean people belong in jail. Bikers belong in jail.44
6065020188SynecdocheAll hands on deck45
6065020189Synesthesia"tasting of Flora and the country green, /Dance, and Provencal song, and sunburnt mirth"46
6065020190Understatement"Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worst"47

AP Psychology- Language and Intelligence Flashcards

Advanced Placement Psychology

Terms : Hide Images
6702750101intelligence testa method for assessing an individual's mental aptitudes and comparing them with those of others, using numerical scores.0
6702750102intelligencemental quality consisting of the ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations. it is one's potential, not what they achieve.1
6702750103general intelligencea general intelligence factor that, according to Spearman and others, underlies specific mental abilities and is therefore measured by every task on an intelligence test.2
6702750104factor analysisa statistical procedure that identifies clusters of related items (called factors) on a test; used to identify different dimensions of performance that underlie a person's total score.3
6702750105savant syndromea condition in which a person otherwise limited in mental ability has an exceptional specific skill, such as in computation or drawing.4
6702750106emotional intelligencethe ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions. Daniel Goleman developed a theory concerning it that focused on the importance of self control, empathy, and awareness of one's own emotions.5
6702750107mental ageThe average age at which children could successfully answer a particular level of questions. a measure of intelligence devised by Binet; the age at which a person is mentally performing at. It can be higher, lower, or the same as their chronological age.6
6702750108Stanford-Binetthe widely used American revision of Binet's original intelligence test. Louis Terman of Stanford University created it.7
6702750109intelligence quotient (IQ)Originally defined as the mental age divided by chronological age multiplied by 100 Developed by Louis Terman.8
6702750110achievement teststests designed to assess what a person has learned. The AP Psychology Exam is an example9
6702750111aptitude teststests designed to predict a person's future performance; aptitude is the capacity to learn. SAT, and IQ test are examples10
6702750112Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)the most widely used intelligence test; contains verbal and performance (nonverbal) subtests.11
6702750113standardizationThe process of giving the test to a large group of representative and randomly selected people to establish consistent methods administration.12
6702750114Norms/Norming a TestThe standard(s) against which all others who take the test will be compared. Formed from the group used to standardize the test.13
6702750115normal curvea symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (68 percent fall within one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes.14
6702750116reliabilitythe extent to which a test yields consistent results. a test can be reliable but not valid. Can determine by retesting or by comparing the consistency of scores on two halves of the test (split half reliability)15
6702750117validitythe extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to. In order for a test to be valid it has to be reliable.16
6702750118content validitythe extent to which a test samples the behavior that is of interest. The AP Psychology exam will measure your knowledge of Psychology, and not Chemistry.17
6702750119predictive validitythe success with which a test predicts the behavior it is designed to predict; it is assessed by computing the correlation between test scores and the criterion behavior. The SATs have predictive validity.18
6702750120intellectual disability(formerly referred to as mental retardation) a condition of limited mental ability, indicated by an intelligence score of 70 or below and difficulty in adapting to the demands of life; varies from mild to profound.19
6702750121Howard GarnderDeveloped the theory of Multiple Intelligences20
6702750122Louis TermanPioneer in the field of intelligence. Conducted the famous "termite" study, also created the Stanford-Binet test and the IQ formula.21
6702750123Terman's TermitesLandmark longitudinal study on intelligence that put to rest many myths regarding genius22
6702750124Robert SternbergDeveloped the Triarchic Theory of Intelligence23
6702750125Alfred BinetCreated the first known intelligence test and developed the concept of mental age.24
6702750126David WechslerCreated what is today the most popular IQ test.25
6702750127Multiple IntelligencesTheory created by Howard Gardner that there are many types of intelligences such as musical, interpersonal, naturalist, and bodily-kinetics. Come critics say these are more abilities than intelligences26
6702750128Triarchic TheoryRobert Sternberg's theory that intelligence is composed of Analytic Intelligence, Creative Intelligence, and Practical Intelligence.27
6702750129Charles SpearmanSaw intelligence as being composed of the g factor (ability to reason and solve problems) and the s factor (specific intelligence)28
6702750130Deviation IQ ScoresReplaced the old IQ formula. IQ scores are now determined based on a normal curve with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15.29
6702750131Fluid IntelligenceAbility to quickly problem solve, reason abstractly and pick up new skills. Decreases as we age30
6702750132Crystallized IntelligenceAbility to use knowledge and facts we've gained over time Increases as we age31
6702750133Cultural biasTendency for IQ tests to reflect the language, culture, history, and customs of the people who designed the test.32
6702750134heritabilityProportion of change that is due to genetic factors. For intelligence, it is about 50%. Estimates of heritability apply to groups, not individuals.33
6702750135stereotype threatjust being aware of negative stereotypes that apply to your group can negatively impact your performance on intelligence tests34
6702750136GrammarSystem of rules that govern a language. For instance, in English, we put the adjective before the noun- pretty sunset.35
6702750137PhonemesThe smallest units of sound in a language th is a phoneme; the word they has 3 phonemes36
6702750138MorphemesThe smallest units of meaning in a language Snowman- 2 morphemes (snow, man)37
6702750139Syntaxrules for combining words and phrases to make grammatically correct sentences.38
6702750140SemanticsRules for determining the meaning of words and sentences. I have to go to a wake tonight vs. I have to wake my mom at 6 am have very different meanings39
6702750142Noam ChomskyLinguist who theorized that humans are born with the innate ability to understand and produce language. The complexities of language are hard wired in us40
6702750143Language Acquisition Devicetheorized by Chomsky, it's an innate program that contains the schema for human language41
6702750144Linguistic relativity hypothesisDeveloped by Benjamin Whorf, theory that language influences and controls thought processes and concepts.42
6702750146Over-generalization/Over-regularization of LanguageTendency for young children to over enforce the rules of language inappropriately. For example, saying, "I gooed to the potty." Used to support the idea of the LAD.43
6702750147B.F. SkinnerBelieved that language was acquired through imitation and reinforcement.44
6702750148Critical Period HypothesisTheory that if one's Language Acquisition Device is not activated withing the first few years of life, the person will never fully acquire language. Likewise, if a second language is not introduced before puberty, the person's acquisition will be limited and they will speak that language with an accent.45
6702750149Flynn EffectIdea that over the course of history, intelligence has increased due to factors such as better diet and health and technological advancements.46

AP Language and Comp Vocab 15 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9504014582placateto soothe, to pacify0
9504014583placidpeaceful, calm1
9504015841platitudecliche, a trite remark2
9504015842pompousself-important, excessively ornate3
9504015843ponderousheavy, bulky4
9504016714pragmaticpractical5
9504016715precludeto make impossible, to prevent6
9504016716precocioushaving great knowledge at a young age7
9504018581prodigiousenormous, marvelous8
9504018582profusionabundance9

AP Language Unit 4: The Economy Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5327739429collateralsecurity pledged for the payment of a loan0
5327739430congenialagreeable, suiting, or pleasing in nature; compatible1
5327739431despondentfeeling or showing profound hopelessness, dejection, or gloom2
5327739432digressto deviate or wander away from the main topic or purpose in speaking or writing3
5327739433emporiuma large retail store, especially one selling a great variety of articles4
5327739434fatalismthe acceptance of all things and events as inevitable5
5327739435importuneto demand with urgency or persistence6
5327739436intuitiveperceiving by instinct independent of any reasoning process7
5327739437lethargythe quality or state of being drowsy and dull8
5327739438lexiconthe vocabulary of a particular language, field, social class, or person9
5327739439milieusurroundings or settings, especially of a social or cultural nature10
5327739440parsimonyextreme or excessive economy or frugality11
5327739441portlyrather heavy or fat, stout; stately, dignified, or imposing12
5327739442prodigiousextraordinary in size, amount, extent, degree, etc.13
5327739443salablesubject to or suitable for sale14

AP Language & Composition: Fallacy Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5404430639Logical FallacyPotential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in an argument0
5404432584Fallacies of RelevanceFallacies that result from using evidence that's irrelevant to the claim1
5404432585Red HerringWhen a speaker skips to a new and irrelevant topic in order to avoid the topic of discussion2
5404432586Ad HominemDiversionary tactic of switching the argument from the issue at hand to the character of the other speaker3
5404434953Faulty AnalogyAnalogy that is susceptible to the charge that two things are not comparable4
5404436040Fallacies of AccuracyUsing evidence that is either intentionally or unintentionally inaccurate5
5404436041Straw ManOccurs when a speaker chooses a deliberately poor or oversimplified example in order to ridicule and refute an opponent's viewpoint6
5404438882False DilemmaThe speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices7
5404440387Fallacies of InsufficiencyWhen evidence is insufficient8
5404440388Hasty GeneralizationThere is not enough evidence to support a particular conclusion9
5404442715Circular ReasoningRepeating the claim as a way to provide evidence, resulting in no evidence at all10
5404511141Post Hoc Ergo Propter HocIt is incorrect to always claim that something is a cause just because it happened earlier11
5404512672Appeal to False AuthorityWhen someone who has no expertise to speak on an issue is cited as an authority12
5404512673Ad PopulumWhen evidence boils down to "everybody's doing it, so it must be a good thing to do"13

AP English Language Flash Cards Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7093581038Antithesis | anˈtiTHəsəsthe presentation of two contrasting images. The ideas are balanced by phrase, clause, or paragraphs. "To be or not to be . . ." "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times . . ." "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country . . ."0
7093581039Oxymoron | ˌäksəˈmôrˌänFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish," ___ is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness."1
7093581041Synecdoche | səˈnekdəkēA figure of speech that utilizes a part as representative of the whole. "All hands on deck" is an example.2
7093581043Anaphora | əˈnaf(ə)rərepetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer's point more coherent.3
7093581044Euphony | ˈyo͞ofənēthe pleasant, mellifluous presentation of sounds in a literary work.4
7093581046Metonomy | məˈtänəmēa term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name" __ 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"5
7093581050Cacophony | kəˈkäfənēharsh and discordant sounds in a line or passage in a literary word.6
7093581054Invective | inˈvektivan emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.7
7093581055Understatement | ˈəndərˌstātməntthe opposite of exaggeration. It is a technique for developing irony and/or humor where one writes or says less than intended.8
7093581057Homily | ˈhäməlēThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.9
7093581068Periodic Sentence StructureA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. The independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. The effect is to add emphasis and structural variety.10
7093581074Syllogism | ˈsiləˌjizəmFrom the Greek for "reckoning together," a __ is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.11
7093581108Ellipsis | əˈlipsisIndicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.12
7093581110Didactic | dīˈdaktikwriting whose purpose is to instruct or to teach. A ___ work is usually formal and focuses on moral or ethical concerns.13
7093581111Ambiguity ˌambəˈɡyo͞owədēan event or situation that may be interpreted in more than one way.14
7093581118Colloquial | kəˈlōkwēəlthe use of slang in writing, often to create local color and to provide an informal tone. Huckleberry Finn in written in a __ style.15
7093581130Asyndeton | əˈsindəˌtänCommas used (with no conjunction) to separate a series of words. The parts are emphasized equally when the conjunction is omitted; in addition, the use of commas with no intervening conjunction speeds up the flow of the sentence. X, Y, Z as opposed to X, Y, and Z.16
7093635648Antimetabole | AN-ti-mə-TAB-ə-leeA sentence strategy in which the arrangement of ideas in the second clause is a reversal o the first; it adds power to the sentence.17
7093636880Anticlimax | ˌan(t)ēˈklīˌmaks,ˌanˌtīˈklīˌmaksIn writing, denotes a writer's intentional drop from the serious and elevated to the trivial and lowly, in order to achieve a comic or satiric effect. An event (as at the end of a series) that is strikingly less important than what has preceded it. The transition towards this ending.18
7093643118Anastrophe | əˈnastrəfēInversion of the normal syntactical structure of a sentence. Ex. "Ready are you?"19
7093653571Archaic Diction | ärˈkāikLanguage that is old-fashioned -not completely obsolete but no longer in current use.20
7093665391Digression | ˌdīˈɡreSH(ə)na temporary departure from the main subject in speaking or writing21
7093669100Conceit | kənˈsētAn elaborate, extended, and sometimes surprising comparison between things that, at first sight, do not have much in common ; a fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects. A conceit displays intellectual cleverness as a result of the unusual comparison being made.22
7093676639Elegiac | ˌeləˈjīəkmournful over what has passed or been lost; often used to describe tone23
7093720425Epigram | ˈepəˌɡrama brief witty statement24
7093722199Inverted Syntaxreversing the normal word order of a sentence25
7093723065Jargon | ˈjärɡənthe special language of a profession or group26
7197556549Juxtaposition | ˌjəkstəpəˈziSH(ə)nPlacing things side by side for the purposes of comparison.27
7197580394Litotes | ˈlīdəˌtēz,līˈtōdēz,ˈlidəˌtēzA particular form of understatement, generated by denying the opposite of the statement which otherwise would be used.28
7197583281Non-sequiturA non sequitur, in formal logic, is an invalid argument. In a non sequitur, the conclusion could be either true or false, but the argument nonetheless asserts the conclusion to be true and is thus fallacious.29
7197585537Oversimplification | ˈˌōvərˌsimpləfəˈkāSHənWhen a writer obscures or denies the complexity of the issues in an argument30
7197587697Paradox | ˈperəˌdäksA contradiction or dilemma31
7197588957Parallel Syntactic StructureSame pattern of words to show that two or more words or ideas are of equal importance and to help the reader comprehend what is being written.32
7197589496Pedantic | pəˈdan(t)iktending to show off one's learning33
7197590167Pedantry | ˈped(ə)ntrēAct of showing off learning in a manner that is needless and unimaginative34
7197590971Polemic | pəˈlemikcontroversy; argument; verbal attack35
7197771743PolysyndetonDeliberate use of many conjunctions36
7197773344Synesthesia | ˌsinəsˈTHēZHədescribing one kind of sensation in terms of another ("a loud color", "a sweet sound")37
7197775696Trope | trōpa figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression38
7197776176Zeugma | ˈzo͞oɡməa device in which a number of items in a sentence are linked together by a shared word39

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