AP Vocab. 42+

Question 1

Pedantic

Answer 1

Comes from a French word, pedant, means “to teach or to act as pedagogue.” A pedantic is someone who is concerned with precision, formalism, accuracy, minute details in order to make an arrogant and ostentatious show of learning.

Question 2

Flippant

Answer 2

lacking proper respect or seriousness. This is often associated with the impatience of youth.

Synonyms: cute, smart-alack, smart-ass
Antonyms: earnest, sincere
Related words: cocky, fresh, sassy, disrespectful

Question 3

Evocative

Answer 3

The use of language that “suggests” meanings other than the denotative. Language that connects with emotions or feelings not associated with the actual meaning of a word.

Question 4

Syntactical inversion

Answer 4

Inversion, also called anastrophe, in literacy style and rhetoric, the syntactic reversal of the normal order of the words and phrases in a sentence, as, in English, the placing of an adjective after the noun it modifies (“the form divine”), a verb before its subject (“came the dawn”)

Question 5

Apposition

Answer 5

Is a grammatical construction in which two elements normally noun phrases, are placed side by side, with one element serving to identify the other in a different way. The two elements are said to be in apposition.

Question 6

Didactic

Answer 6

The word didactic is frequently used for those literacy texts which are overloaded with informative or realistic matter and are marked by the omission of graceful and pleasing details. Didactic, therefore, becomes a derogatory term referring to the forms of literature that are ‘ostentatiously’ dull and ‘erudite’. However, some literary texts are entertaining as well as didactic.

Question 7

Conceit

Answer 7

Conceit is a figure of speech in which two vastly different objects are likened together with the help of similes or metaphors. Thus, conceit can have a surprising or shocking effect on the readers because they are novel comparisons unlike the conventional comparisons made in similes and metaphors.

Question 8

Periodic sentence

Answer 8

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 of interest for the reader.
“In spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the games continued.”

Question 9

Paradox

Answer 9

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
“All animals are equal, but some are equal than others”

Question 10

Irony

Answer 10

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 reality.

Question 11

Parenthesis

Answer 11

a stylistic device that comes from a Greek word, meaning to place or alongside. Parenthesis is a qualifying or exploratory sentence, clause, or word that writers insert into a paragraph or passage.

Question 12

Sardonic

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Satire

Answer 13

A technique employed by a writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule. It tends to improve humanity by criticizing It’s fallies and fables

Question 14

Polemical

Answer 14

Relating to or involving strongly critical, conversational, or disputatious writing or speech.
This type of essay could be
Critical, hostile, caustic, trenchant

Question 15

Ambiguity

Answer 15

Is a word, , phrase, or statement. Which contains more than one meaning

Question 16

Archetype

Answer 16

An archetype, also know as universal symbol, may be a character, a theme, a symbol or even a setting. Many literacy critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literary work.

Question 17

Function of Archetype

Answer 17

The use of archetypal characters and situations gives a literary work a universal acceptance, as readers identify the character and situations in their social and cultural context impart realism.

Question 18

Tragic Flaw

Answer 18

Is a literary device that can be defined as a trait in a character leading to his downfall and the character leading to his downfall and the character is often the hero of the literary piece. This trait could be the lack of self-knowledge, lack of judgement and often it’s hubris (pride).

Question 19

Assertion

Answer 19

When someone makes a statement investigating his strong belief in it, as if it is true though it may be not be, he’s making it an assertion. Assertion is a stylistic approach or technique involving a strong declaration, a forceful or confident and positive statement regarding a belief or a fact , “I have put my every effort to express to complete this task today”

Question 20

Autobiography

Answer 20

Is one type of biography, which tells a life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author’s life. Rather than being written by someone else, and autobiography comes through the person’s own pen, and his own words.

Question 21

Memoir

Answer 21

A record of memoriesin particular events that have taken place in the author’s life. In fact, it is the telling of a story or an event from his life; an account that does not tell the full record of a life

Question 22

Cumulative sentence

Answer 22

Is known as a loose sentence that starts with an independent clause or main clause, which is simple and straight, provides main idea and adds subordinate elements or modifiers. It adds subordinate or modifying elements after the subject and the predicate.

Question 23

Blank verse

Answer 23

Is a literacy device define as a non-rhyming verse written in iambic pentameter.in poetry and prose, it has a consistent meter with 10 syllables and each line ( pentameter)

Question 24

Bildungsroman

Answer 24

Is a story of the growing up of a sensitive person who looks for answersto his questions through different experiences. Generally, such a novel starts with a loss or a tragedy that disturbs the main character emotionally. He or she leaves on a journey to fill that vacuum.

Part two
during the journey, the protagonist gains maturity gradually and would difficulty. Usually, the plot depicts a conflict between the protagonist and the values of society. Finally he or she accepts those values and they are accepted by the society, ending the dissatisfaction

Known as a coming-of-age novel

Question 25

Illusion

Answer 25

(Not to be confused with allusion) An illusion is a false illustration of something, a deceptive impression, or a false belief. Literally speaking, and illusion is something that is false and not factual. It tricks the human brain into thinking an unreal into a real.

Question 26

Free verse

Answer 26

A literary device that can we define as poetry that is free from limitations of regular meter or rhythm and does not rhyme with fixed forms. Such forms are without rhymes ...

Question 27

Foil

Answer 27

In literature, a foil is a character that shows qualities that are contrast with the qualities of another character which the objective to highlight the traits of the other character It's a comparison

Question 28

Foil

Answer 28

In literature, a foil is a character that shows qualities that are contrast with the qualities of another character which the objective to highlight the traits of the other character It's a comparison

Question 29

Intertextuality

Answer 29

Is a sophisticated literacy device used in writing. And fat, it is a textual reference within some text that reflects the text used as a reference. Instead of employing referential phrases from different literacy words, intertextuality draws upon the concept, or torque or ideology from other texts to be merged in the new text. An example would be the retelling of the Odyssey in Ulysses

Question 30

Litotes

Answer 30

Derived from a Greek word meaning "simple", is a figure of speech which employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, positive statement is expressed by negating It's opposite expressions. "Not too bad" in the place of "pretty good"

Question 31

Utopia

Answer 31

The literacy term utopia denotesan illusionary place that projects the notion of a perfect society to the reader. Here, the "perfect Society"refers to the ideal conditions achieved within the material world as opposed to the expected idealism of afterlife in Christianity or other religions

Question 32

Sonnet

Answer 32

The word sonnet is derived from the Italian word " sonetto". It means a small or little song or lyric. And poetry, a sonnet has 14 lines and is written in iambic pentameter. Each line has 10 syllables. It has a specific rhythm scheme and a "Volta" or a specific turn.

Question 33

Round character

Answer 33

A round character in a novel, play, or story with a complex personality "ogres are like onions, they have many layers" similarly, a round character has many layers like onions.

Question 34

Situational irony

Answer 34

Is a literacy device that you can easily identify in literacy works. Simply, it occurs when incongruity appears between expectations or something to happen, and what actually happens instead. Thus, entirely different situations happened from what the audience may be expecting or the final outcome is the opposite.

Question 35

Static character

Answer 35

Is one that not undergo interchanges or undergoes a little change. It is a character that does not develop or grow such as Sherlock Holmes and James Bond

Question 36

Vernacular

Answer 36

is a literacy genre that uses daily use language in writing and speaking. It is different from written words, as say normally follow the formal varity of language. The word " vernacular " refers to writing or speaking of the public. We find the origin of vernacular literature during middle-class ages in different countries of Europe.

Question 37

Vernacular versus dialect

Answer 37

vernacular is the use of ordinary, everyday and playing language and speaking or writing, such as corn is a common name of a plant, and it's scientific name is maze or zea mays, whereas dialect is related to a particular region, geographical area, a particular social class, or an occupational group. Also it uses a distinguished pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, such as people Shanghai has different pronunciation or dialect then and Yunnan

Question 38

Understatement

Answer 38

an understatement is a figure of speech and ployed by writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation seem less important than it is really. And understatement has something of an ironic effect. " Deserts are sometimes hot, dry, and Sandy " while describing deserts of the world

Question 39

Eulogy

Answer 39

Known as homily, The term eulogy originates from a Greek word " eulogia", Which means to praise somebody or something. A eulogy is a literacy device that is a laudatory expression in a speech, or a written tribute to a person deceased recently

Question 40

Dialect

Answer 40

The language used by the people of a specific area, class, district or any other group of people. The turn dialect involves the spelling, sounds, grammar and pronunciation used by a particular group of people and its English them from other people around them

Question 41

Hubris

Answer 41

Hubris is extreme pride and arrogant shown by a character that is ultimately brings his downfall. And AP language hubris can we found in the authors attitude towards the reader. And literature, portrayal of hubristic characters serves to achieve a moralistic end

Question 42

Antihero

Answer 42

Is a literacy device used by writers for a prominent character in a play or book that has characteristics opposite to that of a conventional hero. The protagonist is generally admired for his bravery, strength, charm, and ingenuity, ect. Well an empty hero is typically clumsy unsolicited, and unskilled and has both good and bad qualities. Post modern period: There are thousands of shows, books, and movies that portray such character, who are widely admired by audiences

Question 43

Antihero

Answer 43

Is a literacy device used by writers for a prominent character in a play or book that has characteristics opposite to that of a conventional hero. The protagonist is generally admired for his bravery, strength, charm, and ingenuity, ect. Well an empty hero is typically clumsy unsolicited, and unskilled and has both good and bad qualities. Post modern period: There are thousands of shows, books, and movies that portray such character, who are widely admired by audiences

Question 44

Bandwagon

Answer 44

is a persuasive technique and a type of propaganda through which a writer persuades his readers so that the majority could agree with the argument of the writer, suggesting that since majority agrees, he is right

Question 45

Bandwagon - function

Answer 45

The purpose of this technique is to make the audience think and act in a way that majority follows. This tendency of following the beliefs and actions occurs when audiences see others are also conforming. We see It's usage in literature, politics and advertisements, etc. Ben wagon is in fact a good approach for persuasive writing that successfully works on human mind and psychology.

Question 46

Propaganda

Answer 46

We can easily find the use of propaganda techniques and mass media advertising, politics and literature. It's a very popular technique

Question 47

Propaganda: transfer

Answer 47

Appeals to a person's imagination of something we like or trust. Trump: "Make America great again" "Our school will rise to the top again."

Question 48

Propaganda: glittering generalities: virtue words or glittering generality

Answer 48

These words are used to do us into accepting and approving of things without examining the evidence carefully Example natural, democratic, organic, scientific, ecological, substaintial

Question 49

Propaganda : testimonial

Answer 49

This represents another type of propaganda that fits into a particular category of its own. When some respected celebrity (or alternatively someone generally hated) claims that in an idea or product is good or bad . This technique is used to convince us without examining the facts more carefully

Question 50

Propaganda : plain folks

Answer 50

This type of propaganda is used by a speaker to convince an audience that an idea is good because they are the same ideas of the vast majority of people like themselves. Very similar to "bandwagon" But with the exception that the speaker or writer is convincing the audience that they [speaker] are just like "plain folks" like them.

Question 51

Distortion of data: or out of context: or cherry picking: or card stacking

Answer 51

This technique is used to convince the audience of selected info and not presenting the complete story.

Question 52

Scapegoat

Answer 52

This often used with guilt - by - association to deflect scrutiny away from the issues. It transfers blame to one person or group of people without investigating the complexities of the issue. Example " George w Bush gets us into Iraq" "President Reagan caused the national debt"

Question 53

Artificial dichotomy

Answer 53

This is when someone tries to claim there are only two sides to an issue and that both sides must have equal presentation in order to be evaluated. This technique is used to dupe us into believing there is only one way to look at an issue, when in fact there May be many alternative viewpoints or "sides". like most propaganda techniques is simplifies reality and therefore distorts it, often to the advantage of the speaker. A classic example is the "intelligent design" versus "evolution" controversy

Question 54

Deification

Answer 54

This is which an idea is made to appear holy, sacred, or very special and therefore above all law. Any alternative or opposite points of view or thereby given the appearance of treason or blasphemy Example "god-given right to be..." "Mother Earth" " Gia"

Question 55

Conceit

Answer 55

Develops a comparison which is exceedingly unlikely but is, nonetheless, intelligently imaginative. A comparison turns into a conceit which the writer tries to make us emit a similarity between two things or who's unlikeness we are strongly conscious and for this reason, conceits are often surprising

Question 56

Catharsis

Answer 56

Is an emotional discharge through which one can achieve a state of moral or spiritual renewal or achieve a state of liberation from anxiety and stress. Catharsis is a Greek word and It means cleaning. And literature, it is used for cleansing of emotions of the characters, it can also be any other radical change that leads to emotional rejuvenation of a person.

Question 57

Cliche

Answer 57

Refers to an expression that has been overused to the extent it loses its original meaning or novelty. A cliche may also refer to actions and events which are predictable because of some previous events

Question 58

Concession

Answer 58

Is a literacy device used in argumentative writing where one acknowledges a point made by one's opponent. It is not necessarily a "counter argument", But an extension of a counter document where a writer attempts to find some "common ground" Part two Concession writing style also show that the writer is a logical and fair-minded person, able to realize that every argument has several sides to consider before is presented. This type of writing can be considered strong as it finds common ground between you and your opponent

Question 59

Portmanteau

Answer 59

Is a literacy device in which two or more words are joined together to coin a new word. A portmanteau word is formed by blending parts of two or more words but it always refers to a single concept

Question 60

The coinage of portmanteau

Answer 60

Involves the linking and blending of two or more words and the new words formed in the process shares the same meaning as the original words. It is different from a compound word and that it could have a complete different meaning from the words that it was coined from Example Education + Entertainment = edutainment Medical + care = Medicare

Question 61

Litotes

Answer 61

Understatement, especially that in which in affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary, as in "Not bad at all"

Question 62

Chiasmus

Answer 62

Rhetoric reversal of the order of words in the second of two parallel phrases : He came and triumph and in defeat depart; He went to the country to the town went he

Question 63

Anadiphosis

Answer 63

A rhetorical term for the repetition of the last word of one line or cause to begin the next Example "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. I sense much fear in you"

Question 64

Invective

Answer 64

A verbally abusive attack

Question 65

Circumlocution

Answer 65

The use of an unnecessarily large number of words or indirect means of expression to express an idea so to affect an invasion in speech

Question 66

Begging the question

Answer 66

Supporting a claim while a reason that is really a restatement of the claim in different words

Question 67

Adage

Answer 67

A sing or problem inviting a piece of common wisdom based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language "It is always darkest before the dawn"

Question 68

Verisimilitude

Answer 68

Similar to the truth; the equality of realism and a word that persuades the reader that he/she is getting a vision of life as it is

Question 69

Malaproism

Answer 69

A confused, commonly inaccurate use of a long word or words Example Romeo and Juliet The nurse says "I desire some confidence with you sir"

Question 70

Cadence

Answer 70

The rising and falling rhythm of speech especially in free verse or prose Logical fallacies

Question 71

False analogy

Answer 71

Error and assuring that because two things are like in some ways, they are like in always Example A school is not so different from a business. And needs a clear competitive strategy that will lead to profitable growth

Question 72

Hasty generalization

Answer 72

Unsound inductive entrance based on insufficient, inadequate, unspecified evidence

Question 73

Non sequitur

Answer 73

A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before

Question 74

Post hoc

Answer 74

Because one follows another, it is held to cause the other.

Question 75

Ad Hominem

Answer 75

Instead of attacking and assertion, the argument attacks the person who made the assertion.

Question 76

Polyphasis

Answer 76

Excessive talking

Question 77

Diatribe

Answer 77

A bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism. A bitter and abusive speech or writing

Question 78

Appeal to authority

Answer 78

A fallacy in which a speaker or writer seeks to persuade not by giving evidence but by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or instructor

Question 79

Appealed to ignorance

Answer 79

A fallacy based on the assumption that a statement must be true if it cannot be proved false

Question 80

Concession

Answer 80

An argumentative strategy by which a speaker or writer acknowledges the validity of the opponent's point

Question 81

Encomium

Answer 81

A tribute or eulogy in prose or verse glorifying people, objects, ideas, or events

Question 82

False dilemma

Answer 82

A fallacy of oversimplification that offers a limited number of options (usually two) when in fact more options are available

Question 83

Running style

Answer 83

Sentence style that appears to follow the mind as it worries a problem through, mimicking the "rambling, associative syntax of conversation" - the opposite of a periodic sentence style

Question 84

Explication

Answer 84

An explanation; interpretation

Question 85

Imperative tone/sentence

Answer 85

Commanding

Question 86

Interrogative

Answer 86

Questioning

Question 87

Exclamatory

Answer 87

Expressing enthusiasm or excitement

Question 88

Declarative

Answer 88

Declaring a statement or fact

Question 89

Infinitives

Answer 89

"To be" verbs..... "To come" "to show" "to dance"