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

AP Language and Comp Rhetorical Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6636010623AllusionA direct or indirect reference to some other work or idea that is commonly known0
6639162698AnadiplosisThe repetition of the LAST word in a sentence with the first (or near the beginning) word in the following sentence1
6636010624AmplificationLike repetition or tautology, it is the expansion of information already given but in complete sentences or phrases/clauses (i.e. "Next we come to the fruit fly--the drosophilia melanogaster, that tiny, insubstantial bug, on whom the foundations of biology have rested for so long.)2
6636013239AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things using a more commonly known relationship example3
6636086104AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism with the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive sentences or phrases4
6636086105AntithesisThe opposition or contrast in ideas; the direct opposite5
6636090662ApostropheA figure of speech which directly addresses something or someone who cannot answer back6
6636090663AsyndetonThe deliberate omission of a conjunction from a list7
6636094498ChiasmusTakes a pair of elements and lists them, reversing the order the second time. (i.e.--"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country)8
6636099724ConduplicatioThe repetition of a word from anywhere in a preceding sentence with the first (or near the beginning) word in the following sentence9
6636204176DistinctioA rhetorical form in which the writer elaborates on the definition of the word to make sure that there is no misunderstanding (i.e.-"At this point, we have a short time left--a short time being less than fifty years."10
6636265991AllegoryUsing a character or a story element as a symbol for something such as "hope" or "liberty"11
6636300635AphorismA proverb-like statement that expresses a truth or moral principle12
6636304992Colloquial(ism)The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing13
6636306632ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word (i.e.-"babe" as an attractive person--that would be a POSITIVE connotation btw; whereas "dick" has a negative connotation compared to it's neutral denotation)14
6636306633DenotationThe strict, literal dictionary definition of a word15
6636306634DictionThe writer's strong, specific word choice16
6636311213EnumeratioThe act of supplying a list of details about something (i.e.--I went to the mall, the park, the river, the salon, and, finally, home."17
6636311214EpistropheThe repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences18
6636313638EuphemismFrom the greek word "good speech;" more agreeable words for distasteful things (i.e.--waste vs. poop)19
6636317411Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work20
6636317412EpithetAttaching a descriptive and unusual adjective to a noun for the desired effect, usually dramatic (i.e.--The REDEMPTIVE clouds hovered close to a PARCHED horizon)21
6636322021EponymSimilar to an allusion, it links a specific famous person and his/her attributes with something/someone else (i.e.--He is the Chuck Norris of rhetorical analysis!)22
6639067770Figure of SpeechA frequently used saying or idiom that describes a common occurrence or feeling (i.e--"heartbroken" or "on the fritz")23
6639070811GenreThe major category in which a literary work fits: Prose, poetry, and drama.24
6639072992HyperbatonArranging the words in a sentence in an unexpected order--usually listing a noun's adjective after (instead of before) the noun itself. (i.e.--The forest burned with a fire unquenchable.)25
6639072993HyperboleA figure of speech that uses deliberate exaggeration or overstatement (i.e--I could eat a horse!)26
6639074813HypophoraAsking a question, then proceeding to answer it27
6639079736InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.28
6639079737IronyThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant OR what is thought to happen doesn't actually happen29
6639083756LitoteUsing a double-negative statement to express a positive (i.e.--not a bad idea=it's a good idea)30
6639086241MetonymyMeans "changed label" or "substitute name" in Greek; using a common name or figure of speech in place of the person/item's actual name (i.e.--"The White House states" in place of "The President states")31
6639089916NarrativeA form of story-telling or retelling of events32
6639089917MetabasisSumming up a body of work before moving on to a new point (i.e.--"I have discussed cars and factories, and how these relate to global warming, but we have still to look at long-term atmospheric trends.")33
6639092563ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but actually has some validity (i.e.--"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times")34
6639092564ParallelismThe grammatical framing of words or sentences to give structural similarity35
6639094069ParataxisThe listing of a series of clauses (verb phrases) without conjunctions; very similar to asyndeton, but deals in clauses, not just words (i.e.- "I came, I saw, I conquered."36
6639096134ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule (i.e.-Weird Al Yankovic's works)37
6639104579PolysyndetonUsing a conjunction unnecessarily and repetitively for emphasis38
6639118310Rhetorical QuestionAsking a question that you do not intend to answer because the answer is so obvious.39
6639121538SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule (Swift's "A Modest Proposal"40
6639131163SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole. (i.e.--a boat being called a sail)41
6639133826SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the experience of another. (i.e--hearing a mosquito makes you itchy)42
6639133827SyntaxThe order in which words or phrases are joined together to form a sentence. (i.e.--Subject, Verb Object, etc...)43
6639138054UnderstatementThe opposite of hyperbole; the ironic minimalizing of fact.44
6639141156ZeugmaUsing both the denotative/literal and connotative/metaphorical meaning of a word in the same sentence (i.e.--"She opened both her door and her heart to the orphans.")45
6642499897TricolonA series of three coordinate items in a list (a type of parallelism)46
6642501322TetracolonA series of four coordinate items in a list (a type of parallelism)47
6642501323TautologyThe repetition of an idea by listing synonyms of that idea (i.e.--"It is all together FITTING and PROPER that we should do this)48
6642506048OxymoronPlacing two words that are normally contradictory side by side49

AP Language Terms List #3 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7189290810allegorya story in which everything is a symbol0
7189290813ambiguitya vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation1
7189290904anecdoteshort account of an incident (especially a biographical one)2
7189290818aphorisma brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.3
7189290819apostrophea figure of speech in which one directly addresses an absent or imaginary person, or some abstraction4
7189290823asyndetona list without conjunctions example: "we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe" (JFK's inaugural address)5
7189290824chiasmus (kee-as-mus)a statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed ("Susan walked in, and out rushed Mary.")6
7189290840eulogya formal speech praising a person who has died7
7189290841euphemisma mild, indirect, or vague term substituting for a harsh, blunt, or offensive term E.g. He "passed away" instead of "died."8
7189290851invectivea strong denunciation or condemnation; abusive language9
7189290866parodya work which imitates another in a ridiculous manner10
7189371910polysyndetona stylistic device in which several coordinating conjunctions are used in succession in order to achieve an artistic effect.11
7189290878satireform of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly12
7189290892voicecan be active or passive active - the subject does the action; e.g. Joe threw the ball. passive - something is done to the subject. e.g. The ball was thrown to Bill.13
7189290893zeugmaa literary term for using one word to modify two other words, in two different ways. For example: "She broke his car and his heart."14

AP Language Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
10148459179AnalogyExplaining something complex by comparing it to something simpler0
10148459180ArgumentThe combination of reasons, evidence, etc. that an author uses to convince an audience of their position1
10148459181Aristotelian appealsThree different methods of appealing to an audience to convince them—ethos, logos, pathos2
10148459182AttitudeThe writers personal view or feelings about the subject at hand3
10148459183AudienceWho the author is directing his or her message towards4
10148459184Compare and contrastDiscussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose5
10148459185ConnotationThe implied meaning of a word; words can broadly have positive, negative, or neutral connotations6
10148459186ContextThe extra-textual environment in which the text is being delivered7
10148459187Counter argumentThe argument against the author's position8
10148459188Deductive reasoningA form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case9
10148459189DenotationThe literal, dictionary-definition meaning of a word10
10148459190DictionThe style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation11
10148459191EthosSetting up a source as creidble and trustworthy12
10148459192EvidenceThe information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author's position13
10148459193Figurative languageThe use of language in a non-literal way; i.e. metaphor, similie, etc.14
10148459194GenreThe specific type of work being presented15
10148459195ImageryAny descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something, includes figurative language16
10148459196ImplicationWhen sonething is suggested without it being concretely stated17
10148459197Inductive reasoningMaking a generalization based on specific evidence at hand18
10148459198IronyAt the most basic sense, saying the opposite of what you mean; also used to describe situations in which the results of an action are dramatically different than intended19
10148459199JuxtapositionPlacing two very different things together for effect20
10148459200LogosAppelaing to someone's sense of concrete facts and logic21
10148459201OccasionThe reason or moment for writing or speaking22
10148459202OrganizationHow the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech23
10148459203PathosAn Aristotelian appeal. Involves appealing to someone's emotions24
10148459204PurposeThe author's persuasive intention25
10148459205RepetitionRe-using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphaisis26
10148459206RhetoricThe use of spoken or written word (or visual medium) to convey your ideas and convince an audience27
10148459207Rhetorical triangleThe relationship between the author, the audience, the text/message, and the context28
10148459208SpeakerThe persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author29
10148459209StyleThe author's own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece; similar to voice30
10148459210SymbolismUsing a symbol to refer to an idea or concept31
10148459211SyntaxThe way sentences are gramarically construted32
10148459212SynthesisCombining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point33
10148459213ThemesOverarching ideas or driving premises of a work34
10148459214ToneThe use of stylistic devices to reveal the authors attitude toward a subject35
10148459215VoiceAn authors unique sound, similar to style36

AP Human Geography Language Unit Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7857111855CultureSum of all the typical activities of a group of people (how a group lives) -values -material items -institutions (government, religion, etc)0
78571118566 Official Languages of the UNEnglish, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, & Mandarin -EU however has 23 official language (wants to acknowledge every culture there)1
7857111857Languagesystematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventional signs, gestures, marks, or especially articulate vocal sounds\ -VOCALIZATION IS CRUCIAL (esp. if discussing humans) -examples: Tamil, math, music, dancing, Cantonese, Flemish, etc.2
7857111858Why is language at the heart of culture?without language- culture can not be transmitted -Sans la langue, la culture ne peut pas se transmettre3
7857111859What is literary tradition?A system of writing- helps cultural continuity -Mandarin=oldest "surviving" writing system -ideograms (characters/symbols vs. alphabets (letters) -invention of printing press helps spread literacy (1439)4
7857111860Approximately, how many languages are spoken today?It is estimated that between 4000 to 8000 different languages are spoken today5
7857111861Language familyCollection of related languages with a common history with a "prehistoric" ancestor (most broad language category)6
7857111862The language families-indo-European -Sino-Tibetan -Afro-asiatic -Niger-Congo -austronesian -Dravidian (Altaic & Uralic, etc.)7
7857111863Indo-EuropeanLargest language family- (Western Hemisphere, Europe, India) -English, German, Hindi, all the Romance languages, Russian, Farsi, Greek, Hindi8
7857111864Sino-Tibetan2nd largest language family -mandarin, Thai; Cantonese, Burmese9
7857111865Afro-asiatic3rd largest language family (tied with Niger-Congo) North Africa/ middle east -Arabic, Hebrew, Somali, Berber10
7857111870Language BranchCollection of related languages with a common "ancient" ancestor11
7857111871Language Group-common "modern" ancestor with similar vocabulary and grammar -ex. West Germanic vs. North Germanic -English is West Germanic12
7857111872Individual LanguageThis final step of the Language classification -ex. English, German, Dutch, etc.13
7857111873Give an example of the language classification of EnglishA. Indo-European→B. Germanic→C.West Germanic→D.English→E. Northern/Southern dialect, etc.14
7857111874Dialect"Regional" variation of a language Standard Language should really be called standard dialect15
7857111875"Standard Language"-Should really be called "Standard dialect" -well established & widely recognized as the most acceptable for the government, business, & mass communication -sets the quality, which is the matter of cultural identity and national concern16
7857111876American vs. British English-mostly lower/middle class immigrants left Britain to go to the newly-created United States not those speaking BRP -American English has different phrases/expressions b/c of new things experienced in America -Also, some words were borrowed from Native Americans -Because of time and isolation, due to written communication, pronunciation is considerably different (Time-Distance Decay!!)17
7857111877Isoglossword-usage boundary or map which shows regional variations & pronunciation18
7857111878Mandarin1. World's most spoken 2. One of the oldest written languages 3. many dialects which are mutually unintelligible 1. Has highest % of people who speak it as a primary lang. (English=2nd place)19
7857111879Official LanguageIn multilingual countries the language selected often by the educated and politically powerful elite, to promote internal cohesion; usually the language of the courts and government20
7857111880Languages of Africa-Most are pre-literate (only spoken) -largest language family- Niger-Congo -Largest Branch- Bantu (Swahili)21
7857111881Esperanto-Language which was created as a project by L.L. Zamenhof in hopes to create a world language- late 19th century -an attempt to unify/globalize multilingual Europe22
7857111882Lingua FrancaLanguage used when conducting business- facilitates international communication (any common language spoken by peoples with different native tongues)23
7857111883PidginNOT A LANGUAGE -created out of a mixture of other language as a means of communication between speakers of different tongues -simplified mixture/hybrid -learned as a 2nd language (NO NATIVE SPEAKERS) -AKA "contact language" -ex. "Chinglish" "Spanglish" "Konglish" -common in Caribbean region -English and African languages combine to form a pidgin English24
7857111884Creole & Creolization-A combination of languages that is stable over time AND has complex grammar and vocabulary -often a mix of dominant colonial language & an indigenous language EX: -Afrikaans- Dutch and Bantu languages in S. Africa -Gullah/Geechee- pidgin of English and W. African in Georgia and South Carolina -Jamaican Patois- English and W. African in Jamaica -French Creole- French/Spanish/African in Louisiana -Macanese- Cantonese/Portuguese/Sinhalese/Malay Can a Language be both a Creole and a Lingua Franca? Yes- Swahili for example25
7857111885Pop vs. Folk CulturePop Culture- changes from time to time Folk Culture- changes from place to place26
7857111886Pop Culture-large dispersed groups -heterogeneous groups (ethnicities, religion, etc.) -found in higher level of development (MDCs) -changes quickly and often -dispersed- global scale -modern societies with large amounts of interaction with other -ex. Wearing jeans, driving a Honda, eating McDonald's, etc.27
7857111887Folk Culture-small, isolated groups -homogeneous groups (ethnicities, religions, etc.) -lower levels of economic development typically (LDCs) -resists & slow to change -traditional societies with little interaction with other groups -ex. wearing a Sari or Burka, driving a horse & buggy, eating different parts of an animal or eating insects28
7857111888Cultural hearth of Pop Culture-CORE/MDCs -From where do most movies people watch come from? Hollywood vs. Bollywood29
7857111889Cultural Hearths of Folk CultureIn one or multiple hearths, often anonymously -ex. Who was the first Hula dancer in Hawaii?30
7857111890Diffusion in Pop vs. Folk Culture-Pop Culture- hierarchically- often through celebrities and major urban centers then goes to contagious diffusion (ex. movie premiers in NYC, LA, London, etc. -Folk Culture- Relocation, through physical movement of the people (ex. movement of the Amish to other parts of the United States)31
7857111891How is local diversity sometimes maintained with folk culture?-Isolation- keeps folks from changing too much hold on to traditional values, reject economic and culture imperialism of the West -Physical environment limits some choices of how people can survive (but remember, Possibilism!)32
7857111892CustomAny repetitive act of a group33
7857111893More Pop culture characteristics...-secular -individualistic (me not we) -more promiscuous -women's rights -provocative clothing -nuclear family (only direct family) -wood and brick homes -TV/Internet readily available34
7857185439Agricultural Theory(Sedentary Farmer)one theory of the diffusion of Indo-European Language; began in Central Turkey and spread 11 miles per generation (approx 25 years) because of agricultural technology (everyone learned Indo-European language in order to learn how to use the new technology); this theory agrees with the Renfrew (Anatolian) hypothesis35
7857186591Conquest theory (Nomadic Warrior)Theory that has the most support in the community and it also supports the Kurgan Hypothesis; believes that Indo-European began in Ukraine and the peoples settled in this area were the first to ride horses which allowed them to conquer other peoples easily thus spread Indo-European36
7857214802Monolingualsocieties that use one language ex: Japan, Venezuela, Portugal, Poland, and Iceland37
7857222187ToponymThe study of names of places like towns, cities, states, countries, stadiums, streets etc.38
7857224233isolated languageA language that is unrelated to any other languages and therefore not attached to any language family39

AP Language Literary Terms, AP Language terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
10284726639Cumulative (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
10284726640Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
10284726641Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
10284726642Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
10284726643Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
10284726644Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
10284726645Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
10284726646Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
10284726647SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
10284726648Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
10284726649Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
10284726650Inductiona 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
10284726651Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
10284726652Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
10284726653Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
10284726654Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
10284726655Similea 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
10284726656Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
10284726657Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
10284726658Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
10284726659Rhetorical Trianglespeaker-subject-audience20
10284726660Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.21
10284726661Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.22
10284726662Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.23
10284726663Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.24
10284726664Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.25
10284726665Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.26
10284726666Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.27
10284726667Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list28
10284726668Rhetorical 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
10284726669Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.30
10284726670RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.31
10284726671Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.32
10284726672Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.33
10284726673Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.34
10284726674Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.35
10284726675Modes 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
10284726676Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.37
10284726677Contrast/ 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
10284726678Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.39
10284726679Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.40
10284726680Processsimply "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
10284726681Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.42
10284726682Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.43
10284726683Descriptionwriting 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
10284726684Dogmatism`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
10284726685False 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
10284726686False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.47
10284726687Faulty 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
10284726688Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.49
10284726689Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.50
10284726708AllegoryThe 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
10284726709AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").52
10284726710AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.53
10284726711AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.54
10284726712AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.55
10284726713AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.56
10284726714Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.57
10284726715AphorismA 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
10284726716ApostropheA 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
10284726717AtmosphereThe 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
10284726718Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.61
10284726719ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.62
10284726720Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.63
10284726721Literary 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
10284726722ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.65
10284726723DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.66
10284726724DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.67
10284726725DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."68
10284726726EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT69
10284726727Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.70
10284726728Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid71
10284726729Figure 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
10284726730GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.73
10284726731HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.74
10284726732HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")75
10284726733ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.76
10284726734Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.77
10284726735Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.78
10284726736Irony/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
10284726737Loose 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
10284726738MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.81
10284726739MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.82
10284726740MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.83
10284726741NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.84
10284726742onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.85
10284726743OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.86
10284726744ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.87
10284726745Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.88
10284726746ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.89
10284726747PedanticAn 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
10284726748Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.91
10284726749PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.92
10284726750Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.93
10284726751Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.94
10284726752RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.95
10284726753RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.96
10284726754SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.97
10284726755SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.98
10284726756Subordinate 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
10284726757SyllogismA 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
10284726758Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.101
10284726759SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.102
10284726760ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.103
10284726761ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.104
10284726762ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.105
10284726763TransitionA 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
10284726764Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.107
10284726765Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.108
10284726766Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.109
10284726767straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.110
10284726768EthosAn 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
10284726769JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.112
10284726770LogosAn appeal to reason.113
10284726771PathosAn appeal to emotion.114
10284726772Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.115
10284726773SimileA 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
10284726774rhetorical 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
10284726775descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.118
10284726776devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.119
10284726777narrative 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
10284726778narrative 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
10284726779Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue122
10284726780AnaphoraFigure 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
10284726781AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point124
10284726782Appeal 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
10284726783Argumentationone 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
10284726784AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity127
10284726785AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).128
10284726786toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.129
10284726787audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.130
10284726788Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast131
10284726789Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.132
10284726690understatement"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
10284726691parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy134
10284726692allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.135
10284726693hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"136
10284726694aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."137
10284726695metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I138
10284726696invective"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
10284726697antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"140
10284726698euphemism"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
10284726699periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.142
10284726700paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi143
10284726701alliteration"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
10284726702chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"145
10284726703oxymoron"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
10284726704personification"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
10284726705onomatopoeia"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
10284726706inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."149
10284726707spatial 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

Vocabulario AP Language Contexto 2 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7289476234las metasGoals0
7289477458El juiciojudgement1
7289483603la convivenciaCoexistence2
7289485475la sensibilidadsensitivity3
7289488580complacerto please4
7289490637la culpabilidadguilt5
7289493692inquietantedisturbing6
7289496575la actualizacíonupdate7
7289498670la escaladarise, escalation8
7289503313el patrón de privacíondeprivation9
7289507660incesanteincessant, non- stop10
7289510337el trastornodisorder11
7289513293demacrado/aemacitated12
7289516537ubicuo/aubiquitous13
7289518876la recompensareward14
7289520919sistémicosystemic15
7289523479el altercadoargument, altercation16
7289524886misógino/amisogynist17
7289529864restringirto restrict18
7289531078integrarto be composed of19
7289533560el patroniciosponsorship20
7289538398videntesighted person21
7289540281la antítesisantithesis22
7289542175hechizarto bewitch23
7289543130sustenarseto lean on, to rely on24

AP Geo- Language Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8307364925DialectGeographically distinct versions of a single language that vary somewhat from the parent form in accent, vocabulary and grammar.0
8307367150Language GroupsA collection of many languages, all of which came from the same original language branch, but have different characteristics.1
8307374237Indo-EuropeanMost widely spoken language family; includes Germanic, Romance & Slavic branches among others.2
8307377693Creole LanguageThe language of a distinct people which originated from various languages. In many cases, it is a pidgin language that has evolved to become it's own official language.3
8307380119Pidgin LanguageWhen two groups of people with different languages meet, a new language with some characteristics of each may result in order to facilitate communication4
8307383401LanguageOne of the oldest, most geographically diverse, and most complex cultural traits on Earth. It is currently divided into groups, branches and families and many can be traced back for thousands of years.5
8307386236Lingua FrancaA language (often simplified) usually for purpose of trade that is widespread in use over a region.6
8307389501Language ExtinctionOccurs when a language is no longer use by any living people.7
8307398669Language FamiliesLargest and oldest classification of languages.8
8307400592Language BranchesA set of languages with a relatively recent common origin that break off of a language family.9
8307415092Conquest TheoryKurgan warriors from the steppes (plains) north of the Black Sea spread westward on horseback, overpowering earlier inhabitants and beginning the diffusion and differentiation of Indo-European tongues10
8307567438Agriculture TheoryWith increased food supply and increased population, peaceful farmers from Turkey/Anatolia migrated into Europe diffusing their proto Indo-European language.11
8307571967DenglishA combination of German and English12
8348984416EbonicsA dialect spoken by some African Americans13
8348991740FranglaisA term used by the French for English words that have entered the French language14
8349008189Literary TraditionA language that is written as well as spoken15
8349013548LogogramA symbol that represents a word rather than a sound16
8349025613Official LanguageThe language adopted for use by the government for the conduct of business and publication of documents17
8349048369SpanglishA combination of English and Spanish spoken by Hispanic Americans18
8349053128Vulgar LatinA form of Latin used in daily conversation by ancient Romans, as opposed to standard dialect, which was used for official documents19

AP Language Vocab 1 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7087591404aberrationstraying away from what is normal0
7087591405abhorto hate to detest1
7087591406abidebe faithful to endure2
7087591407abscondRun away; usually includes taking something along, in hiding, decamp, absquatulate3
7087591408abstemiousSparing in consumption of especially food and drink4
7087591409abysmalbottomless extreme5
7087591410acclaimedwelcomed with shouts and approval6
7087591411adornadd beauty decorate7
7087591412adulteratemake something impure by mixing inferior substance, corrupt, debase8
7087591413aestheticconcerning or characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste9
7087591414aggregatesum total of many heterogenous things taken together10
7087591415alleviatemake (pain) easier to bear11
7087591416alliterationuse of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse12
7087591417ambiguousdoubtful uncertain13
7087591418amnestya pardon, warrant granting release from punishment for an offense14
7087591419anarchystate of lawlessness and disorder15
7087591420anguishsevere suffering16
7087591421anomalousDeviating from the general or common order or type17
7087591422antipathyA feeling of intense dislike, object of a feeling of intense aversion18
7087591423apartheidbrutal racial discrimination19

Pages

Subscribe to CourseNotes RSS

Need Help?

We hope your visit has been a productive one. If you're having any problems, or would like to give some feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

For general help, questions, and suggestions, try our dedicated support forums.

If you need to contact the Course-Notes.Org web experience team, please use our contact form.

Need Notes?

While we strive to provide the most comprehensive notes for as many high school textbooks as possible, there are certainly going to be some that we miss. Drop us a note and let us know which textbooks you need. Be sure to include which edition of the textbook you are using! If we see enough demand, we'll do whatever we can to get those notes up on the site for you!