AP Glossary #1-3 Flashcards
1
Q
Definition Active Voice
A
Subject of the sentence performs the action
2
Q
Example and Non-example of Active Voice
A
Example: The cat chased the mouse
Non-example: The mouse was chased by the cat
3
Q
Impact Active Voice
A
It makes writing stronger and more direct
4
Q
Definition Passive Voice
A
The subject of the sentence receives the action
5
Q
Example of Passive Voice
A
The book was written by the author
6
Q
Impact Passive Voice
A
Less direct, creates engagement
7
Q
Definition Allusion
A
An indirect reference to something that the reader is supposed to be familiar with
8
Q
Example Allusion
A
“He has the Midas touch when it comes to business.”
9
Q
Impact Allusion
A
Adds depth, saves words, and engages the reader
10
Q
Definition Anecdote
A
A brief recounting of a relevant episode
11
Q
Example Anecdote
A
“Last year, I was walking home in the rain without an umbrella when a stranger offered to share theirs. That small act of kindness reminded me how powerful even the simplest gestures can be.”
12
Q
Impact Anecdote
A
Illustrates key message, engages emotionally
13
Q
Definition Antecedent
A
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun
14
Q
Example Antecedent
A
Emma in “Emma finished her homework before dinner”
15
Q
Definition Classicism
A
Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world
16
Q
Example Classicism
A
“The king ruled with wisdom and fairness, just like the leaders of ancient times.”
17
Q
Definition Comic Relief
A
When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story to lighten the mood
18
Q
Example Comic Relief
A
The “gatekeeper scene” in Macbeth
19
Q
Impact Comic Relief
A
Keeps the audience engaged and relieves tension
20
Q
Definition Diction
A
Choice of words and style of expression used in writing or speaking
21
Q
Definition Colloquial
A
Ordinary or familiar type of conversation
22
Q
Example Colloquial
A
“I’m gonna grab a bite to eat.”
23
Q
Impact Colloquial
A
Less formal, makes it more relatable
24
Q
Definition Connotation
A
Refers to the emotional or cultural associations attached to a word, beyond its literal meaning
25
Definition Denotation
Literal, explicit meaning of a word without its connotations
26
Definition Jargon
Specialized language used by a specific group, often related to a profession or activity
27
Example Jargon
"The patient is experiencing dyspnea."
28
Impact Jargon
Limits audience reach, appears authoritative to the right audience
29
Definition Vernacular
1. Language or dialect of a particular country. 2. Language or dialect of a regional clan or group. 3. Plain everyday speech
30
Definition Didactic
Writing or speech that is intended to teach, inform, or instruct, often in a moral or educational way
31
Example Didactic
"Always be honest, because telling the truth helps build trust."
32
Definition Adage
A folk saying with a lesson
33
Example Adage
"A stitch in time saves nine."
34
Impact Adage
Adds wisdom, creates connection
35
Definition Allegory
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning
36
Example Allegory
The animals in "Animal Farm," which represent different classes and figures in society
37
Impact Allegory
Adds depth, engages readers, and teaches lessons
38
Definition Aphorism
A short, memorable statement that expresses a general truth or piece of wisdom
39
Example Aphorism
"Actions speak louder than words."
40
Impact Aphorism
Adds wisdom, clarity, and is memorable
41
Definition Ellipsis
The omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author
42
Example Ellipsis
"I don't know... maybe later"
43
Impact Ellipsis
Creates suspense or uncertainty
44
Definition Euphemism
A mild or less direct word or expression used to replace one that may be too harsh, uncomfortable, or offensive
45
Example Euphemism
"Passed away" instead of "died."
46
Impact Euphemism
Softens harsh topics and improves the tone
47
Figurative Language
Uses words or expressions with meanings different from the literal interpretation to create more vivid or imaginative descriptions
48
Definition Analogy
A comparison between two things to show how they are similar in some way
49
Example Analogy
"Just as a sword is the weapon of a warrior, a pen is the weapon of a writer."
50
Impact Analogy
Clarifies ideas, engages the reader, and adds creativity
51
Definition Hyperbole
An exaggerated statement or claim that isn't mean to be taken literally
52
Example Hyperbole
"I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
53
Impact Hyperbole
Adds humor and emphasis
54
Definition Idiom
Phrase or expression whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the words in it
55
Example Idiom
"It's raining cats and dogs."
56
Impact Idiom
Coveys meaning quickly, adds creativity and color
57
Definition Metaphor
A figure of speech that compares two things without using "like" or "as."
58
Example and Non-Example Metaphor
Example: Time is a thief
Non-example: Time is like a theif
59
Impact Metaphor
Creates stronger imagery and adds emotion
60
Definition Metonymy
A figure of speech where one word or phrase is substituted with another that is closely associated with it
61
Example Metonymy
"The White House issued a statement"
62
Impact Metonymy
Adds depth, saves space, and enhances imagery
63
Definition Synecdoche
A figure of speech where a part of something represents the whole or the whole represents a part
64
Example Synecdoche
Part for the whole: "All hands on deck."
Whole for the part: "The US won gold in the 4x100 relay"
65
Impact Synecdoche
Creates imagery and adds emphasis
66
Definition Simile
Figure of speech that compares two things using "like" or "as."
67
Example and Non-example Simile
Example: Her smile was as bright as the sun
Non-example: Her smile was the sun
68
Impact Simile
Creates vivid imagery, enhances emotional appeal
69
Definition Synesthesia
A literary device where one sense is used to describe another
70
Example Synesthesia
"The sound of the trumpet was a bright yellow."
71
Impact Synesthesia
Enhances imagery and adds uniqueness
72
Definition Personification
When you give human qualities or characteristics to non-human things, animals, or abstract ideas
73
Example Personification
"The wind whispered through the trees."
74
Impact Personification
More vivid writing and adds emotion
75
Definition Foreshadowing
When an author gives hints about what will occur later in a story
76
Example Foreshadowing
"As Emily closed her locker, a faint shiver ran down her spine. She glanced over her shoulder, but the hallway was empty. Still, the feeling of being watched lingered, heavy and unshakable."
77
Impact Foreshadowing
Creates suspense and builds anticipation
78
Definition Genre
The major category into which a literary work fits
79
Definition Gothic
Writing characterized by gloom, mystery, fear, and/or death. It could also refer to an architectural style of the Middle Ages, often seen in cathedrals of this period.
80
Example Gothic
"The candle's flame flickered as a cold draft crept through the decaying manor. Shadows danced on the cracked walls, whispering secrets too dark to name."
81
Definition Imagery
Word or words that create a picture in the reader's mind. Usually, this involves the five senses.
82
Example Imagery
Golden sunlight danced on the rippling waves as the salty breeze carried the ocean's rhythmic hum, wrapping everything in a tranquil embrace.
83
Impact Imagery
Creates emotional connection and sensory engagement
84
Definition Invective
A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language
85
Example Invective
"You are nothing but a deceitful liar and a disgrace to everyone around you."
86
Impact Invective
Creates character perception and audience engagement
87
Definition Irony
When the opposite of what you expect to happen does
88
Definition Verbal Irony
When you say something and mean the opposite/something different
89
Example Verbal Irony
A person looks at their messy, disorganized room and says, "Wow, what a perfect place to relax!"
90
Impact Verbal Irony
Adds humor or sarcasm
91
Definition Dramatic Irony
When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something that the character doesn't and would be surprised to find out.
92
Example Dramatic Irony
In Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, the audience knows that Juliet has taken a potion to appear dead, but Romeo believes she is truly dead.
93
Impact Dramatic Irony
Creates emotional engagement and tension
94
Definition Situational Irony
Found in the plot (or storyline) of a book, story, or movie. Sometimes it makes you laugh because it's funny how things turn out.
95
Example Situational Irony
In "The Gift of the Magi," there is irony in the fact that the couple both make sacrifices that make their gifts unusable.
96
Impact Situational Irony
Creates emotional depth and highlights themes
97
Definition Juxtaposition
Place things side by side for comparison purposes. Authors often use juxtaposition of ideas or examples to make a point.
98
Example Juxtaposition
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..."
99
Impact Juxtaposition
Creates complexity and engages the reader
100
Definition Mood
The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice (diction).
101
Definition Motif
A recurring idea in a picture of literature
102
Example Motif
In To Kill a Mockingbird, the idea that “you never really understand another person until you consider things from his or her point of view.”
103
Impact Motif
Reinforces the theme and builds emotional depth
104
Definition Oxymoron
When apparently contradictory terms are grouped together and suggest a paradox
105
Example Oxymoron
"Parting is such sweet sorrow"
106
Impact Oxymoron
Evokes emotion and adds irony or humor
107
Definition Pacing
The speed or tempo of an author's writing. Writers can use a variety of devices to change the pacing of their words
108
Example Pacing
"She ran through the dark forest, branches scratching her arms, her breath ragged. Behind her, the footsteps grew louder. She didn’t dare look back. Faster. She had to move faster."
109
Impact Pacing
Longer sentences and detailed descriptions create a calm reflective atmosphere.
110
Definition Paradox
A seemingly contradictory situation that is actually true
111
Example Paradox
"Less is more."
112
Impact Paradox
Adds depth and enhances creativity
113
Definition Parallelism
Sentence construction which places equal grammatical constructions near each other, or repeats identical grammatical patterns
114
Example Parallelism
"She likes singing, dancing, and painting."
115
Impact Parallelism
Improves clarity and adds emphasis
116
Definition Anaphora
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or clauses in a row.
117
Example Anaphora
"Every day, every night, every moment, I strive to be better. Every day, I face new challenges. Every day, I grew stronger."
118
Impact Anaphora
Adds unity and structure
119
Definition Chiasmus
When the same words are used twice in succession, but the second time, the order of the words is reversed.
120
Example Chiasmus
"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."
121
Impact Chiasmus
Emphasizes key ideas and adds depth
122
Definition Antithesis
Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas, with parallel structure
123
Example Antithesis
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
124
Impact Antithesis
Adds balance and rhythm
125
Definition Zuegma (Syllepsis)
When a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, the meaning of the first word must change for each of the other words it governs or modifies.
126
Example Zuegma (Syllepsis)
"He lost his coat and his temper."
127
Impact Zuegma (Syllepsis)
Adds humor and creates surprise
128
Definition Parenthetical Idea
Parenthesis are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence
129
Example Parenthetical Idea
The student excelled in her exams (even in subjects she found challenging) because she studied every night
130
Impact Parenthetical Idea
Adds depth and influences tone
131
Definition Paraody
An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes. It borrows words or phrases from an original and pokes fun at it.
132
Example Parody
"To snack or not to snack, that is the question: Whether 'tis wiser in the night to endure The hunger pains of an empty stomach, Or to grab chips against a growling belly And, by munching, satisfy them." - Parody of Hamlet
132
Definition Persona
The fictional mask or narratory that tells a story.
133
Definition Poetic Device
A device used in poetry to manipulate the sound of words, sentences or lines.
134
Definition Alliteration
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.
135
Example Alliteration
"Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore."
136
Impact Alliteration
Enhances rhythm and flow
137
Definition Assonance
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds.
138
Example Assonance
"From the molten-golden notes"
139
Impact Assonance
Enhances mood and improves memorability
140
Definition Consonance
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the end of words or within words
141
Example Consonance
"Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door."
142
Impact Consonance
Creates rhythm and flow and emphasizes key ideas
143
Definition Onomatopoeia
The use of a word which imitates or suggests the sounds that the thing makes
144
Example Onomatopoeia
Boom
145
Impact Onomatopoeia
Enhances imagery and creates atmosphere and mood
146
Definition Internal Rhyme
When a line of poetry contains a rhyme within a single line
147
Example Internal Rhyme
"To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells!"
148
Impact Internal Rhyme
Adds musicality and emphasis
149
Definition Slant Rhyme
When a poet creates a rhyme, but the two words do not rhyme exactly - they are merely similar
150
Example Slant Rhyme
"I sat upon a stone/and found my life has gone"
151
Impact Slant Rhyme
Adds musicality and emotional resonance
152
Definition End Rhyme
When the last word of two different lines of poetry rhyme
153
Example End Rhyme
"Roses are red, violets are blue. Sugar is sweet, and so are you."
154
Impact End Rhyme
Creates musicality and supports structure
155
Definition Rhyme Scheme
The pattern of a poem's end rhymes
156
Example Rhyme Scheme
A B A B C D C D
157
Impact Rhyme Scheme
Enhances emotion and creates musicality
158
Definition Stressed and unstressed syllables
In every word of more than one syllable, one of the syllables is stressed or said with more force than the other syllables.
159
Example Stressed and Unstressed Syllables
In "Nathan," the first syllable is stressed. "In the word 'unhappiness," the second of the four syllables is stressed.
160
Impact Stressed and Unstressed Syllables
Creates rhythm and musicality
161
Definition Meter
A regular pattern to the syllables in lines of poetry
162
Example Meter
In Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, the meter is iambic pentameter, which consists of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables per line
163
Impact Meter
Musicality and rhythm
164
Definition Free Verse
Poetry that doesn't have much meter or rhyme
165
Example Free Verse
"The Red Wheelbarrow"
by William Carlos Williams
166
Impact Free Verse
Enhances simplicity and directness
167
Definition Iambic Pentameter
Poetry that is written in lines of 10 syllables, alternating stressed and unstressed syllables
168
Example Iambic Pentameter
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
169
Impact Iambic Pentameter
Adds flow and musicality
170
Definition Sonnet
A 14-line poem written in iambic pentameter, usually divided into three quatrains and a couplet.
171
Example Sonnet
Shakespearean Sonnet 18
172
Impact Sonnet
Gives it a flow and cadence
173
Definition Polysyndeton
When a writer creates a list of items which are all separated by conjunctions. Normally a conjunction is used only before the last item in a list.
174
Example Polysyndeton
"I walked the dog, and fed the cat, and milked the cows.
175
Impact Polysyndeton
Slows down pace of writing and adds an authoritative tone.
176
Definition Pun
When a word that has two or more meanings is used in a humorous way.
177
Example Pun
"My dog has a fur coat and pants!"
178
Impact Pun
Adds humor or emphasizes a point
