AP Language and Composition Rhetorical Terms Tested 1st Semester 2015-16 Flashcards

5034133932	Allusion	A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.	0
5034133933	Analogy	An extended comparison showing the similarities between two things	1
5034133936	Aphorism	A brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.	2
5034133938	Colloquialism	informal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing	3
5034133939	Counterargument	A challenge to a position; an opposing argument.	4
5034133940	Cumulative Sentence	An independent clause followed by subordinate clauses or phrases that supply additional detail.	5
5034133941	Diction	A writer's or speaker's choice of words	6
5034133942	Ethos	Ethos is basically an appeal to credibility. The speaker is seeking to convince you that he or she has the background, history, skills, and/or expertise to speak on the issue.	7
5034133943	Euphemism	An indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant	8
5034133945	Hyperbole	A figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor	9
5034133946	Imagery	Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)	10
5034133948	Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality A contrast or discrepancy between what is stated and what is really meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually does happen.	11
5034133949	Juxtaposition	Placement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts	12
5034133950	Logos	An appeal to reason. It occurs when a writer tries to convince you of the logic of his argument. writers have examples and generally rational tone to their language.	13
5034133951	Metaphor	A comparison that establishes a figurative identity between objects being compared. A comparison without using like or as.	14
5034133953	Paradox	A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.	15
5034133954	Parallel Structure	repetition of the same pattern of words or phrases within a sentence or passage to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.	16
5034133955	Pathos	An appeal to emotion. Typically, pathos arguments may use loaded words to make you feel guilty, lonely, worried, insecure, or confused.	17
5034133956	Periodic Sentence	A sentence that presents its central meaning at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. The effect of a periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety. (Example: After a long, bumpy flight and multiple delays, I arrived at the San Diego airport.)	18
5034133958	Sarcasm	the use of irony to mock or convey contempt	19
5034133959	Simile	A comparison of two things using like or as	20
5034133960	Tone	A writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter or audience revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization on the sentence and global levels.	21
5034133961	Understatement	The presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.	22