AP Notes 49-52

Question 1

PERIODIC SENTENCE

Answer 1

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. Here are some examples
for reference. Consider what the strength of this type of sentence might be.
Ex: In spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.

Question 2

PARADOX

Answer 2

It is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth.
It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas. A
paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in innovative way. Some memorable
examples are:
“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”.

Question 3

IRONY

Answer 3

Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning
is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that may end up in
quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between
the appearance and the reality.
“Go ask his name: if he be married.

Question 4

PARENTHESIS

Answer 4

Parenthesis is a stylistic device that comes from a Greek word, meaning to
place or alongside. Parenthesis is a qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause or word that writers
insert into a paragraph or passage. However, if they leave it out, even then grammatically it does
not affect the text that is correct without it. Writers mark them off by round and square brackets
or by commas, dashes, little lines and brackets. As far as its purpose is concerned, this verbal unit
provides extra information, interrupts syntactic flow of words, and allows the readers to pay
attention on explanation. However, the overuse of parenthesis may make sentences look
ambiguous and poorly structured.