ap notes 52-55

Question 1

Parenthesis

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Sardonic

Answer 2

grimly mocking, sarcastic, satirical, mocking in a humorous manner. This is one of those
“TONE” words that describe writing that fits the meaning.

Question 3

Satire

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Polemical

Answer 4

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