AP notes 51-55 Flashcards
Irony
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
Parenthesis
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.
SARDONIC
grimly mocking, sarcastic, satirical, mocking in a humorous manner. This is one of those
“TONE” words that describe writing that fits the meaning.
SATIRE
Satire is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption
of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule. It intends to improve
humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles. A writer in a satire uses fictional characters, which
stand for real people, to expose and condemn their corruption. One current example at this
writing was something spoken by Steven Colbert the other night on his show:
POLEMICAL
relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech.
“a polemical essay” could be any of the following (synonyms)
critical, hostile, bitter, polemic, virulent, vitriolic, venomous, caustic, trenchant, cutting, acerbic, sardoni
c, sarcastic, scathing, sharp, incisive, devastating
