AP Language and Composition Glossary of Literary and Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Active Voice
Definition
The subject of the sentence performs the action.
Active Voice
Effect
This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases. “Anthony drove while Toni searched for the house.”
Active Voice
Active voice can help ensure clarity by making it clear to the reader who is taking action in the sentence.
Allusion
Definition
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.
Allusion
His smile is like kryptonite to me.
Anecdote
Definition
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.
Anecdote
Goethe once wrote a very long letter to one of his friends.
Anecdote
you can heighten the understanding and empathy your reader has for your point and so increase the chance that they will agree with it.
Antecedent
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Antecedent
In grammar, the meaning of antecedent is more specific, as it refers to a word that comes before a different term that represents the original word.
Diction
Definition
Word choice, particularly as an element of style.
Diction
The mountain man’s raspy diction made it hard for us to understand what he was saying.
Diction
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. You should be able to describe an author’s diction. You SHOULD NOT write in your thesis, “The author uses diction…”. This is essentially saying, “The author uses words to write.” (Duh.) Instead, describe the type of diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain).
Colloquial
Definition
Ordinary or familiar type of conversation. A “colloquialism” is a common or
familiar type of saying, similar to an adage or an aphorism.
Colloquial
Colloquial language is used in informal writing situations and creates a conversational tone.
Colloquial
His colloquial talents were indeed of the highest order.
Connotation
-Definition
Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a
word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning.
Connotation
(For example, “policeman,” “cop,” and “The Man” all denote the same literal meaning of police officer, but each has a different connotation.)
Connotation
Asian dragon tattoos carry a very different connotation than their western cousins.
Denotation
The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.
Denotation
Definition
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.
Denotation
The boy was pushy.
Jargon
The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity. Lawyers speak using particular jargon, as do soccer players
Jargon
Jargon words are meant to enhance communication by simplifying a particular concept.