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AP Literature Oedipus: Greek Theater Vocabulary Flashcards

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7838513473Mimesisan artistic imitation or representation of reality.0
7838513474Catharsisthe process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. "purification" or "cleansing" of emotions - particularly pity and fear - through any extreme change in emotion that results in renewal and restroation.1
7838513475Peripeteiathe turning point in a drama after which the plot moves steadily to its denouncement. Fortune goes from good to bad.2
7838513476Anagnorisisrecognition or discovery on the part of the hero; change from ignorance to knowledge3
7838513477Hamartiaa fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine (usually their own personality or pride)4
7838513478MythosPlot; Aristotle explains that tragedy imitates the actions and lives of human beings rather than human beings themselves. Aristotle concerns himself with the universally logical events of a plot, rather than the specific and often illogical conflicts between characters associated with those events.5
7838513479EthosThe fundamental spirit or character of a community or culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society6
7838513480Dianoia"thought"; type of thinking, specifically about mathematical and technical subjects. It is the capacity for, process of, or result of discursive thinking, in contrast with the immediate apprehension that is characteristic of noesis. In Aristotle, knowledge is further divided into the theoretical (episteme), and the practical.7
7838513481Lexis"language" that chracters use or high quality langauge that have clear imabic pentameter.8
7838513482Melos"Melody" which gives crucial elements in a thoughtful sound. the melody deals with the chorus. In the story the chorus is very important and it gives a lot of information and also creates some type of suspense or humor so it's considered as a major part.9
7838513483Opsisa spectacle or how the play is set up on the stage (ex. props, costumes, scenery).10
7838513484Patheticarousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness. aroused emotion during catharsis.11
7838513485Tragedya play in which the protagonist, usually a man if importance and outstanding personal qualities, falls to disaster through the combination of a personal failing and curcumstances with which he cannot deal.12
7838513486Chorusa group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation.13
7838513487Orchestraa circular or half circle. it was level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors who were on the stage near the skene.14
7838513488Odea lyric poem that expresses strong emotions about life. has lyrical stanza and is structured in three major parts: the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode.15
7838513489Paradosan entance for access either to the stage or the orchestra if the Greek Theater. They are distinguised from the entrances to the stage from the skene or stage buildings.16
7838513490Strophethe first part of the ode followed by the antistrophe and epode. it has been extended to also mean a structural division of a poem containing stanzas of varying line length.17
7838513491Antistrophethe second part of the choral ode answering the previous strophe; sung by the chorus when returning from left to right.18
7838513492Stichomythiawhen sequences of single alternating lines or half lines or two line speeches are given to alternating characters.19
7838513493Dramatic Ironya form of irony that is expressed through a work's structure: an audiences awareness of the situation in which the character does not know yet.20
7838513494Nemesisthe goddess of retributive justice or vengeance against the people guilty of hubris (i.e. showing arrogance before gods). an indomitable rival or an inescapable situation that causes misery and death.21
7838513495Hubrisan excessive level of pride that leads to the protagonist's downfall.22
7838513496CatastropheThe final resolution of the plot in a tragedy, usually involving the death of the protagonist, which unravels the intrigue and brings the piece to a close.23
7838513497Pathosa quality that evokes pity or sadness; an appeal to emotion.24
7838513498Logosan appeal based on logic or reason; appeal to logic25
7838513499Situational Ironya type of irony in which events turn out the opposite of what was expected.26
7838513500Verbal Ironya figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant27

AP English Literature Word of the Day Flashcards

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7479129592Analgesic(n) a medication to reduce or eliminate pain.0
7479136166Conflagration(n) a large, destructive fire.1
7479141337Discretionary(adj) left to one's own judgement, elective, non obligatory, or unrestricted.2
7479145012Draconian(adj) extremely harsh, very severe, callus, merciless.3
7479149681Florid(adj) rosy or red in color, ruddy or flushed.4
7479152436Flummox(v) to confuse, to perplex, to bewilder, to baffle.5
7535037470Fractious(adj) unruly, disruptive, stubborn, or difficult.6
7535042680Histrionics(n) exaggerated, emotional behavior, theatrics, dramatics, or hysterics.7
7535048957Implicate(v) to involve or connect unfavorably, to incriminate, to entangle.8
7535052180Moribund(adj) near death, about to die.9
7579640473Noisome(adj) disgusting, offensive to the senses, nauseating.10
7579642859Punctilious(adj) attentive to details in conduct or action, conscientious, particular, meticulous.11
7658906620Turpitude(n) wickedness, vileness, depravity, wantonness, decadence.12
7658937066Unpalatable(adj) unpleasant to the taste or the mind, displeasing, objectionable, offensive.13
7658940652Veritable(adj) authentic, genuine.14

AP Literature - Literary Terms Flashcards

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9713894060allegoryA story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.0
9713894061alliterationIt is a stylistic device in which a number of words, having the same first consonant sound, occur close together in a series.1
9713894062allusionA brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance.2
9713894063anagrama word or phrase spelled by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase3
9713894064antecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.4
9713894065antagonistA character or force in conflict with the main character5
9713894066anaphoraA rhetorical figure of repetition in which the same word or phrase is repeated in (and usually at the beginning of) successive lines, clauses, or sentences.6
9713894067anastropheInversion of the natural or usual word order7
9713894068antithesisA balancing of two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses.8
9713894069aphorismA brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.9
9713894070apostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.10
9713894071assonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity11
9713894072asyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction), e.g. "I came, I saw, I conquered." The parts of the sentence are emphasized equally; in addition, the use of commas with no intervening conjunction speeds up the flow of the sentence.12
9713894073blank versePoetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter13
9713894074caesuraA natural pause or break in a line of poetry, usually near the middle of the line.14
9713894075cacophonyHarsh, discordant, or meaningless mixture of sounds15
9713894076cadenceRhythmic rise and fall16
9713894077conceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.17
9713894078connotationAll the meanings, associations, or emotions that a word suggests18
9713894079consonanceRepetition of a consonant sound within two or more words in close proximity.19
9713894080coupletA pair of rhymed lines that may or may not constitute a separate stanza in a poem.20
9713894081dactylA stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables21
9713894082denotationDictionary definition of a word22
9713894083denouementan outcome or solution; the unraveling of a plot23
9713894084dictionThe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing24
9713894085didacticIntended to instruct; teaching, or teaching a moral lesson25
9713894086dirgea funeral hymn or mournful speech26
9713894087euphemismAn indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant27
9713894088end-stopped lineA line that ends with a natural speech pause, usually marked by punctuation28
9713894089enjambmentA run-on line of poetry in which logical and grammatical sense carries over from one line into the next.29
9713894090epitaphA brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone30
9713894091epicA long narrative poem, written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular society31
9713894092epistolaryA piece of literature contained in or carried on by letters32
9713894093flashbackA method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events33
9713894094foreshadowingA narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.34
9713894095footA metrical unit composed of stressed and unstressed syllables.35
9713894096frame storyA secondary story or stories embedded in the main story36
9713894097free versePoetry that does not have a regular meter or rhyme scheme37
9713894098genreA category or type of literature (or of art, music, etc.) characterized by a particular form, style, or content.38
9713894099hamartiatragic flaw which causes a character's downfall39
9713894100heroic coupletA pair of rhymed, iambic pentameter lines.40
9713894101hexameterA line of poetry that has six metrical feet.41
9713894102hubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy42
9713894103hyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor43
9713894104iambA common meter in poetry consisting of an unrhymed line with five feet or accents, each foot containing an unaccented syllable and an accented syllable.44
9713894105imageryDescriptive or figurative language in a literary work; the use of language to create sensory impressions.45
9713894106ironyA contrast or discrepancy between what is stated and what is really meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually does happen.46
9713894107verbal ironyIn this type of irony, the words literally state the opposite of the writer's true meaning47
9713894108situational ironyOccurs when the outcome of a work is unexpected, or events turn out to be the opposite from what one had expected48
9713894109dramatic ironyIrony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play.49
9713894110jargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand50
9713894111juxtapositionPlacement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts51
9713894112kenningA device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities.52
9713894113metaphorA comparison that establishes a figurative identity between objects being compared.53
9713894114meterA regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry54
9713894115metonymyA figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it55
9713894116moodFeeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader56
9713894117motif(n.) a principal idea, feature, theme, or element; a repeated or dominant figure in a design57
9713894118motivationA psychological factor that provides a directional force or reason for behavior.58
9713894119narrationThe purpose of this type of rhetorical mode is to tell the story or narrate an event or series of events.59
9713894120novelA long fictional narrative written in prose, usually having many characters and a strong plot.60
9713894121novellaA short novel usually under 100 pages.61
9713894122noveletteWhen a novel is short and has chapters reffered to as vignettes62
9713894123octavea verse form consisting of eight lines of iambic pentameter63
9713894124odeA lyric poem usually marked by serious, respectful, and exalted feelings toward the subject.64
9713894125onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.65
9713894126oxymoronA figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.66
9713894127paeansong of joy or triumph; a fervent expression of joy67
9713894128parableA simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson68
9713894129paradoxA statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.69
9713894130parallelismPhrases or sentences of a similar construction/meaning placed side by side, balancing each other70
9713894131parodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.71
9713894132pedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.72
9713894133pentametera rhythm in poetry that has five stressed syllables in each line (five metrical feet)73
9713894134personaA pattern of relatively permanent traits, dispositions, or characteristics that give some consistency to people's behavior.74
9713894135personificationA figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes75
9713894136plotSequence of events in a story76
9713894137point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told77
9713894138polysyndetonDeliberate use of many conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted. Hemingway and the Bible both use extensively. Ex. "he ran and jumped and laughed for joy"78
9713894139prosodyAppropriate expression when reading. Includes pitch (intonation), loudness, stressing phrases, etc.79
9713894140protagonistChief character in a dramatic or narrative work, usually trying to accomplish some objective or working toward some goal.80
9713894141punA joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings.81
9713894142quatrain4 line stanza82
9713894143refrainA line or set of lines repeated several times over the course of a poem.83
9713894144rhetorical questionA question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer84
9713894145end rhymeA word at the end of one line rhymes with a word at the end of another line85
9713894146eye rhymerhyme that appears correct from spelling but does not rhyme because of pronunciation86
9713894147forced rhymewhen two words don't really rhyme together, but an author uses similar spelled, or sounding words to try to create a rhyme; Ex: stone, one87
9713894148internal rhymeA word inside a line rhymes with another word on the same line88
9713894149slant rhymerhyme in which the vowel sounds are nearly, but not exactly the same (i.e. the words "stress" and "kiss"); sometimes called half-rhyme, near rhyme, or partial rhyme89
9713894150rhyme schemeA regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem90
9713894151satireA literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies.91
9713894152sesteta rhythmic group of six lines of verse92
9713894153shifts/turnsChanges in the speaker's attitude. Look for key words such as but, yet, however, and although, punctuation, and stanza division.93
9713894154sonnet14-line lyric poem focused on a single theme; usually written in iambic pentameter94
9713894155symbolA thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.95
9713894156synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa96
9713894157syntaxArrangement of words in phrases and sentences97
9713894158themeA topic of discussion or writing; a major idea broad enough to cover the entire scope of a literary work.98
9713894159toneA writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization on the sentence and global levels.99
9713894160understatementthe presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.100
9713894161villanelleA French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes.101

AP Composition and Literature: Drama- Test 3 Flashcards

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4816217557Acta major division in the action of the play, comprising one or more *scenes. A break between acts often coincides with a point at which the plot jumps ahead in time.0
4816221913Antagonist(applicable to both plays and fiction) the most prominent of the characters who oppose the protagonist or hero(ine) in a dramatic or narrative work. The antagonist is often a villain seeking to frustrate a heroine or hero; but in those works in which the protagonist is represented as evil, the antagonist will often be a virtuous or sympathetic character, as Macduff is in Macbeth.1
4816237781Aside(applicable to both plays and fiction) a short speech or remark spoken by a character in a drama, directed either to the audience or to another character, which by convention is supposed to be inaudible to the other characters on stage.2
4816245386Catastrophe(applicable to both plays and fiction) the final resolution or denouement of the plot in a tragedy, usually involving the death of the protagonist3
4816251947Catharsisthe effect of purgation or purification achieved by tragic drama, according to Aristotle's argument in his Poetics (4th century BC). Aristotle wrote that a tragedy should succeed "in arousing pity and fear in such a way as to accomplish a catharsis of such emotions". There has been much dispute about his meaning, but Aristotle seems to be rejecting Plato's hostile view of poetry as an unhealthy emotional stimulant. His metaphor of emotional cleansing has been read as a solution to the puzzle of audiences' pleasure or relief in witnessing the disturbing events enacted in tragedies. Another interpretation is that it is the protagonist's guilt that is purged, rather than the audience's feeling of terror.4
4902491756Character(applicable to both plays and fiction) any of the persons involved in a story (sense 1). (2) The distinguishing moral qualities and personal traits of a character (sense 2).5
4902515694Flat Charactera character (1) whose character (2) is summed up in one or two traits.6
4902515695Round Charactera character !1) whose character (2) is complex and many-sided.7
4902518402Stock CharacterA stereotyped character: one whose nature is familiar to us from prototypes in previous fiction.8
4902520277Dynamic Charactera character that is changed by the actions in which he or she is involved.9
4902523331Static Charactera character that remains unchanged or little changed throughout the course of the story.10
4902594290Comic Releif(applicable to both plays and fiction) the interruption of a serious work, especially a tragedy, by a short humorous episode that relieves emotional tension.11
4902608576Conflict(applicable to both plays and fiction) a clash of actions, desires, ideas, or goals in the plot of a story. Conflict may exist between the main character and some other person or persons (man vs. man), between the main character and some external force-physical nature, society, or "fate" (man vs. nature), or between the main character and some destructive element in his own nature (man vs. himself).12
4902639192Crisis(applicable to both plays and fiction) a decisive point in the plot of a play or story, upon which the outcome of the remaining action depends, and which ultimately precipitates the catastrophe or denouement.13
4902670113Denouement(applicable to both plays and fiction) portion of a plot that reveals the final outcome of its conflicts or the solution of its mysteries.14
4902671751Deus Ex Machina(applicable to both plays and fiction) ("god from the machine"). The resolution of a plot by use of a highly improbable chance, coincidence or artificial device that solves some difficult problem or crisis.15
4902674022Epilogue(applicable to both plays and fiction) concluding section of any written work during which the characters' subsequent fates are briefly outlined.16
4902674023Foil(applicable to both plays and fiction) a character whose qualities or actions serve to emphasize those of the protagonist (or of some other character) by providing a strong contrast with them.17
4902675914Hamartia(applicable to both plays and fiction) the Greek word for error or failure, used by Aristotle in his Poetics (4th Century BC) to designate the false step that leads the protagonist in a tragedy to his or her downfall. The term should not be confused with 'tragic flaw' which is a defect in character. Hamartia is the action that the character takes.18
4902678280Hero or Heroine(applicable to both plays and fiction) the main character in a narrative or dramatic work. The term protagonist is preferable since the leading character may not be morally or otherwise superior. When our expectations of heroic qualities are strikingly disappointed, the central character may be known as an anti-hero or anti-heroine.19
4902680427Hubris(applicable to both plays and fiction) Greek word for 'insolence' or 'affront', applied to the arrogance or pride of the protagonist in a tragedy in which he or she defies moral laws or the prohibitions of the gods. The protagonist's transgression or hamartia leads eventually to his or her downfall, which may be understood as divine retribution. In proverbial terms, hubris is thus the pride that comes before a fall.20
4902680428In Media Res"in the middle of things"; the technique of beginning a story in the middle of the action.21
4902682284Monologuean extended speech uttered by one speaker, either to others or as if alone.22
4902682285Narrator(applicable to both plays and fiction) the teller of a story a. Reliable narrator- trustworthy b. Unreliable narrator- untrustworthy c. Naive narrator- is uncomprehending (child, simple-minded adult) who narrates the story without realizing its true implications. d. Intrusive narrator- keeps interrupting the narrative to address the reader.23
4902687127Plot(applicable to both plays and fiction) the careful arrangement by an author of incidents in a narrative to achieve a desired effect.24
4902687128Prologue(applicable to both plays and fiction) an introductory section of a literary work or an introductory speech in a play.25
4902689512Protagonist(applicable to both plays and fiction) the central character in a story.26
4902689513Rising Action(applicable to both plays and fiction) the part of a plot that leads through a series of events of increasing interest and power to the climax or turning point. The rising action begins with an inciting moment, an action or event that sets a conflict of opposing forces into motion, and moves through complication(s), an entangling of the affairs of the characters in a conflict, toward the climax, the major crisis that brings about a change in the fortunes of the protagonist.27
4902689555Scenea subdivision of an act or of a play not divided into acts. A scene normally represents actions happening in one place at a time, and is marked off from the next scene by a curtain, a black-out, or a brief emptying of the stage.28
4902691718Setting(applicable to both plays and fiction) the general locale, time in history, or social milieu in which the action of a literary work takes place.29
4902691719Soliloquya dramatic speech uttered by one character speaking aloud while on stage, or while under the impression of being alone. The soliloquist thus reveals his or her inner thoughts and feelings to the audience, either in supposed self-communion or in a consciously direct address.30
4902695628Stage Directionsthe information provided in addition to the dialogue to help a reader visualize the setting, characters, and action. Usually in italics, are intended for the director, actors, etc.31
4902695629Tragedy(applicable to both plays and fiction) a type of drama in which the protagonist, a person of unusual moral or intellectual stature or outstanding abilities, suffers a fall in fortune due to some error of judgement or flaw in his or her nature.32
4902697408Tragic Flaw(applicable to both plays and fiction) the defect of character that brings about the protagonist's downfall in a tragedy.33
4902697409Turning Pointthe point in the plot where the protagonist's situation changes for the better or the worse; after this the action begins its movement toward a final resolution.34
4902701967Villain(applicable to both plays and fiction) the principal evil character in a play or story. The villain is usually the antagonist opposed to the protagonist, but in some cases may be the protagonist himself/herself.35

AP Language Chapter 2 Vocabulary Flashcards

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7254949611alliterationRepetition of the same sound beginning several words or syllables in sequence. ex. "Lead the Land we Love"0
7254949612allusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. ex. "...command of Isaiah"1
7254949613anaphoraRepetition of a word or words at the beginning of two or more successive verses, clauses, or sentences. "let both side...let both sides..."2
7254949614antimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order. ex. "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country"3
7254949615antithesisAn opposition or contrast of ideas that is often expressed in balanced phrases or clauses. ex. "support any friend, oppose any foe..."4
7254949616archaic dictionThe use of words common to an earlier time period; antiquated language. ex. forebears5
7254949617asyndetonA construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions. Omission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words ex. "6
7254949618cumulative sentenceA sentence that completes the main idea at the beginning of the sentence and then builds and adds on. ex. "7
7254949619hortative sentenceA sentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action. ex. "let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us."8
7254949620imperative sentenceA sentence that requests or commands. ex. "ask not what your country...ask what you can do for your country"9
7254949621inversionThe reversal of the normal word order in a sentence or phrase. (variation of the subject-verb-object order) ex. United there is little we cannot do...10
7254949622juxtapositionPlacing two elements side by side to present / emphasize a comparison or contrast. ex. ?11
7254949623metaphorCompares two things without using like or as ex.12
7254949624oxymoronA compact paradox in which two successive words seemingly contradict each other. ex. peaceful revolution13
7254949625parallelismSimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses. ex. let both sides explore...let both sides formulate... let both sides seek...let both sides unite14
7254949626periodic sentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. Main clause withheld until the end ex.15
7254949627personificationAttribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea ex. with history the final judge of our deeds16
7254949628rhetorical questionA figure of speech in the form of a question posed for rhetorical effect rather than for the purpose of getting an answer ex. Will you join in that historic effort?17
7254949629synecdochefigure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole18
7254949630zeugmaThe use of two different words in a grammatically similar way that produces different, often incongruous, meanings. ex. not as a call to bear arms, though arms we bear...19

AP Language terms only Flashcards

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9688633627GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama. However, genre is a flexible term. Within these broad boundaries exist many subdivisions that are often called genres too. For example, prose can be divided into fiction and nonfiction. Poetry can be divided into lyric, dramatic, narrative, etc. Drama can be divided in tragedy, comedy, farce, etc0
9688633628Complex sentence"A sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause that is used to show a dependent relationship between ideas. Complex sentence"1
9688633629PolyptotonRepitition of the same word/root in different grammatical functions or forms.2
9688633630Concrete termsAs opposed to abstract terms, concrete terms refer to things that have actual existence that can be seen or known.3
9688633631PolysyndetonThe use of a conjunction between each clause4
9688633632ProsodyThe principals of verse structure, including meter, rhyme and other sound effects, and stanzaic patterns5
9688633633BiographyThe story of a person's life written by someone other than the subject.6
9688633634Predicate Adjectivean adjective, group of adjectives, or adjective clause that follows a linking verb. It is the predicate of the sentence, and modifies, or describes, the subject.7
9688633635Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.8
9688633636SarcasmBitter, caustic language intended to hurt or ridicule. It may use irony as a device and can be witty and insightful when well done but simply cruel if poorly done.9
9688633637Sound DevicesRhyme and other sound effects10
9688633638Figure of SpeechA device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things.11
9688633639predicate nominative-a noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject. It follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence.12
9688633640PunctuationUsed to reinforce meaning, construct effect, and express voice.13
9688633641Compound-complex sentenceA sentence that contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause that is used when there are several ideas that have a close relationship, some coordinate and some dependent14
9688633642EpigraphA motto or quotation at the beginning of a literary work that sets forth the theme.15
9688633643TropeWords used with a decided change or extension in their literal meaning16
9688633644Logic- rules of formal reasoning17
9688633645SemicolonGives equal weight to two or more independent clauses in a sentence.18
9688633646AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage. This lack of clarity in the work is often used as a phase of the author's view of the world or characters and reflects the vagueness of life.19
9688633647Non Sequitur ArgumentThis Latin phrase means "does not follow." This is an argument with a conclusion that does not follow from the premise.20
9688633648Prose"One of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction. , including all its forms,because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech. Technically,anything that isn't poetry or drama is prose. Of course, prose writers often borrow poetic and dramatic elements.21
9688633649StyleThe particular way an author uses factors such as subject matter, detail, organization, point of view, diction, figurative language, imagery, syntax, and tone in writing.22
9688633650MetaphorA figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike objects, identifying one object with another and assigning to the first object the qualities of the second object.23
9688633651connotation"The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions or attitudes"24
9688633652deduction-process of moving from a general rule to a specific example25
9688633653Perfect RhymeA rhyme that meets each of the following requirements: -An exact correspondence in the vowel sound and, in words ending in consonants, the sound of the final consonant, -A difference in the consonant sound preceding the vowel, and -A similarity of accent on the rhyming syllable26
9688633654Non-FictionProse writing about real people, places, things, events, and ideas.27
9688633655simileA metaphor that is directly expressed, using like, as, or than.28
9688633656Declarative sentenceA sentence that makes a statement.29
9688633657ColonDirects the reader's attention to the words that follow and is used between independent clauses if the second summarizes, explains, or contrasts the first.30
9688633658Argumentation"Writing meant 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.31
9688633659ThesisThe statement(s) which expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or proposition.32
9688633660OvergeneralizationAlso called stereotyping, here the speaker or writer draws a conclusion about a large number of people, ideas, things, etc. based on very limited evidence. Words such as 'all,' 'never,' 'always,' and 'every' are usually indicative of over-generalization.33
9688633661syllogismdeductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the first one is major while the second is minor) that lead to a sound conclusion.34
9688633662Imperative sentenceA sentence that gives a command or makes a request.35
9688633663conceitA lengthy or extended metaphor.36
9688633664Essay"A short nonfiction work that deals with one subject and has the purpose of communicating an idea or opinion."37
9688633665Denotation"The strict, literal dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude or color"38
9688633666Half-RhymeA rhyme in which the sounds are similar but not exact; most half-rhymes are types of consonance.39
9688633667AnalogyA comparison made between two things to show how one is like the other.40
9688633668inductionprocess of moving from a given series of specifics to a generalization41
9688633669DashAdds emphasis, marking a sudden change in thought or tone.42
9688633670Pathetic FallacyA fallacy attributing human feelings to inanimate objects. In literature, this is a device wherein something nonhuman found in nature - animal, plant, stream, natural force, etc. - performs as though from human feeling or motivation.43
9688633671ToneThe author's attitude towards the material, the audience, or both.44
9688633672DescriptionWriting meant to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event, or action so that the reader can picture what is being described. Sometimes an,author engages all five senses in description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional and subjective.45
9688633673MetonymyA figure of speech substituting one noun for another with which it is closely associated.46
9688633674Eye-RhymeRhyme that appears perfect from the spelling but is half-rhyme from the pronunciation.47
9688633675DidacticFrom Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially for the teaching of moral or ethical principals48
9688633676Post Hoc ArgumentCites an unrelated event that occurred earlier as the cause of a current situation.49
9688633677Interrogative sentenceA sentence that asks a question.50
9688633678ExplicationThe interpretation or analysis of a text.51
9688633679infer/inference- to draw a reasonable conclusion from the info presented. (info that is not directly stated is not inferred)52
9688633680Punctuation HierarchyAs you move up the scale, more separation is created between statements and more emphasis on the word(s) just before the punctuation mark.53
9688633681SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part of something stands for the whole.54
9688633682logical fallacies-mistakes in reasoning55
9688633683VoiceThe real or assumed personality of a writer or speaker.56
9688633684personificationA figure of speech in which human characteristics are attributed to objects or animals.57
9688633685MaximA succinct formulation of a fundamental principle or general truth.58
9688633686Punctuation Hierarchy: TerminalPeriod (.), exclamation point (!), question mark(?). Highest degree of separation and emphasis. Should be used between independent clauses, and should be used between parts of a sentence for special effects only.59
9688633687Straw-man ArgumentTechnique in which the speaker or writer attributes false or exaggerated characteristics or behaviors to the opponent and makes attacks based on those falsehoods or exaggerations.60
9688633688ExposistionWriting meant to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion.61
9688633689End RhymeRhymes that occurs at the end of a line of poetry.62
9688633690Exclamatory sentenceA sentence that expresses strong feeling.63
9688633691ad hominem argument-argument that attacks the person rather than dealing with the issue under discussion.64
9688633692NarrationWriting meant to tell a story or recount an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing.65
9688633693Punctuation Hierarchy: SemicolonSemicolon (;). Medium-high degree of separation and emphasis. Should be used between independent clauses and only for special effect between parts of a sentence.66
9688633694Logosthe text/message; appeal to logic; consistency and clarity of the message and the logic of the reasons; evokes a cognitive rational response67
9688633695AntithesisThe presentation of two contrasting images. The ideas are balanced by a word, a phrase, a clause, or paragraphs. Examples include "To be or not to be . . . " and "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."68
9688633696ApostropheA figure of speech in which an absent person or personified object is addressed by the speaker.69
9688633697EuphemismFrom Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. A euphemism may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement. Saying " earthly remains" rather than "corpse" is an example of euphemism70
9688633698Rhetorical stratgies" Strategies used to develop the modes of discourse. The types of strategies include example, comparison/contrast, definition, cause/effect,process analysis, and division/classification.71
9688633699begging the question-occurs when writers assume in their assertions, premises, or theses something that really remains to be proved.72
9688633700Punctuation Hierarchy: ColonColon (:). Medium (anticipatory) degree of separation and emphasis. Should be used for both independent clauses and between parts of a sentence.73
9688633701Internal RhymeRhyme that occurs within a line of poetry instead of at the end.74
9688633702Appeals to logostheoretical, abstract language; denotative reasons/meanings; literal and historical analogies; definitions; factual data and statistics; quotations; citations from experts and authorities; informed opinions75
9688633703AnecdoteA brief account of an event, usually intended to entertain, to explain an idea, and to reveal personality through a person's actions.76
9688633704ExaggerationAn overstatement or a statement in which a description of a person, event, or idea is magnified or overemphasized to an extreme degree77
9688633705circular reasoning- restates the premises rather than giving a reason for holding that premise.78
9688633706Punctuation Hierarchy: DashDash(-). Medium (empathetic) degree of separation and emphasis. Should be used between both independent clauses and between parts of a sentence.79
9688633707ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate, clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause.80
9688633708MythA story that explains how something connected to humans or nature came to be.81
9688633709AnnotationNotes added to a text that explain, name sources, summarize, or evaluate the text.82
9688633710Pathosthe reader/audience; appeals to emotion; the audience's capacity to feel and see what the writer feels and sees83
9688633711either/or argument-when a writer assumes there are only 2 possibilities when, in reality, there are more84
9688633712Punctuation Hierarchy: CommaComma (,). Low degree of separation and emphasis. Should be used with a coordinating conjunction in between clauses; otherwise, for special effect only. Should also be used between parts of a sentence.85
9688633713AphorismA terse statement of known authorship that expresses a general truth or a moral principal.86
9688633714Auto-BiographyThe story of a person's life written by that person.87
9688633715ContrastA stylistic technique in which one element is shown in opposition to another.88
9688633716Appeals to pathosvivid concrete language; emotionally loaded language; connotative meanings; emotional examples; vivid descriptions; narratives of emotional events; emotional tone; figurative language; evokes an emotional response in the reader89
9688633717InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language90
9688633718Punctuation Hierarchy: NoneNo punctuation, no degree of emphasis or separation. Used between independent clauses sometimes with a coordinating conjunction between short independent clauses. Should also be used between parts of a sentence.91
9688633719Hasty generalization- when a person makes a conclusion about an entire group using insufficient evidence92
9688633720ParableA story that operates on more than one level and usually teaches a moral lesson.93
9688633721Masculine RhymeRhyme that falls on the stressed and concluding syllables of the rhyme-words.94
9688633722Ethosthe writer/speaker; the appeal to ethics; credibility of the writer or speaker; demonstrates the author's reliability, competence, and respect for the audience's ideals and values95
9688633723Subordinate/dependent clausethis word group contains both a subject and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but it cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought and depends on the independent clause to complete its meaning. Easily recognized keywords and phrases usually begin these clauses: although, because, unless, if, even though, since, as soon as, while, who, when, where, how, and that.96
9688633724Generic ConventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, they differentiate between an essay and journalistic writing or an,autobiography and political writing. It is important to try to distinguish the unique features of a,writer's work from those dictated by convention.97
9688633725IdiomA common phrase or expression that has a meaning different from the literal meaning of its individual words. For example, "We're up against a brick wall" means "There's nothing more we can do."98
9688633726Literal LanguageDenotes that words mean what they actually mean99
9688633727Appeals to Ethoslanguage appropriate to audience and subject; restrained, sincere, fair-minded presentation; appropriate level of vocabulary; correct grammar100
9688633728Rhetorical QuestionA question that does not expect an explicit answer. It is used to pose an idea to be considered by the speaker or audience.101
9688633729Feminine RhymeA rhyme of two syllables, one stressed and one unstressed.102
9688633730Loose 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 of these sentences often seems informal, relaxed, and conversational.103
9688633731PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or a general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish104
9688633732AnaphoraRepetition of beginnings105
9688633733Mixed MetaphorAn expression combining metaphors that are inharmonious or inappropriate.106
9688633734AlliterationThe repetition of identical or similar consonant sounds at the beginning of words.107
9688633735Subject ComplementThe word (with any accompanying phrases) or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by either describing it (predicate adjective) or renaming it (predicate nominative).108
9688633736dialect- refers to the writer's word choices regarding correctness, clearness, or effectiveness that help create an author's style.109
9688633737ChiasmusA general term referring to the repetition in opposite order; the order in the second half of an expression reverses the order of the first half of the expression; the repetition can be of words, ideas, grammatical structures, and can appear at the level of the sentence, passage, or entire work.110
9688633738abstract terms- represent ideas or thought rather than physical objects111
9688633739PunA humorous play on words, using similar sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings.112
9688633740Purple PatchA passage in a piece of writing that is overly elaborate and ornate.113
9688633741ParallelismThis term comes from Greek roots meaning "beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase. The effects are numerous, but frequently, they act as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical rhythm.114
9688633742AssonanceA rhyme of two syllables, one stressed and one unstressed.115
9688633743DiacopeRepetition with only a word or two in between.116
9688633744Epiphoraor epistrophe; repetition of ends117
9688633745Wit"In modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. A witty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speaker's verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Wit usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Historically, wit originally meant basic understanding."118
9688633746ConsonanceThe repetition of similar consonant sounds119
9688633747colloquial/colloquialism-use of slang or informalities in speech or writing that give a work a conversational or familiar tone.120
9688633748Periodic sentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone, for example, The effect is to add emphasis and structural variety.121
9688633749Isocolonrepetition of grammatical forms122
9688633750Red HerringSomething intended to divert attention from the issue at hand.123
9688692108PolyptotonRepetition of the same word or root in different grammatical functions or forms124
9688692109syntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. Syntax is similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of syntax as the groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words125
9688692110dialectvariety of language spoken in one geographical area by a certain group of people126
9688692111AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers127
9688692112RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern. When repetition is poorly done, it bores, but when it's well done, it links and emphasizes ideas while allowing the reader the comfort of recognizing something familiar.128
9688692113EuphonyThe use of harmonious sounds to produce an effect pleasing to the ear.129
9688702602PropagandaBiased, one-sided communication meant to influence the thoughts and actions of an audience130
9688718451AsyndetonThe omission of conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses.131
9688725590CacophonyJuxtaposing jarring, harsh sounds; the opposite of euphony.132

SAT List for AP Language Week of 4/18/16 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4285332350abrogate(v.) to Abolish, usually by authority0
4285343744abstruseadj Difficult to understand1
4285347552efficaciousadj effective2
4285353436incendiary(n.) a person who agitates (If we catch the incendiary who screamed "bomb" in the middle of the soccer match, we're going to put him in jail.)3
4285369614inchoate(adj) In an initial stage; not fully formed4
4285373643limpid(adj.) clear, transparent; readily understood5
4285382832malevolentadj. wanting harm to befall others6
4285382833mendaciousadj. having a lying, false character7
4285387970nebulousadj. vaguely defined, cloudy8
4285387971palliatev. to reduce the severity of9
4285396482Write a variety of compound-complex sentences OR a story that relates to your novel as you move toward the climax.10
4285382770malevolentadj11

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