Rhetorical Terms

Question 1

Allegory

Answer 1

The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom. The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence.

Question 2

Alliteration

Answer 2

The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in two or more neighboring words (as in “she sells sea shells). Although the term is not used frequently in the multiple-choice section, you can look for alliteration in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.

Question 3

Allusion

Answer 3

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion.

Question 4

Ambiguity

Answer 4

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

Question 5

Analogy

Answer 5

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.

Question 6

Anaphora

Answer 6

one of the devices of repetition in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences. It is used to create a memorable powerful effect, and to reinforce an idea through repetition.

Question 7

Anecdote

Answer 7

A short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most
frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person. Used to provide a concrete example or to
humanize an abstract concept.

Question 8

Antecedent

Answer 8

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP Language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences.

Question 9

Antithesis

Answer 9

The opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.

Question 10

Apostrophe

Answer 10

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified
abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot
answer. The effect is to give vent to or display intense emotion, which can no longer be held
back.

Question 11

Cacophony

Answer 11

Cacophony is a mixture of harsh and discordant noises. As a literary device, cacophony
refers to the usage of several unharmonious or dissonant sounds in a line or passage. These
unharmonious and dissonant sounds include the explosive consonants k, t, g, d, p, and b, and the
hissing sounds ch, sh, and s.

Question 12

Caricature

Answer 12

a verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person’s distinctive physical features or other characteristics.

Question 13

Clause

Answer 13

A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. The point that you want to consider is the question of what or why the author subordinates one element should also become aware of making effective use of subordination in your own writing.

Question 14

colloquial/colloquialism

Answer 14

The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing, colloquialisms give a work a conversational, familiar tone. Colloquial expressions in writing include local or regional dialects.

Question 15

Connontation

Answer 15

The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes.

Question 16

Denontation

Answer 16

-The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color. (Example: the denotation of a knife would be a utensil used to cut; the connotation of a knife might be fear, violence, anger, foreboding, etc.)

Question 17

Diction

Answer 17

diction refers to the writer’s word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. For the AP exam, you should be able to describe an author’s diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain) and understand the ways in which diction can complement the author’s purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author’s style.

Question 18

Didactic

Answer 18

From the Greek, didactic literally means “teaching.” Didactic works have the
primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.

Question 19

Euphemism

Answer 19

From the Greek for “good speech,” euphemisms are a more
agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The euphemism may be sued to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement.
Ex. Saying “earthly remains” rather than “corpse” is an example of euphemism.

Question 20

Exigence

Answer 20

the situation (reason) that has prompted an author, speaker, etc. to write or speak.

Question 21

Figure of Speech

Answer 21

A device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Figures of speech include hyperbole, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, and understatement.

Question 22

Hyperbole

Answer 22

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is “overshoot.”) Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, hyperbole produces irony. The opposite of hyperbole is an understatement.

Question 23

Imagery

Answer 23

The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, imagery uses terms related to the five senses: visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, and olfactory. On a broader and deeper level, however, one image can represent more than one thing. For example, a rose may present visual imagery while also representing the color in a woman’s cheeks and/or symbolizing some degree of perfection. An author may use complex imagery while simultaneously employing other figures of speech, especially metaphor and simile. In addition, this term can apply to the total of all the images in a work. On the AP language exam, pay attention to how an author creates imagery and to the effect of this imagery.

Question 24

Irony/Ironic

Answer 24

The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference
between what appears to be and what is actually true. Irony is often used to create poignancy or humor. In general, there are three major types of irony used in language:
(I) verbal irony -when the words literally state the opposite of the writer’s (or speaker’s) meaning
(2) situational irony - when events turn out the opposite of what was expected; when what the characters
and readers think ought to happen is not what does happen
(3) dramatic irony - when facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction but known
to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work.

Question 25

Juxtaposition

Answer 25

When two words, phrases, images, or ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast. It often calls attention to extremes.