AP Vocab Flashcards
Anecdote
a short, simple narrative of an incident, often used for humorous effect or to make a point
Argumentation
writing that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting “reasoned” arguments; persuasive writing is a form of argumentation
Allegory
an extended narrative of an incident in prose or verse where characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and where the writer has a second meaning; may be moral, political, or social
Annotation
explanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite your sources, or give bibliographic data
Antithesis
the presentation of two contrasting images. The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs. “To be or not to be” “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
Rhetoric
the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.
Colloquialism
a word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing. (ain’t, can’t, y’all)
Connotation
words suggesting implied meaning because of its association in a reader’s mind
Consonance
Repetition of identical consonant sounds within two or more words in close proximity: boat/beat/best/brag, or even compound words, fulfill, ping-pong.
Caricature
Descriptive writing that greatly exaggerated a specific feature of a person’s appearance or a facet of personality.
Coherence
The “quality” of a piece or writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central idea/theme or organizing principle.
Aphorism
A short, often witty, statement of a principle or truth about life. Benjamin Franklin was somewhat famous for these in Poor Richard’s Almanac. “The early bird catches the worm.”
Apostrophe
Usually in poetry, but sometimes in prose: the device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person or to a place, thing, or personified abstraction.
Cacophony
Aka dissonance…. hard, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose; the opposite of euphony.
Denotation
The literal or dictionary meaning of a word.
Enumeration
A rhetorical device used for listing the details or process of mentioning words or phrases step by step. It is a type of amplification or division in which a subject is further distributed into parts. Writers use this to clarify and detail understanding.
Analogy
A comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it. It aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something that is familiar. This is expressed through similes and metaphors. “The nucleus is the sun and electrons are the planets.”
Parallelism
The use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same; or similar in their construction, sound, meaning, or meter. “The escaped prisoner was wanted dead or alive.” “Whether in class, at work, or at home, Shasta was always busy.
Allusion
A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literacy, or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing. It is just a passing comment, and the writer expects the reader to know how to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text.
Metonymy
A figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else that is closely associated. We can come across examples of metonymy from literature and everyday life. Do not confuse this with a metaphor as a metonymy is not creating a comparison.
Anaphora
In writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect. Possibly the oldest literary device with roots in Biblical Psalms, used to emphasize certain words or phrases.
Epistrophe
Derived form a Greek word that means turning upon, which indicates the same word returns at the end of each sentence. Epistrophe is a stylistic device that can be defined as the repetition of phrases or words at the end of the clauses or sentences. It’s also called epiphora. Examples are found in literary pieces, persuasive writing, and speeches.
Asyndeton
Derived from a Greek word asyndeton which mean unconnected. It is a stylistic device used in literature and poetry to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. This literary tool helps in reducing the indirect meaning of the phrase and presents it in a concise form. Asyndeton helps in speeding up the rhythm of words.
Polysyndeton
Derived from a Greek word meaning “bound together”. It makes use of coordinating conjunction like (and, or, but, nor) (mostly and and or) which are used to join successive words, phrases, clauses in a way that these conjunctions are even used where they might have been omitted.
Synecdoche
A literary device in which a part of something represents the whole or it may use a while to represent a part. Distinguishing between this and metonymy often take some thoughtful consideration. The phrase “grey beard” refers to an old man. “Coolers of ten refers to coins.”
Tone
An attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience. It is something important for the reader to “sense” to determine an argument. Tone is generally conveyed through the choice of words or the viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject.
Process Analysis
A step-by-step breakdown of the phrases of a process, used to convey the details of each phrase of thinking, an operation, etc. It is often used to improve understanding and to break down an argument to make it more comprehensible.
Syntax
The set of rules in a language. It dictates how words from different parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought. Syntax refers to HOW we choose to arrange our words. The choice of those words is fiction. Thus, the two are closely related in creating an argument.
Provocative Diction
“Diction” is our choice of words. Thus, “provocative diction” is the purposeful choice of words serving or tending to provoke excite, or stimulate a provocative question that will frame a rhetorical argument.
Classification
The action or process of classifying someone according to shared qualities or characteristics. This often is a strategy of argumentation or an argumentative response in an effort to provide the reader with structure to YOUR argument. It would be considered a support to both LOGOS and ETHOS in presenting an argument.
Understatement
Decrease the intensity; opposite of hyperbole.
Colorful Diction
Diction is tour conscious choice of words as a writer. Colorful diction is a very purposeful word choice that will serve to accentuate meaning and tone.
Counter Argument
An argument or set of reasons to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument. When writing in the argumentative mode, it is MANDATORY that the writer acknowledge the “other” side of their argument.
Claim
When somebody gives an argument to support his/her position. Different reasons are usually presented to prove why a certain point should be accepted as logical.
Evidence
Appears in different literary works as a form of paraphrase and quotations. It persuaded the readers and uses powerful arguments. In rhetoric, when a person makes a claim or presents an argument, he needs to present evidence for support in order to establish authenticity.
Warrant
The glue that holds an argument together. It links the evidence to the claim. “This evidence supports the claim because…” and is a statement of support of why your evidence supports your claim.
Fallacy
An erroneous argument dependent upon an unsound or illogical contention.
Logical Fallacy
In argumentation, a formal fallacy/seductive fallacy is a pattern of reasoning/thinking rendered invalid by a flaw in its logical structure that can neatly be expressed in a standard logic system, propositional logic. An argument that is formally fallacious is always considered wrong.
Prophecy
Has all the elements of a prediction except the element of time.
Prediction
Forecast made by those who calculate the parameters is the subject after evaluating the odds.
Adage
A short, pointed and memorable saying based on facts and is considered a veritable truth by the majority of people. An adage expresses a general truth or fact about life. As it becomes popular, it is accepted as a universal truth. “God helps those who help themselves.”
Pedantic
Someone who is concerned with precision, formalism, accuracy, minute details in order to make an arrogant show of learning. He could be a writer, character, feelings, tone, or words. “A pendant often corrects unimportant small details and may condescend others.
Flippant
Lacking seriousness, cute, playful, rude
Evocative
Use of language that suggests other meanings. It connects with emotions and feelings not associated with the actual meaning.
Syntactical Inversion
Aka anastrophe, in literary style and rhetoric, it is the normal order or the words and phrases in a sentence. The placing of an adjective or verb after the noun it modifies. “The form Devine” “Came the dawn”
Apposition
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.
Didactic
Literary texts overloaded with informative or realistic matter and are marked by the omission or graceful and pleasing details. Becomes a derogatory term referring to the form of literature that is dull. Some can be didactic and entertaining.
Conceit
Figure of speech in which two vastly different objects are likened together with the help of similes or metaphors. It can have a surprising or shocking effect on the readers because they are novel comparison unlike the conventional comparisons made in similes and metaphors. A comparison turns into a conceit when the writer makes us admit a similarity between two things.
Periodic Sentence
Has the main clause or predicate at the end. It is used for emphasis and can be persuasive by putting reasons at the beginning before the final point is made. It can create suspense or interest. “With low taxes, beautiful views and a mild climate, the city is a great place to live.”
Paradox
A statement that appears to be self-contractors or silly but may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted ideas. “I must be cruel to be kind.”
Irony
Figure of speech in which words are used that have intended meanings different from the actual meaning. It is a difference between the appearance and reality. “Go ask his name: 8; he be married. My grave is like to be my wedding bed.”
Parenthesis
A stylistic device that means a place or alongside. A qualifying or explanatory sentences, clause, or word.
Sardonic
Grimly mocking, sarcastic, satirical, mocking in a humorous manner. This is one of those TONE words that describe writing that the fits the meaning.
Satire
A technique used by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or society by using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles.
Polemical
Relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech. A polemical essay could be critical, bitter, sardonic, sarcastic, etc.
Ambiguity
A word, phrase, or statement which contains more that one meaning. Skilled writers use ambiguity with purpose and intent.
Archetype
AKA as universal symbol, may be a character, theme, symbol, or even a setting. Archetypes have a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or race, shape the structure and function of a literary work.
Function of Archetype
The use of archetypical characters and situations gives a literary work a universal acceptance, as readers identify characters and situations in their social and cultural context.
Tragic Flaw
A literary device defined as a trait in a character leading to its downfall and character is often hero.
Assertion
When someone makes a statement investing his strong belief in it, and if it is true though it may not be, he is making an assertion. It is a stylistic approach or technique involving a strong declaration, a forceful or confident, and positive statement regarding a belief or a fact.
Autobiography
One type of biography that tells a story of its author, meaning it is a written record of an author’s life. An autobiography comes through the person’s own pen, in his own words.
Memoir
A record of memories and particular events that have taken place in an author’s life, an account that doesn’t tell the full record or a life.
Cumulative Sentence
AKA as a loose sentence, it starts with an independent clause or main clause (simple and straight), provides main idea and then adds subordinate element of modifiers after the subject and predicate.
Blank Verse
A literary device defined as unrhyming verse written in iambic pentameter. In poetry and prose, it has a consistent meter with 10 syllables in each line.
Bildungsroman
During the journey, the protagonist gains maturity gradually and with difficulty. Usually, the plot depicts a conflict between the protagonist and the values of society. Finally, he accepts those values, ending the dissatisfaction.
Illusion
A false illustration of something, a deceptive impression, or a false belief. It tricks the brain into thinking an unreal to a real.
Free Verse
A literary device that can be defined as poetry that is free from limitations of regular meter or rhythm and does not rhyme with fixed forms. It does not follow rhyme scheme rules and still provides artistic expression.
Foil
A character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other character.
Intertextuality
A sophisticated literary device used in writing. It is a textual reference within some text that reflects the text used as a reference. Instead of employing referential phrases from different literary works, it draws upon the concept, rhetoric, or ideology from other texts to be merged into a new text. Retelling of a story or rewriting stories in modern context.
Litotes
A literary term that employs an understatement by using double negatives, or it can be a positive statement that is expressed by negating its opposite expressions. “Not too bad” “pretty good”
Utopia
A literary term that denotes an illusionary place that projects the notion of a perfect society. The ideal conditions achieved within the material world.
Sonnet
A small song or lyric. In poetry, a sonnet has 14 lines and is written in iambic pentameter. Each line has 10 syllables with a specific rhyme scheme and a volta/specific turn.
Round Character
A character with a complex personality. Writers define a round character both physically and mentally.
Situational Irony
A literary device that occurs when incongruity appears between expectations of something to happen and what actually happens. It’s different from what the audience expects. It associates to the theme of the story.
Static Character
A character that does not have any inner changes. It is a character that does not develop or grow.
Vernacular
A literary genre that uses daily used language in writing and speaking. It is different from written works as they normally follow the formal variety of language.
Vernacular vs. Dialect
The use of ordinary, everyday, and plain language in speaking or writing, like corn is a common name or a plant. Dialect is related to a particular region, geographical area, a particular social class, or an occupational group. It uses a distinguished pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
Understatement
A figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation less important that it really is. (Ironic)
Eulogy
Known as homily, it means to praise somebody or something. It is a literary device that is a laudatory expression and is a written tribute to a deceased person. A gesture of honoring someone.
Dialect
Language of the people of a specific area, class, or district with its own spelling, sounds, grammar, and pronunciation.
Hubris
Extreme pride and arrogance shown by a character that brings about his downfall. It can be found in an author’s attitude.
Anti-Hero
A literary device used for a prominent character in a play or book that has characteristics opposite of a hero. They are usually clumsy, unsolicited, and unskilled with both good and bad qualities.
Bandwagon
A persuasive technique and a type of propaganda that a writer uses to persuade his readers, so the majority would agree to his argument. A type of fallacy.
Bandwagon-Function
The purpose of this technique is to make the audience think and act in a way that majority follows. A good approach for persuasive writing that works on minds and psychology. (Creates a sense of fear)
Propaganda
Primary function is to persuade the readers in both their perceptions about a particular cause
Propaganda-Transfer
Appeals to a person’s imagination of something we like or trust. “Our school will rise to the top again.”
Propaganda-Glittering Generalities: Virtue words or glittering generality
These words are used to dupe us into accepting and approving of things without examining the evidence carefully. “Scientific, Democratic, Sustainable”
Propaganda-Testimonial
When some respected celebrity claims that an idea or product is good or bad. This technique is used to convince us without examining the evidence carefully.
Propaganda-Plain Folks
Used by a speaker to convince an audience that an idea is fools because they are the same ideas of the vast majority of people like themselves. Very similar to bandwagon except the speaker or writer is confined the audience they they are just “plain folks” like them.
Propaganda- Distortion of Data or Out of Context or Card Stacking or Cherry Picking
Used to convince the audience by using selected information and not presenting the complete story. “Raising the speed limit to 65mph resulted in many fewer traffic fatalities.” Such a statement needs to be checked with how many people were driving before or after the change in speed limit.
Propaganda Scapegoat
This is often used with guilt by association to deflect scrutiny away from the issues. It puts blame on one person or group without going into complexities. “George W. Bush got us into Iraq.”
Propaganda Artificial Dichotomy
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. It simplifies reality and makes it seem like there is only one way to see an issue.
Propaganda Deification
An idea is made to appear holy, sacred, or very special and therefore above all law. Any alternative points are treason or blasphemy. “God given right to” “Mother nature”
Conceit
Develops a comparison which is unlikely but intellectually imaginative. A comparison turns into a conceit when a writer tries to make up admit a similarity between two things.
Catharsis
An emotional discharge through which one can achieve a state of moral or spiritual renewal or a state of liberation from stress. It is used for the cleansing of emotions or the characters or a radical change that leads to emotions.
Cliché
An overused expression that loses its original meaning or novelty. It could also refer to actions and events that are predictable.
Concession
A literary device used in argumentative writing where one acknowledges a point made by an opponent. It is an extension of a counter-argument where a writer attempts to find common ground.
Concession - Part II
Concession writing style shows that the writer is logical and fair-minded, able to realize every side of the argument.
Portmanteau
A literary device in which two or more words are joined together to make a new word. Referred as a single concept with a blend of the words.
The coinage of portmanteau
Linking and blending of two or more words and the new word shares the same meaning as the original words.
Litotes
Understatement, especially when an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary, “not bad at all.”
Chiasmus
Rhetoric reversal of the order of words in the second of two parallel phrases/ he came in triumph and in defeat departs.
Anadiplosis
A rhetorical term for the repetition of the last word of one line or clause to begin the next. “I am Sam, Sam I am.”
Invective
A verbally abusive attack
Circumlocution
Use of an unnecessarily large number of words or an indirect means of expression to express and idea so as to effect an evasion in speech.
Adage
A saying or proverb embodying a piece of common wisdom based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language.
Begging the question
Supporting a claim with a reason that is really a restatement of the claim in different words.
Verisimilitude
Similar to truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades the reader that he/she is getting a vision of life as it is.
Malapropism
A confused, comically in accurate use of a long word or words. “I desire some confidence with you sir.”
Cadence
The rising and falling rhythm of speech especially in free verse or prose.
False Analogy
Error in assuming that because two things are alike in some ways, they are alike in all ways. “A school is not different than a business.”
Hasty Generalization
Unsound inductive inference based on insufficient, inadequate, unspecified evidence.
Non Sequiter
A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.
Post HOC
Because one thing follows another, it is held to cause the other.
As hominum
Instead of attacking an assertion, the argument attacks the person who made the assertion.
Polyphasic
Excessive talking
Diatribe
A bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism. A bitter and abusive speech or writing.
Appeal to Authority
A fallacy in which a speaker or writer seeks to persuade by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or institution.
Appeal to Ignorance
A fallacy based on the assumption that a statement must be true if it cannot be false.
Encomium
A tribute or eulogy in prose or verse glorifying something.
False Dilemma
A fallacy of oversimplification that offers a limited number of options (2) when more options are available.
Running Style
Sentence style that appears to follow the mind as it worries a problem through, mimicking the “rambling associative syntax of conversation” - the opposite of periodic sentence style.
Explication
An explanation, interpretation
Imperative tone/sentence
Commanding
Interrogative
Questioning
Exclamatory
Expressing enthusiasm or excitement
Declarative
Declaring a statement or fact
Infinitives
“To be” verbs
Implacable
Not to be appeased, mollified, or pacified; inexorable Mitigate - to become milder; lessen in severity.
Eclectic
Not following any one systemic as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.
Opprobrium
The disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful; infamy.
Aberrant
Deviating from the ordinary, usual, or normal type; exceptional, abnormal.
Stymie
To hinder, block, or thwart
Avarice
Insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain wealth.
Nascent
Beginning to exist or develop
Urbane
Having the polish and suavity regarded as characteristic of sophisticated social life in major cities: an urbane manner. Reflecting elegance, sophistication, etc.
Onerous
Burdensome, oppressive, or troublesome, causing hardship.
Discretion
Cautious reserve in speech; ability to make responsible decisions.
Burgeon
To grow rapidly or flourish
Axiom
A universally recognized principle
Ubiquitous
Existing everywhere at the same time; constantly encountered; wide-spread.
Disabuse
To undeceive; to set right.
Heretical
Violating accepted dogma or convention.
Vilify
To defame; to characterize harshly.
Dogmatic
Expressing a rigid opinion based on unproved or improvable principles.
Perennial
Recurrent through the year or many years; happening recently.
Appeal to Popular Opinion
Somebody asserts that a thought or conviction is correct, since the general population accepts it.
Association Fallacy
This happens when somebody connects a particular thought or issue to something or somebody negative, put blame on.
Circular Argument
This error is committed when an argument takes its evidence from an element inside the argument.
Relationship Implies Causation
This fallacy is a deception in which the individual making the contention joins 2 occasions that happens consecutively and accepts that one caused the other.
Illogical Contention
A fallacy where somebody attests a conclusion that does not follow from the suggestions or facts.
Slippery Slope
This error happens when one contends that an exceptionally minor movement will prompt great and frequent ludicrous conclusions.
Syllogism Fallacy
This fallacy may be used to form incorrect conclusions that are odd. A false argument that implies an incorrect conclusion.
Fallacies of Relevance
These fallacies appeal to evidence or examples that are not relevant to the argument at hand.
Appeal to Force
This argument uses force, the threat of force, or an unpleasant backlash to make the audience accept a conclusion.
Genetic Fallacy
The claim that an idea, product, or person must be untrustworthy because of its racial, geographic, or ethnic origin.
