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AP Language and Composition > AP Glossary Flashcards > Flashcards

AP Glossary Flashcards

1
Q

Active Voice: definition

A

The subject of the sentence performs the action. This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases.

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2
Q

Active Voice: example

A

The dog barked at the door.

The teacher graded the work.

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3
Q

Active Voice: effect on text

A

In most cases, using active voice will result in shorter, sharper sentences that are easier for the reader to follow. This makes your writing clearer and aids the reader in visualizing what’s happening, especially when you use vivid action verbs.

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4
Q

Allusion: definition

A

An indirect reference to something (usually a literary text, although it can be other things commonly known, such as plays, songs, historical events) with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.

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5
Q

Allusion: example

A

Stop acting like a Scrooge!

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6
Q

Allusion: effect on text

A

Allusions are used as stylistic devices to help contextualize a story by referencing a well-known person, place, event, or another literary work.

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7
Q

Alter-ego: definition

A

A character that is used by the author to speak the author’s own thoughts; when an author speaks directly to the audience through a character.

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8
Q

Alter-ego: example

A

Bruce Wayne and Batman

Clark Kent and Superman

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9
Q

Alter-ego: effect on text

A

Helps connect the audience with the author

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10
Q

Anecdote: definition

A

A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Anecdotes are often inserted into fictional or non fictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.

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11
Q

Anecdote: example

A

A group of coworkers are discussing pets, and one coworker tells a story about how her cat comes downstairs at only a certain time of the night, then that one coworker has just told an anecdote.

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12
Q

Anecdote: effect on text

A

An anecdote might make a listener or reader laugh, or consider the deeper import of the story. Anecdotes usually occur in discussions or conversations between two or more persons, and revolve around the primary topic being discussed.

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13
Q

Antecedent: definition

A

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.

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14
Q

Antecedent: example

A

Mark put his coffee on the counter. Mark is the antecedent

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15
Q

Antecedent: effect on text

A

It gives depth to a word or phrase

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16
Q

Classicism: definition

A

Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world; sticks to traditional themes and structures

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17
Q

Classicism: example

A

Examples of this appeal to classicism included Dante, Petrarch, and Shakespeare in poetry and theatre. Tudor drama, in particular, modeled itself after classical ideals and divided works into Tragedy and Comedy.

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18
Q

Classicism: effect on text

A

Literary classicism was most popular and had the most impact from the mid-1700s to about 1800, primarily in England. Also termed neoclassical style or period, these works reflected the styles and ideals from Ancient Greek and Roman thought and art, focusing on logic, symmetry, integrity, law and allegiance.

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19
Q

Comic Relief: definition

A

When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten the mood
somewhat.

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20
Q

Comic Relief: example

A

External Comic Relief is when the audience laughs, but the characters themselves don’t. This could happen, for example, when a character slips on a banana peel: nobody onscreen is laughing, but the audience still finds it funny. We’re laughing at the characters.

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21
Q

Comic Relief: effect on text

A

Comic relief is a literary device used in plays and novels to introduce light entertainment between tragic scenes. It is often used in the shape of a humorous incident, a funny incident, a tricky remark or a laughing commentary. It is deliberately inserted to make the audiences feel relief.

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22
Q

Diction: definition

A

Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types of words have significant effects on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise than street slang.

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23
Q

Diction: example

A

Choosing more elevated words will establish a formality to the piece of literature, while choosing slang will make it informal. For example, consider the difference between “I am much obliged to you, sir” and “Thanks a bunch, buddy!”

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24
Q

Diction: effect on text

A

As a literary device, diction refers to the choice of words and style of expression that an author makes and uses in a work of literature. Diction can have a great effect on the tone of a piece of literature, and how readers perceive the characters.

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25
Q

Colloquial: definition

A

Ordinary or familiar type of conversation. A “colloquialism” is a common or familiar type of saying, similar to an adage or an aphorism.

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26
Q

Colloquial: example

A

Wanna
Gonna
Y’all

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27
Q

Colloquial: effect on text

A

Colloquial expressions impart a sense of realism to a piece of literature, which again attracts readers as they identify it with their real life.

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28
Q

Connotation: definition

A

Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning.

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29
Q

Connotation: example

A

“policeman,” “cop,” and “The Man” all denote the same literal meaning of police officer, but each has a different connotation

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30
Q

Connotation: effect on text

A

Using words with different connotations can really change the meaning of a sentence and the tone, which means the attitude of the speaker.

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31
Q

Denotation: definition

A

The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.

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32
Q

Denotation: example

A

Denotation of the word “blue” is the color blue, but its connotation is “sad”

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33
Q

Denotation: effect on text

A

Denotation is used when an author wants the reader to understand a word, phrase, or sentence in its literal form, without other implied, associated, or suggested meanings.

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34
Q

Jargon: definition

A

The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity.

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35
Q

Jargon: example

A

Lawyers speak using particular jargon, as do soccer players.

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36
Q

Jargon: effect on text

A

Jargon in literature is used to emphasize a situation, or to refer to something exotic. In fact, the use of jargon in literature shows the dexterity of the writer, of having knowledge of other spheres. Writers use jargon to make a certain character seem real in fiction, as well as in plays and poetry.

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37
Q

Vernacular: definition

A
  1. Language or dialect of a particular country.
  2. Language or dialect of a regional clan or group.
  3. Plain everyday speech
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38
Q

Vernacular: example

A

English in the United States

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39
Q

Vernacular: effect on text

A

Vernacular language was possible to rise and spread because many people did not speak Latin, not even noble men. Since vernacular language made it easier to convert people to Christianity, it was eventually used over Latin.

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40
Q

Didactic: definition

A

A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.

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41
Q

Didactic: example

A

Every textbook and “how-to” book is an example of didacticism, as their explicit purpose is to instruct and educate. Books written for children also often have a didactic intent, as they are often created to teach children about moral values.

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42
Q

Didactic: effect on text

A

Didacticism describes a type of literature that is written to inform or instruct the reader, especially in moral or political lessons. While they are also meant to entertain the audience, the aesthetics in a didactic work of literature are subordinate to the message it imparts.

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43
Q

Adage: definition

A

A folk saying with a lesson

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44
Q

Adage: example

A

“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

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45
Q

Adage: effect on text

A

An adage expresses a general fact or truth about life, which becomes more and more popular before it is accepted as a universal truth

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46
Q

Allegory: definition

A

A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an abstraction or a truth.

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47
Q

Allegory: example

A

Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter

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48
Q

Allegory: effect on text

A

Allegory allows writers to create some distance between themselves and the issues they are discussing, especially when those issues are strong critiques of political or societal realities.

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49
Q

Aphorism: definition

A

A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle. An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author’s point.

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50
Q

Aphorism: example

A

“God helps them that help themselves,”

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51
Q

Aphorism: effect on text

A

A memorable summation of the author’s point.

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52
Q

Ellipsis: definition

A

The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author.

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53
Q

Ellipsis: example

A

“The whole day, rain, torrents of rain.”

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54
Q

Ellipsis: effect on text

A

Usually done for effect.

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55
Q

Euphemism: definition

A

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts. Sometimes they are used for political correctness.

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56
Q

Euphemism: example

A

“Physically challenged,” in place of “crippled.”

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57
Q

Euphemism: effect on text

A

Used to mislead or obfuscate the real meaning of what is being said.

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58
Q

Figurative Language: definition

A

Writing that is not meant to be taken literally.

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59
Q

Figurative Language: example

A

The world is my oyster.

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60
Q

Figurative Language: effect on text

A

Enhance the emotional significance of passages

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61
Q

Analogy: definition

A

An analogy is a comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables. When a writer uses an analogy, he or she argues that the relationship between the first pair of variables is the same as the relationship between the second pair of variables.

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62
Q

Analogy: example

A

“America is to the world as the

hippo is to the jungle.”

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63
Q

Analogy: effect on text

A

Enhance the emotional significance of passages

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64
Q

Hyperbole: definition

A

An exaggeration

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65
Q

Hyperbole: example

A

“My mother will kill me if I am late.”

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66
Q

Hyperbole: effect on text

A

Enhance the emotional significance of passages

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67
Q

Idiom: definition

A

A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally.

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68
Q

Idiom: example

A

“I got chewed out by my coach.”

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69
Q

Idiom: effect on text

A

Enhance the emotional significance of passages

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70
Q

Metaphor: definition

A

Making an implied comparison, not using “like,” as,” or other such words.

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71
Q

Metaphor: example

A

“My feet are popsicles.”

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72
Q

Metaphor: effect on text

A

Enhance the emotional significance of passages

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73
Q

Metonymy: definition

A

Replacing an actual word or idea, with a related word or concept.

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74
Q

Metonymy: example

A

“I could not understand his tongue”

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75
Q

Metonymy: effect on text

A

To focus the rhetorical emphasis of a reference to an object on a specific quality of that object.

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76
Q

Synecdoche: definition

A

A kind of metonymy when a whole is represented by naming one of its parts, or vice versa.

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77
Q

Synecdoche: example

A

“The cattle rancher owned 500 head.”

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78
Q

Synecdoche: effect on text

A

To focus the rhetorical emphasis of a reference to an object on a specific quality of that object.

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79
Q

Simile: definition

A

Using words such as “like” or “as” to make a direct comparison between two very different things.

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80
Q

Simile: example

A

“My feet are so cold they feel like popsicles.”

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81
Q

Simile: effect on text

A

Enhance the emotional significance of passages

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82
Q

Synesthesia: definition

A

a description involving a “crossing of the senses.”

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83
Q

Synesthesia: example

A

“A purplish scent filled the room.”

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84
Q

Synesthesia: effect on text

A

Allows authors to deliver another level of description in literature.

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85
Q

Personification: definition

A

Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human.

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86
Q

Personification: example

A

“The tired old truck groaned as it inched up the hill.”

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87
Q

Personification: effect on text

A

Allows authors to deliver another level of description in literature.

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88
Q

Foreshadowing: definition

A

When an author gives hints about what will occur later in a story.

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89
Q

Foreshadowing: example

A

Omens, such as prophecies or broken mirror.

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90
Q

Foreshadowing: effect on text

A

Creates an atmosphere of suspense in a story, so that the readers are interested and want to know more.

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91
Q

Genre: definition

A

The major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose,
poetry, and drama.

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92
Q

Genre: example

A

Prose, Poetry, and Drama

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93
Q

Genre: effect on text

A

Social constructions that represent specific purposes for reading and writing within different social activities

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94
Q

Gothic: definition

A

Writing characterized by gloom, mystery, fear and/or death. Also refers to an architectural style
of the middle ages, often seen in cathedrals of this period.

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95
Q

Gothic: example

A

Dracula by Bram Stoker

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96
Q

Gothic: effect on text

A

Often elicits intense, suspenseful feelings of fear, shock, dread, or disgust in the reader.

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97
Q

Imagery: definition

A

Word or words that create a picture in the reader’s mind. Usually this involves the five senses.

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98
Q

Imagery: example

A

The concert was so loud that her ears rang for days afterward.

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99
Q

Imagery: effect on text

A

Authors often use imagery in conjunction with metaphors, similes, or figures of speech.

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100
Q

Invective: definition

A

A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language.

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101
Q

Invective: example

A

“A knave, a rascal; an eater of broken meats”

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102
Q

Invective: effect on text

A

Can arouse negative emotion in the audience as well as the target of the insult.

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103
Q

Irony: definition

A

When the opposite of what you expect to happen does.

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104
Q

Irony: example

A

Verbal, Dramatic, and Situational

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105
Q

Irony: effect on text

A

Keep readers’ interest on the story by creating a contrast between the character’s present situation and the action that will unfold.

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106
Q

Verbal Irony: definition

A

When you say something and mean the opposite/something different.

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107
Q

Verbal Irony: example

A

If your gym teacher wants you to run a mile in eight minutes or faster but calls it a “walk in the park” it would be verbal irony.

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108
Q

Verbal Irony: effect on text

A

Can be used to be funny, to expose discrepancies of facts, to make fun of something and to create a point of view.

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109
Q

Dramatic Irony: definition

A

When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something that the character doesn’t and would be surprised to find out.

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110
Q

Dramatic Irony: example

A

In many horror movies, we (the audience) know who the killer is, which the victim-to-be has no idea who is doing the slaying. Sometimes the character trusts the killer completely when (ironically) he/she shouldn’t.

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111
Q

Dramatic Irony: effect on text

A

Can create suspense or tension for the audience.

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112
Q

Situational Irony: definition

A

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.

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113
Q

Situational Irony: example

A

Johnny spent two hours planning on sneaking into the movie theater and missed the movie. When he finally did manage to sneak inside he found out that kids were admitted free that day.

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114
Q

Situational Irony: effect on text

A

Can make a plot twist more interesting, draw attention to a reader’s unwarranted biases, or show how a character handles an unexpected situation.

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115
Q

Juxtaposition: definition

A

Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison.

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116
Q

Juxtaposition: example

A

An author may juxtapose the average day of a

typical American with that of someone in the third world in order to make a point of social commentary.

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117
Q

Juxtaposition: effect on text

A

Authors often use juxtaposition of ideas or examples in order to make a point.

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118
Q

Mood: definition

A

The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice (diction). Syntax is often a creator of mood since word order, sentence length and strength and complexity also affect pacing and therefore mood. Setting, tone, and events can all affect the mood.

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119
Q

Mood: example

A

Humorous -Maddening.
Sad -Fearful.
Gloomy -Desiring.

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120
Q

Mood: effect on text

A

Helps in creating an atmosphere in a literary work by means of setting, theme, diction and tone.

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121
Q

Motif: definition

A

A recurring idea in a piece of literature.

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122
Q

Motif: example

A

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” is a motif.

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123
Q

Motif: effect on text

A

May be used to establish mood

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124
Q

Oxymoron: definition

A

When apparently contradictory terms are grouped together and suggest a paradox.

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125
Q

Oxymoron: example

A

“wise fool,” “eloquent silence,” “jumbo shrimp.”

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126
Q

Oxymoron: effect on text

A

Add dramatic effect.

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127
Q

Pacing: definition

A

The speed or tempo of an author’s writing.

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128
Q

Pacing: example

A

syntax, polysyndeton, anaphora, meter

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129
Q

Pacing: effect on text

A

Determines the appeal of the story for the audience.

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130
Q

Paradox: definition

A

A seemingly contradictory situation that is actually true.

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131
Q

Paradox: example

A

“You can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without getting a job.”

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132
Q

Paradox: effect on text

A

To engage a reader to discover an underlying logic in a seemingly self-contradictory statement or phrase.

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133
Q

Parallelism: definition

A

Sentence construction places equal grammatical constructions near each other or repeats identical grammatical patterns.

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134
Q

Parallelism: example

A

“Cinderella swept the floor, dusted the mantle, and beat the rugs.”

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135
Q

Parallelism: effect on text

A

Used to add emphasis, organization, or sometimes pacing to writing.

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136
Q

Anaphora: definition

A

Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or clauses in a row.

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137
Q

Anaphora: example

A

“I came, I saw, I conquered.”

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138
Q

Anaphora: effect on text

A

This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer’s point more coherent.

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139
Q

Chiasmus: definition

A

When the same words are used twice in succession, but the second time, the order of the words is reversed.

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140
Q

Chiasmus: example

A

“Fair is foul and foul is fair.” “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

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141
Q

Chiasmus: effect on text

A

This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer’s point more coherent.

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142
Q

Antithesis: definition

A

Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas, with parallel structure.

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143
Q

Antithesis: example

A

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”

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144
Q

Antithesis: effect on text

A

Highlights the stark difference between opposing ideas by placing them side-by-side in exactly the same structure.

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145
Q

Zuegma: definition

A

When a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, and the meaning of the first word must change for each of the other words it governs or modifies.

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146
Q

Zuegma: example

A

“The butler killed the lights, and then the mistress.” “I quickly dressed myself and the salad.”

147
Q

Zuegma: effect on text

A

Used to create a literary effect.

148
Q

Parenthetical Idea: definition

A

Parentheses are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence.

149
Q

Parenthetical Idea: example

A

“In a short time (and the time is getting shorter by the gallon) America will be out of oil.”

150
Q

Parenthetical Idea: effect on text

A

Should be used sparingly for effect.

151
Q

Parody: definition

A

An exaggerated imitation of serious work for humorous purposes. It borrows words or phrases from an original and pokes fun at it.

152
Q

Parody: example

A

The Simpsons

153
Q

Parody: effect on text

A

When it mingles with satire, it makes satire more pointed and effective.

154
Q

Persona: definition

A

The fictional mask or narrator that tells a story.

155
Q

Persona: example

A

My Last Duchess (By Robert Browning)

156
Q

Persona: effect on text

A

Helps connect the audience with the author

157
Q

Poetic Device: definition

A

A device used in poetry to manipulate the sound of words, sentences, or lines.

158
Q

Poetic Device: example

A

Alliteration, Onomatopoeia

159
Q

Poetic Device: effect on text

A

Appeals to the audience’s sense of hearing

160
Q

Alliteration: definition

A

The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.

161
Q

Alliteration: example

A

“Sally sells seashells by the seashore”

162
Q

Alliteration: effect on text

A

Appeals to the audience’s sense of hearing

163
Q

Assonance: definition

A

The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds.

164
Q

Assonance: example

A

“From the molten-golden notes”

165
Q

Assonance: effect on text

A

Appeals to the audience’s sense of hearing

166
Q

Consonance: definition

A

The repetition of the same consonant sound at the end of words or within words.

167
Q

Consonance: example

A

“Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door”

168
Q

Consonance: effect on text

A

Appeals to the audience’s sense of hearing

169
Q

Onomatopoeia: definition

A

The use of a word that imitates or suggests the sound that the thing makes.

170
Q

Onomatopoeia: example

A

Snap, rustle, boom, murmur

171
Q

Onomatopoeia: effect on text

A

Appeals to the audience’s sense of hearing

172
Q

Internal Rhyme: definition

A

When a line of poetry contains a rhyme within a single line.

173
Q

Internal Rhyme: example

A

“The the rhyming and chiming of the bells!”

174
Q

Internal Rhyme: effect on text

A

Appeals to the audience’s sense of hearing

175
Q

Slant Rhyme: definition

A

When a poet creates a rhyme, but the two words do not rhyme exactly – they are merely similar.

176
Q

Slant Rhyme: example

A

“I sat upon a stone, / And found my life has gone.”

177
Q

Slant Rhyme: effect on text

A

Catches the reader by surprise and subverts their expectations, delivering a satisfyingly unexpected twist.

178
Q

End Rhyme: definition

A

When the last word of two different lines of poetry rhyme.

179
Q

End Rhyme: example

A

“Roses are red, violets are blue, / Sugar is sweet, and so are you.”

180
Q

End Rhyme: effect on text

A

Appeals to the audience’s sense of hearing.

181
Q

Rhyme Scheme: definition

A

The pattern of a poem’s end rhymes.

182
Q

Rhyme Scheme: example

A

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? a
Thou art more lovely and more temperate. b
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May. a
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. b
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines c
And often is his gold complexion dimmed d
And every fair from fair sometime declines c
By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed d

183
Q

Rhyme Scheme: effect on text

A

Appeals to the audience’s sense of hearing.

184
Q

Stressed and Unstressed Syllables: definition

A

In every word of more than one syllable, one of the syllables is stressed or said with more force then the other syllable(s).

185
Q

Stressed and Unstressed Syllables: example

A

In the name “Nathan,” the first syllable is stressed. In the word “unhappiness,” the second of the four syllables is stressed.

186
Q

Stressed and Unstressed Syllables: effect on text

A

The increase of intensity of the stressed syllable is greater than that of the unstressed one.

187
Q

Meter: definition

A

A regular pattern to the syllables in lines of poetry.

188
Q

Meter: example

A

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary”

189
Q

Meter: effect on text

A

Helps readers understand rhythm as it relates to words and lines in a poem.

190
Q

Free Verse: definition

A

Poetry that doesn’t have much meter or rhyme.

191
Q

Free Verse: example

A

“Fog” by Carl Sandburg

192
Q

Free Verse: effect on text

A

Gives greater freedom for choosing words, and conveying their meanings to the audience.

193
Q

Iambic Pentameter: definition

A

Poetry that is written in lines of 10 syllables, alternating stressed and unstressed syllables.

194
Q

Iambic Pentameter: example

A

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”

195
Q

Iambic Pentameter: effect on text

A

Modern authors, too, use it for writing serious poems. Its major function, therefore, is to give less rigid, but natural flow to the text. Also, this form accommodates intonation and pace of language, allowing an underlying meter to make impacts on readers.

196
Q

Sonnet: definition

A

A 14 line poem written in iambic pentameter. Usually divided into three quatrains and a couplet.

197
Q

Sonnet: example

A

“Astrophil and Stella” by Sir Philip Sidney

198
Q

Sonnet: effect on text

A

Understanding the significance of a sonnet can help you strengthen close reading and analytical skills, build a better appreciation for poetry, and derive more meaning from your reading. The sonnet is a significant form of poetry with a set structure.

199
Q

Polysyndeton: definition

A

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.

200
Q

Polysyndeton: example

A

“I walked the dog, and fed the cat, and milked the cows.”

“Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast, or a carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of unclean creeping things…he also shall be unclean.”

201
Q

Polysyndeton: effect on text

A

Polysyndeton performs several functions. Not only does it join words, phrases, and clauses, bringing continuity to a sentence, but it acts also as a stylistic device that brings rhythm to the text with the repetition of conjunctions in quick succession.

202
Q

Pun: definition

A

When a word that has two or more meanings is used in a humorous way.

203
Q

Pun: example

A

“My dog has a fur coat and pants!”

“I was stirred by his cooking lesson.”

204
Q

Pun: effect on text

A

Makes the text more humorous

205
Q

Rhetoric: definition

A

The art of effective communication.

206
Q

Rhetoric: example

A

Martin Luther King Jr.’s I have a dream speech

207
Q

Rhetoric: effect on text

A

Rhetoric uses language to appeal mainly to emotions, but also in some cases to shared values or logic.

208
Q

Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle: definition

A

The relationships, in any piece of writing, between the writer, the audience, and the subject. All analysis of writing is essentially an analysis of the relationships between the points on the triangle.

209
Q

Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle: example

A

Ethos, pathos, and logos

210
Q

Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle: effect on text

A

Ethos is about establishing your authority to speak on the subject, logos is your logical argument for your point and pathos is your attempt to sway an audience emotionally.

211
Q

Rhetorical Question: definition

A

Question not asked for information but for effect.

212
Q

Rhetorical Question: example

A

“Do I look like I care?”

213
Q

Rhetorical Question: effect on text

A

A rhetorical question is a device used to persuade or subtly influence the audience. It’s a question asked not for the answer, but for the effect. Oftentimes, a rhetorical question is used to emphasize a point or just to get the audience thinking.

214
Q

Romanticism: definition

A

Art or literature characterized by an idealistic, perhaps unrealistic view of people and the world, and an emphasis on nature. Does not rely on traditional themes and structures

215
Q

Romanticism: example

A

Some examples of romanticism include: the publication Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge. the composition Hymns to the Night by Novalis.

216
Q

Romanticism: effect on text

A

As mode of thinking, romanticism revolutionized literature, religion and philosophy. It questioned the settled way of thinking which had widely spread with the age of Enlightenment

217
Q

Sarcasm: definition

A

A generally bitter comment that is ironically or satirically worded. However, not all satire and irony are sarcastic. It is the bitter, mocking tone that separates sarcasm from mere verbal irony or satire.

218
Q

Sarcasm: example

A

When something bad happens and you say “That’s just what I needed today!”

219
Q

Sarcasm: effect on text

A

Sarcasm is a sneering or mocking remark. When used in literature, sarcasm can add humor or cynicism. It can also add variety, as well as create more character development. Sarcasm can be found in all genres of literature.

220
Q

Satire: definition

A

A work that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of life to a humorous effect. It targets human vices and follies, or social institutions and conventions.

221
Q

Satire: example

A

Political cartoons

222
Q

Satire: effect on text

A

Since a large purpose of satire in literature is to convey social commentary and/or criticism, this allows a writer to create awareness of issues and disparities in society. Satirical literature calls attention to these issues and can make readers aware of something they had not previously considered or understood.

223
Q

Sentence: definition

A

A sentence is group of words (including subject and verb) that expresses a complete thought.

224
Q

Sentence: example

A

I went to the store today.

225
Q

Sentence: effect on text

A

Forms complete thoughts.

226
Q

Appositive: definition

A

A word or group of words placed beside a noun or noun substitute to supplement its meaning.

227
Q

Appositive: example

A

“Bob, the lumber yard worker, spoke with Judy, an accountant from the city.”

228
Q

Appositive: effect on text

A

The function of appositive in literary works is to provide information, which is either essential or additional. It also gives meanings to different sentences in literary texts, and helps in identifying other nouns. An appositive noun also defines, explains, and clarifies the meaning of a sentence.

229
Q

Clause: definition

A

A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent 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.

230
Q

Clause: example

A

“Other than baseball, football is my favorite sport.”

231
Q

Clause: effect on text

A

An independent clause could, in effect, be considered a grammatically complete sentence. An independent clause contains a subject that lets the readers know what the sentence is about, as well as a verb that informs the readers what the subject is doing or will do.

232
Q

Balanced Sentence: definition

A

A sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale. Both parts are parallel grammatically.

233
Q

Balanced Sentence: example

A

“If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”

234
Q

Balanced Sentence: effect on text

A

A balanced sentence gives rhythmical flow to the text. It draws attention of the readers to the sentence and makes it stand out among the rest. Writers use balanced sentences to emphasize particular ideas to make meanings clear, as well as to create pleasing rhythms.

235
Q

Compound Sentence: definition

A

Contains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.

236
Q

Compound Sentence: example

A

I really need to go to work, but I am too sick to drive.

237
Q

Compound Sentence: effect on text

A

Compound sentences can make your writing rich and colorful. While beginning writers learn to put together simple sentences first, they will soon find that compound sentences provide added detail and tend to make paragraphs more engaging.

238
Q

Complex Sentence: definition

A

Contains only one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

239
Q

Complex Sentence: example

A

My dad laughed when I told a joke.

240
Q

Complex Sentence: effect on text

A

Each is better in particular situations. Complex sentences join an independent clause with a dependent clause. These sentences are used to show a particular kind of relationship—usually a stronger idea joined to a weaker idea, or a controlling idea joined to a secondary, less important idea.

241
Q

Cumulative Sentence: definition

A

When the writer begins with an independent clause, then adds subordinate elements.

242
Q

Cumulative Sentence: example

A

He doubted whether he could ever again appear before an audience, his confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet with perspiration.

243
Q

Cumulative Sentence: effect on text

A

Cumulative sentences add parallel elements at the end. These sentences are especially effective for description, even if they use only a single detail at the end.

244
Q

Periodic Sentence: definition

A

When the main idea is not completed until the end of the sentence. The writer begins with subordinate elements and postpones the main clause.

245
Q

Periodic Sentence: example

A

His confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet with perspiration, he doubted whether he could ever again appear before an audience.

246
Q

Periodic Sentence: effect on text

A

A periodic sentence has the main clause or predicate at the end. This is used for emphasis and can be persuasive by putting reasons for something at the beginning before the final point is made. It can also create suspense or interest for the reader.

247
Q

Simple Sentence: definition

A

Contains only one independent clause.

248
Q

Simple Sentence: example

A

The train was late.

249
Q

SImple Sentence: effect on text

A

If a short, simple sentence follows a series of longer, compound or complex sentences, it will stand out and create emphasis

250
Q

Declarative Sentence: definition

A

States an idea. It does not give a command or request, nor does it ask a question.

251
Q

Declarative Sentence: example

A

The ball is round.

252
Q

Declarative Sentence: effect on text

A

Whether it’s a bold statement or a simple fact, the sole purpose of a declarative sentence is to give information. It always ends with a simple period. … If the purpose of your work is to give information with statements of facts, or to state an idea, or to argue a point, a declarative sentence will do the job.

253
Q

Imperative Sentence: definition

A

Issues a command.

254
Q

Imperative Sentence: example

A

Kick the ball.

255
Q

Imperative Sentence: effect on text

A

It is more intentional as compared to an exclamatory sentence, as it requires a specific audience to be addressed. Writers mostly use imperatives to give clear and straightforward instructions, commands, or to express displeasure, likeness, fondness, and love through their writings.

256
Q

Interrogative Sentence: definition

A

Sentences incorporating interrogative pronouns (what, which, who, whom, and whose).

257
Q

Interrogative Sentence: example

A

What did you do with the ball?

258
Q

Interrogative Sentence: effect on text

A

Interrogative sentences are generally used to perform speech acts of directly asking a question or making a request, but they are also used to convey such speech acts indirectly.

259
Q

Style: definition

A

The choices in diction, tone, and syntax that a writer makes. Style may be conscious or unconscious.

260
Q

Style: example

A

Say an author needs to describe a situation where he witnessed a girl picking a flower: She picked a red rose from the ground. Scarlet was the rose that she plucked from the earth.

261
Q

Style: effect on text

A

In conclusion, style is has a central role in every piece of literature, from prose to poetry. It gives both the author and his text a voice, allowing works of all genres and topics to be shared and expressed in ways that are memorable, intriguing, and different.

262
Q

Symbol: definition

A

Anything that represents or stands for something else. Usually a symbol is something concrete such as an object, actions, character…that represents something more abstract.

263
Q

Symbol: example

A

Examples of symbols include the Whale in Moby Dick, the river and the jungle in Heart of Darkness, and the Raven in “The Raven.”

264
Q

Symbol: effect on text

A

In literature, symbolism is used to produce an impact, which it accomplishes by attaching additional meaning to an action, object, or name. Symbolism takes something that is usually concrete and associates or affixes it to something else in order to give it a new and more significant meaning.

265
Q

Syntax/Sentence Variety: definition

A

Greatly affects the tone, atmosphere, and meaning of a sentence

266
Q

Syntax/Sentence Variety: example

A

“The boy ran hurriedly,” reads differently than, “Hurriedly, the boy ran.”

267
Q

Syntax/Sentence Variety: effect on text

A

A writer’s syntax can make a phrase or sentence pleasant to read, or it can make the phrases or sentence jarring and unpleasant. Syntax can also make a writer’s words more memorable.

268
Q

Theme: definition

A

The central idea or message of a work. The theme may be directly stated in nonfiction works, although not necessarily. It is rarely stated directly in fiction.

269
Q

Theme: example

A

Some common themes in literature are “love,” “war,” “revenge,” “betrayal,” “patriotism,” “grace,” “isolation,” “motherhood,” “forgiveness,” “wartime loss,” “treachery,” “rich versus poor,” “appearance versus reality,” and “help from other-worldly powers.”

270
Q

Theme: effect on text

A

The importance of using theme in narrative is unparalleled. The theme is the underlining idea an author is trying to convey to an audience. A story without major ideas for the character and reader to experience, think through, and learn from is not a story at all.

271
Q

Thesis: definition

A

The sentence or groups of sentences that directly expresses the author’s opinion, purpose, meaning, or proposition. It should be short and clear.

272
Q

Thesis: example

A

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the best type of sandwich because they are versatile, easy to make, and taste good.

273
Q

Thesis: effect on text

A

Provides direction to help keep the writer keep their paper organized.

274
Q

Tone: definition

A

A writer’s attitude toward his subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language and organization.

275
Q

Tone: example

A

To identify tone, consider how the piece would sound if read aloud (or how the author wanted it to sound aloud). Tone can be: playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, somber, etc.

276
Q

Tone: effect on text

A

Tone gives shape and life to a story. Through tone, the attitude and mood of a literary work are created and presented. It gives voice to the characters, both literally and figuratively. Tone also allows the reader to learn about a character’s personality and disposition.

277
Q

Understatement: definition

A

The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous.

278
Q

Understatement: example

A

Our defense played valiantly, and held the other team to merely eight touchdowns in the first quarter.

279
Q

Understatement: effect on text

A

An understatements is a common figure of speech. It can be used in literature, poetry, song and daily speech. Making an understatement minimizes the severity of a situation, draws in the reader and can be used to make others feel better. An understatements can also add a touch of humor to something quite serious.

280
Q

Litotes: definition

A

a particular form of understatement, generated by denying the opposite of the statement which otherwise would be used.

281
Q

Litotes: example

A

Saying “It’s not the best weather today” during a hurricane.

282
Q

Litotes: effect on text

A

Depending on the tone and context of the usage, litotes either retains the effect of understatement or becomes an intensifying expression

283
Q

Argument: definition

A

An argument is a piece of reasoning with one or more premises and a conclusion.

284
Q

Argument: example

A

Teenage girl presents an argument to her parents regarding why she needs a cell phone that will allow her to text and use the internet.

285
Q

Argument: effect on text

A

Literature does not merely entertain. It also intends to shape the outlook of readers. Therefore, an argument does not intend to serve only as an introduction, but it attracts the reader’s focus to an issue that will be made clear gradually.

286
Q

Premises: definition

A

Statements offered as reasons to support a conclusion are premises.

287
Q

Premises: example

A

“All mammals are warm blooded; whales are mammals”

288
Q

Premises: effect on text

A

The first step in bringing an idea to life

289
Q

Conclusion: definition

A

A conclusion is the end result of the argument – the main point being made. In an argument one expects that the conclusion will be supported with reasons or premises. Moreover, these premises will be true and will, in fact, lead to the conclusion.

290
Q

Conclusion: example

A

Thesis: “Dogs are better pets than cats.” Paraphrased: “Dogs make the best pets in the world.”

291
Q

Conclusion: effect on text

A

A conclusion is an important part of the paper; it provides closure for the reader while reminding the reader of the contents and importance of the paper.

292
Q

Aristotle’s Appeals: definition

A

The goal of argumentative writing is to persuade an audience that one’s ideas are valid, or more
valid than someone else’s.

293
Q

Aristotle’s Appeals: example

A

Ethos, logos, pathos

294
Q

Aristotle’s Appeals: effect on text

A

Understanding rhetorical appeals can help writers to build a stronger argument and be more persuasive in their writing. By identifying rhetorical appeals, writers can begin to understand when it is more appropriate to use one method over another.

295
Q

Ethos: definition

A

Means being convinced by the credibility of the author. We tend to believe people whom we respect. In an appeal to ethos, a writer tries to convince the audience the he or she someone worth listening to, in other words an authority on the subject, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.

296
Q

Ethos: example

A

“As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results.”

297
Q

Ethos: effect on text

A

Ethos works by giving the author credibility. By building credibility with the audience, the speaker or writer also builds trust with his or her audience. Ethos can be used to stress the personal credentials and reputation of the speaker/writer, or cite reliable authors or sources.

298
Q

Pathos: definition

A

Means persuading by appealing to the reader’s emotions.

299
Q

Pathos: example

A

“If we don’t move soon, we’re all going to die! Can’t you see how dangerous it would be to stay?”

300
Q

Pathos: effect on text

A

Pathos is to persuade by appealing to the audience’s emotions. As the speaker, you want the audience to feel the same emotions you feel about something, you want to emotionally connect with them and influence them.

301
Q

Logos: definition

A

Means persuading by the use of reasoning, using true premises and valid arguments. This is generally considered the strongest form of persuasion.

302
Q

Logos: example

A

Citing data in an argument

303
Q

Logos: effect on text

A

Logos is about appealing to your audience’s logical side. You have to think about what makes sense to your audience and use that as you build your argument. As writers, we appeal to logos by presenting a line of reasoning in our arguments that is logical and clear.

304
Q

Concession: definition

A

Accepting at least part or all of an opposing viewpoint. Often used to make one’s own argument stronger by demonstrating that one is willing to accept what is obviously true and reasonable, even if it is presented by the opposition.

305
Q

Concession: example

A

A politician arguing that his country needs to send troops into a warzone makes the following concession: I know that any time we send troops into harm’s way, it is a risk that some will not come back.

306
Q

Concession: effect on text

A

By making a concession to the opponent, the speaker or writer lets readers know that he or she has considered the other side of the argument and understands it. This makes the overall argument stronger.

307
Q

Conditional Statement: definition

A

A conditional statement is an if-then statement and consists of two parts, an antecedent and a consequent.

308
Q

Conditional Statement: example

A

“If you studied hard, then you will pass the test.”

309
Q

Conditional Statement: effect on text

A

The “effect” part of a conditional is called the “result clause,” which explains an outcome that is dependent on the condition described in the other part of the sentence.

310
Q

Contradiction: definition

A

A contradiction occurs when one asserts two mutually exclusive propositions

311
Q

Contradiction: example

A

“Abortion is wrong and abortion is not wrong.”

312
Q

Contradiction: effect on text

A

A contradiction occurs when two statements don’t seem to agree with each other. “The Sound of Silence” is a contradiction. A paradox is a type of contradiction.

313
Q

Counterexample: definition

A

A counterexample is an example that runs counter to (opposes) a generalization, thus falsifying it.

314
Q

Counterexample: example

A

the statement “all students are lazy” is a universal statement which makes the claim that a certain property (laziness) holds for all students. Thus, any student who is not lazy (e.g., hard-working) would constitute a counterexample to that statement.

315
Q

Counterexample: effect on text

A

Disproves a statement

316
Q

Deductive Argument: definition

A

An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide a guarantee of the truth of the conclusion. In a deductive argument, the premises are intended to provide support for the conclusion that is so strong that, if the premises are true, it would be impossible for the conclusion to be false.

317
Q

Deductive Argument: example

A

All men are mortal. Harold is a man. Therefore, Harold is mortal.”

318
Q

Deductive Argument: effect on text

A

Valid deductive arguments preserve truth, in the sense that if the premises are true, then the conclusion is also true. However, the truth (or falsehood) of a conclusion or premises does not imply that an argument is valid (or invalid). In addition, the premises and the conclusion of a valid argument may all be false.

319
Q

Fallacy: definition

A

A fallacy is an attractive but unreliable piece of reasoning. Writers do not want to make obvious
fallacies in their reasoning, but they are often used unintentionally, or when the writer thinks they can get away with faulty logic.

320
Q

Fallacy: example

A

Appeal to authority
Appeal to the bandwagon
Appeal to emotion

321
Q

Fallacy: effect on text

A

Fallacy is when someone makes an argument but the argument is based on false or illogical reasoning. Confusing Cause and Effect is a fallacy that occurs when someone claims that because two things typically occur together that one causes the other. However, the two things do not have a cause-effect relationship.

322
Q

Ad Hominem: definition

A

Latin for “against the man”. Personally attacking your opponents instead of their arguments. It is an argument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, feeling rather than intellect.

323
Q

Ad Hominem: example

A

A senator claims that his new tax plan will help the middle class.

324
Q

Ad Hominem: effect on text

A

Used to attack opposing views indirectly, by attacking the individuals or groups that support these views.

325
Q

Appeal to authority: definition

A

The claim that because somebody famous supports an idea, the idea must be right. This fallacy is often used in advertising.

326
Q

Appeal to authority: example

A

If someone said, “Einstein said ‘God does not play dice with the universe,’ therefore God must exist.”

327
Q

Appeal to authority: effect on text

A

Appeal to authority is a common type of fallacy, or an argument based on unsound logic. When writers or speakers use appeal to authority, they are claiming that something must be true because it is believed by someone who said to be an “authority” on the subject.

328
Q

Appeal to the bandwagon: definition

A

The claim, as evidence for an idea, that many people believe it, or used to believe it, or do it.

329
Q

Appeal to the bandwagon: example

A

Everyone is going to get the new smart phone when it comes out this weekend.

330
Q

Appeal to the bandwagon: effect on text

A

Makes the writer’s claim seem less believable

331
Q

Appeal to emotion: definition

A

An attempt to replace a logical argument with an appeal to the audience’s emotions. Common emotional appeals are an appeal to sympathy, an appeal to revenge, an appeal to patriotism – basically any emotion can be used as an appeal.

332
Q

Appeal to emotion: example

A

Grocery store commercial that shows a happy family sitting around the table at Thanksgiving.

333
Q

Appeal to emotion effect on text

A

Pathos represents an appeal to the emotions of an audience. An emotional appeal uses the manipulation of the emotions rather than valid logic to win an argument. Emotional appeal is a logical fallacy, whereby a debater attempts to win an argument by trying to get an emotional reaction from the opponent and audience.

334
Q

Bad Analogy: definition

A

Claiming that two situations are highly similar, when they aren’t.

335
Q

Bad Analogy: example

A

“We have pure food and drug laws regulating what we put in our bodies; why can’t we have laws to keep musicians from giving us filth for the mind?”

336
Q

Bad Analogy: effect on text

A

Makes the writer’s claim less believable.

337
Q

Cliche thinking: definition

A

Using as evidence a well-known saying, as if it is proven, or as if it has no exceptions.

338
Q

Cliche thinking: example

A

“With experience comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes experience” is not true for everyone’s life. “It’s better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all” is a common cliché.

339
Q

Cliche thinking: effect on text

A

The effect of using clichés generally closes the mind of the reader down in that it doesn’t present images in a new way or challenge the reader to imagine possibilities that he or she has never imagined before.

340
Q

False cause: definition

A

Assuming that because two things happened, the first one caused the second one.

341
Q

False cause: example

A

“Before women got the vote, there were no nuclear weapons. Therefore women’s suffrage must have led to nuclear weapons.”

342
Q

False cause: effect on text

A

Claiming that the cause is true or false based on what we know about the effect in a claim of causality that has not been properly established. The cause is often an implied claim, and it is this claim that is being deemed true or false, right or wrong.

343
Q

Hasty generalization: definition

A

A generalization based on too little or unrepresentative data.

344
Q

Hasty generalization: example

A

“My uncle didn’t go to college, and he makes a lot of money. So, people who don’t go to college do just as well as those who do.”

345
Q

Hasty generalization: effect on text

A

The hasty generalization fallacy is sometimes called the over-generalization fallacy. It is basically making a claim based on evidence that it just too small. Essentially, you can’t make a claim and say that something is true if you have only an example or two as evidence.

346
Q

Non Sequitur: definition

A

A conclusion that does not follow from its premises; an invalid argument.

347
Q

Non Sequitur: example

A

If someone asks what it’s like outside and you reply, “It’s 2:00,” you’ve just used a non sequitur or made a statement that does not follow what was being discussed.

348
Q

Non Sequitur: effect on text

A

Non sequitur is a literary device that includes statements, sayings, and conclusions that do not follow the fundamental principles of logic and reason. They are frequently used in theater and comedies to create comedic effect.

349
Q

Slippery Slope: definition

A

The assumption that once started, a situation will continue to its most extreme possible outcome.

350
Q

Slippery Slope: example

A

If I eat this donut today, I’ll probably eat another donut tomorrow. If I eat one donut tomorrow, I might eat several donuts the next day.

351
Q

Slippery Slope: effect on text

A

A slippery slope argument (SSA), in logic, critical thinking, political rhetoric, and caselaw, is an argument in which a party asserts that a relatively small first step leads to a chain of related events culminating in some significant (usually negative) effect.

352
Q

Inductive Argument: definition

A

An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide reasons supporting the probable truth of the conclusion. In an inductive argument, the premises are intended only to be so strong that, if they are true, then it is unlikely that the conclusion is false.

353
Q

Inductive Argument: example

A

“The coin I pulled from the bag is a penny. That coin is a penny. A third coin from the bag is a penny. Therefore, all the coins in the bag are pennies.”

354
Q

Inductive Argument: effect on text

A

If an inductive argument is strong, the truth of the premise would mean the conclusion is likely. If an inductive argument is weak, the logic connecting the premise and conclusion is incorrect.

355
Q

Sound Argument: definition

A

A deductive argument is said to be sound if it meets two conditions: First, that the line of reasoning from the premises to the conclusion is valid. Second, that the premises are true.

356
Q

Sound Argument: example

A

In some states, no felons are eligible voters, that is, eligible to vote.

357
Q

Sound Argument: effect on text

A

First, one must ask if the premises provide support for the conclusion by examining the form of the argument. If they do, then the argument is valid. Then, one must ask whether the premises are true or false in actuality. Only if an argument passes both these tests is it sound.

358
Q

Unstated Premises: definition

A

Not every argument is fully expressed. Sometimes premises or even conclusions are left unexpressed.

359
Q

Unstated Premises: example

A

Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

360
Q

Unstated Premises: effect on text

A

If one argues that Rover is smart because all dogs are smart, he is leaving unstated that Rover is a dog. Here the unstated premise is no problem; indeed it would probably be obvious in context. But sometimes unstated premises are problematic, particularly if two parties in a discussion are making differing assumptions.

361
Q

Valid Argument: definition

A

An argument is valid if the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

362
Q

Valid Argument: example

A

The following argument is valid, because it is impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion nevertheless to be false: Elizabeth owns either a Honda or a Saturn. Elizabeth does not own a Honda.

363
Q

Valid Argument: effect on text

A

A strong argument is one in which it is nearly impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion false at the same time, which means, of course, that a strong argument can have true premises and and false conclusion, which is the definition of an invalid argument.

AP Language and Composition (1 decks)

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