Mandatory Terms Part 1

Question 1

Define “absolute.”

Answer 1

A word free from limitations or qualifications

[Ex: best, all, unique, perfect]

Question 2

Define “ad hominem argument.”

Answer 2

An argument attacking an individual’s character rather than his or her position on an issue

Question 3

Define “allusion.”

Answer 3

A reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize

Question 4

Define “analogy.”

Answer 4

A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way

Question 5

Define “anaphora.”

Answer 5

Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses

Question 6

Define “anecdote.”

Answer 6

A brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event

Question 7

Define “antecedent.”

Answer 7

The word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers

Question 8

Define “antithesis.”

Answer 8

A statement in which two opposing ideas are balanced

Question 9

Define “aphorism.”

Answer 9

A concise statement that expresses succinctly a general truth or idea, often using rhyme or balance

Question 10

Define “asyndeton.”

Answer 10

A construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions

Question 11

Define “balanced sentence.”

Answer 11

A sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize contrast

Question 12

Define “chiasmus.”

Answer 12

A statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed

Question 13

Define “cliche.”

Answer 13

An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off

Question 14

Define “climax.”

Answer 14

Generally, the arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of increasing importance, often in parallel structure

Question 15

Define “colloquialism.”

Answer 15

Informal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing

Question 16

Define “complex sentence.”

Answer 16

A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause

Question 17

Define “compound sentence.”

Answer 17

A sentence with two or more coordinate independent clauses, often joined by one or more conjunctions

Question 18

Define “compound-complex sentence.”

Answer 18

A sentence with two or more principal clauses and one or more subordinate clauses

Question 19

Define “concrete details.”

Answer 19

Details that relate to or describe actual, specific things or events

Question 20

Define “connotation.”

Answer 20

The implied or associative meaning of a word

Question 21

Define “cumulative sentence/loose sentence.”

Answer 21

A sentence in which the main independent clause is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases

Question 22

Define “declarative sentence.”

Answer 22

A sentence that makes a statement or declaration

Question 23

Define “deductive reasoning.”

Answer 23

Reasoning in which a conclusion is reached by stating a general principle and then applying that principle to a specific case

Question 24

Define “denotation.”

Answer 24

The literal meaning of a word

Question 25

Define “dialect.”

Answer 25

A variety of speech characterized by its own particular grammar or pronounciation, often associated with a particular geographical region

Question 26

Define “diction.”

Answer 26

The word choices made by a writer

[Ex: formal, semi-formal, ornate, informal, technical, etc.]

Question 27

Define “didactic.”

Answer 27

Having the primary purpose of teaching or instructing

Question 28

Define “ellipsis.”

Answer 28

The ommision of a word or phrase which is grammatically necessary but can be deduced from the context

Question 29

Define “epigram.”

Answer 29

A brief, pithy, and often paradoxical saying

Question 30

Define “euphemism.”

Answer 30

An indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant

Question 31

Define “ethos.”

Answer 31

The persuasive appeal of one’s character, or credibility

Question 32

Define “exclamatory sentence.”

Answer 32

A sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark

Question 33

Define “figurative language.”

Answer 33

Language employing one or more figures of speech

Question 34

Define “hyperbole.”

Answer 34

Intentional exaggeration to create an effect

Question 35

Define “idiom.”

Answer 35

An expression in a given language that cannot be understood from the literal meaning of the words in the expression;
Or, a regional speech or dialect

Question 36

Define “imagery.”

Answer 36

The use of figures of speech to create vivid images that appeal to one of the senses

Question 37

Define “imperative sentence.”

Answer 37

A sentence that gives a command

Question 38

Define “implication.”

Answer 38

A suggestion an author or speaker makes [implies] without stating it directly;
NOTE: the author/speaker implies; the reader/audience infers

Question 39

Define “inductive reasoning.”

Answer 39

Deriving general principles from particular facts or instances

Question 40

Define “inferences.”

Answer 40

A conclusion based on premises or evidence

Question 41

Define “interrogative sentence.”

Answer 41

A sentence that asks a question

Question 42

Define “invective.”

Answer 42

An intensely vehement, highly emotional verbal attack