question

allegory

answer

The device of using character and/or story elements to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom. The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human nature.

question

alliteration

answer

The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells she shells"). Although the term is not frequently in the multiple choice section, you can look for alliteration in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.

question

allusion

answer

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 possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.

question

ambiguity

answer

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

question

analogy

answer

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.

question

Antecedent

answer

The word or phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences. (grandeur of all truth 〉 it)

question

Antithesis

answer

the opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.

question

Aphorism

answer

A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author's point.

question

Apostrophe

answer

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer. The effect may add familiarity or emotional intensity. Many apostrophes imply a personification of the object addressed.

question

atmosphere

answer

The emotional nod created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the author's choice of objects that are described. Even such elements as a description of the weather can contribute to the atmosphere. Frequently atmosphere foreshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood.

question

Caricature

answer

A verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.

question

Colloquial/Colloquialism

answer

The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing, colloquialisms give work a conversational, familiar tone. Colloquial expressions in writing include local or regional dialects.

question

Conceit

answer

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects. A conceit displays intellectual cleverness as a result of the unusual comparison being made.

question

Connotation

answer

The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggestive meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes.

question

Denotation

answer

The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color. (A knife is used to cut)

question

Diction

answer

Related to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. For the AP exam, you should be able to describe an author's diction (for example, formal, informal, ornate, or plain) and understand the ways in which diction can complement the author's purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style.

question

Didactic

answer

Didactic words have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.

question

Euphemism

answer

Are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The euphemism may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement. [Saying "earthy remains" rather than corpse.]

question

Extended Metaphor

answer

A metaphor developed at a great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.

question

Figurative Language

answer

Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.

question

Figure of Speech

answer

Many compare dissimilar things. Figures of speech include apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, and understatement.

question

Generic Convention

answer

This term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help define each genre; for example, they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and political writing. On the exam, try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.

question

Genre

answer

The major category into which a literary work fits.

question

Homily

answer

I can include serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.

question

Hyperbole

answer

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often a hyperbole produces irony. Hyperbole is opposite of an understatement.

question

Imagery

answer

The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion or represent abstraction. On the AP Exam pay attention to how an author creates imagery and to the effect of this imagery.

question

Inference/Infer

answer

To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. You must carefully not the the connotation -negative or positive- of the choices.

question

Invective

answer

an emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.

question

Irony

answer

The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.

question

Litotes

answer

a form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite. Opposite of a hyperbole. "Not a bad idea." "It isn't very serious, I have this tiny tumor."

question

Loose Sentence/non-periodic sentence

answer

A 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 a loose sentences often seems informal, relaxed, or conversational. Generally loose sentences create loose style. The opposite of a loose sentence is a periodic sentence.

question

Metaphor

answer

A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought provoking, and meaningful.

question

Metonymy

answer

The name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. The substituted term generally carries more impact. (President -> White House)

question

Mood

answer

The prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect the mood. Mood is similar to tone and atmosphere.

question

Narrative

answer

The telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.

question

Onomatopoeia

answer

Natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. If you see an onomatopoeia on the exam, take note of the effect it has.

question

Oxymoron

answer

A figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" or "cruel kindness" This term does not usually appear in the multiple choice questions, but there is a chance you might find one it in an essay. Take note of the effect that the author achieves with the use of oxymoron.

question

Paradox

answer

A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.

question

Parallelism

answer

It refers to the grammatical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but its not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as preposition or verbal phrase. The effects of parallelism are numerous, but frequently they act as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply a musical rhythm.

question

anaphora

answer

A sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences. MLK used anaphora in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

question

Parody

answer

A work that closely imitated the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. In exploits peculiarities of an author's expression. Well-written parody offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers only ineffectual imitation. Usually an audience must grasp literary allusion and understand the work being parodied in order to fully appreciate the nuances of the newer work. Occasionally, however, parodies take on a life of their own and don't require knowledge of the original.

question

Pedantic

answer

An 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)

question

Periodic Sentence

answer

The opposite of a loose sentence, a sentence the 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. The effect of a periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety. It is also a much stronger sentence than the loose sentence. (After a long, bumpy flight and multiple delays, I arrived at the San Diego airport.)

question

Personificaton

answer

A figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attribute or emotions. Personification is used to make these abstractions appear more vivid to the reader.

question

Point of View

answer

In literature, the perspective from which a story is told. In addition, be aware that the term point of view carries an additional meaning. When you are asked to analyze the author's point of view, the appropriate point for you to address is the author's attitude.

question

First Person Narrator

answer

tells the story with the first person pronoun "I", and is a character in the story. This narrator can be the protagonist, a secondary character, or an observing character.

question

Third Person Omniscient

answer

Narrator, with godlike knowledge, presents the thoughts of any or all characters

question

Third Person Limited Omniscient

answer

Which the narrator presents the feelings and thought of only one character, presenting only the actions of the remaining characters.

question

Prose

answer

One of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms. In prose the pinter determines the length of the line; in poetry, the poet determines the length of the line

question

Repetetion

answer

The duplication, either exact, or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.

question

Rhetoric

answer

this term describes the principles the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently and persuasively

question

Rhetorical Modes

answer

This flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purpose of the major kinds of writing. The four most common rhetorical modes (modes of discourse)

question

Exposition

answer

to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. The AP language exam essay questions are frequently expository topics.

question

Argumentation

answer

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 the type of argumentation having an additional aim of urging some form of action.

question

Description

answer

To recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five sentences in description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional an subjective.

question

Narration

answer

Tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing.

question

Sarcasm

answer

Involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something. It may use irony as a device but not all ironic statements are sarcastic. When well done sarcasm can be witty and insightful about the human condition, when poorly done, it is simply cruel.

question

Satire

answer

A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform human behavior, satire is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing. It can be recognized by the many devices used effectively by the satirist: irony, wit, parody, caricature, hyperbole, understatement, and sarcasm. The effects of satire are varied, depending on the writer's goal, but good satire, often humorous, is thought provoking and insightful about the human condition.

question

Semantics

answer

the branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.

question

Style

answer

An evaluation of the sum of choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. Some authors' styles are so idiosyncratic that we can quickly recognize works by the same author's purpose. Styles can be called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, laconic, etc.

question

Subject Complement

answer

The word (with any accompanying phrases) or clause that follows a linking verb and complements , or completes, the subject of the sentence by either (1) renaming it (the predicate nominative) (2) describing it (the predicate adjective).

question

Predicate Nominative

answer

A noun, group of nouns or noun clause that renames the subject. It like the predicate adjective, follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence.

question

Predicate Adjective

answer

an adjective, a group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject. It like the predicate adjective, follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence.

question

Subordinate Clause

answer

Like all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but unlike the independent clause, the subordinate clause cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought. Also called a dependent clause, the subordinate clause depends on the main clause ( or independent clause) to complete it's meaning. Easily recognized key words and phrases usually begin these clauses.

question

Syllogism

answer

A syllogism is a deductive system of formal logic that present to premises that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.

question

Symbol

answer

Generally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else. Usually a symbol is something concrete -- such as an object, action, character, or scene - that represents something more abstract. However, symbols and symbolism can be much more complex.

question

Natural Symbols

answer

objects and occurrences from nature to symbolize ideas commonly associated with them (dawn symbolizing hope or a new beginning)

question

Conventional Symbols

answer

are those that have been invested with meaning by a group (religious symbols such as a cross or Star of David)

question

Literary Symbols

answer

Sometimes also conventional in the sense that they are found in a variety of work and are more generally recognized. On the AP Exam, try to determine what abstraction an object is a symbol for and to what extent it is successful in representing that abstraction.

question

Synechedoche

answer

a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole or, occasionally, the whole is used to represent a part. (PARTS ONLY)

question

Synesthesia

answer

when one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective manner experience of another. In literature, synesthesia refers to the practice of associating two or more different senses in the same image.

question

Syntax

answer

The 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 groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words. In the multiple choice section, you will need to analyze how syntax produces effects.

question

Theme

answer

The central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life. Usually theme is unstated in fictional works, but in nonfiction, the theme may be directly state, especially in expository or argumentative writing.

question

Thesis

answer

In expository writing, the thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position. Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, efficiently, and thoroughly a writer has proven the thesis.

question

Tone

answer

Similar to mood, tone describes the author's attitudes toward his material, the audience, or both. Tone is easier to determine in spoken language than in written language. Considering how a work would sound if it were real aloud can help in identifying an author's tone.

question

Transition

answer

A word or phrase that links different ideas. Used especially, although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, transitions effectively signal a shift from one idea to another. More sophisticated writers use more subtle means of transition.

question

Understatement

answer

the ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole.

question

Wit

answer

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. Its meaning evolved to include speed of understanding, and finally, it grew to mean quick perception including creative fancy and a quick tongue to articulate am answer demanded the asame quick perception

AP English Language & Composition Essay Terms – Flashcards

Unlock all answers in this set

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Search for samples, answers to your questions and flashcards