Vocab

Question 1

abstract

Answer 1

refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images

Question 2

ad hominem

Answer 2

a fallacy of argument in which a writer’s claim is answered by irrelevant attacks on his or her character

Question 3

ad populum

Answer 3

this fallacy occurs when evidence boils down to “everybody’s doing it, so it must be a good thing to do.”

Question 4

allegory

Answer 4

The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence.

reveal a hidden meaning

Question 5

alliteration

Answer 5

The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in “she sells sea shells”).

Question 6

allusion

Answer 6

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, or mythical.

Question 7

ambiguity

Answer 7

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

Question 8

analogy

Answer 8

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 9

anaphora

Answer 9

a figure of speech involving repetition, particularly of the same word at the beginning of several clauses

Question 10

anecdote

Answer 10

a brief story used to illustrate a point or claim

Question 11

antagonist

Answer 11

a person or force which opposes the protagonist

Question 12

antecedent

Answer 12

the word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun

Question 13

anti hero

Answer 13

a notable figure in a story who lacks in heroic qualities (courage, physical prowess and fortitude), generally feel helpless in a world over which they have no control

Question 14

antimetabole

Answer 14

repetition of words in reverse order

Question 15

antithesis

Answer 15

the opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite. Ex: “It was the best of time, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” (Dickens).

Question 16

aphorism

Answer 16

A short statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author’s point.

Question 17

apology

Answer 17

a defense is the framework for a discussion

Question 18

apostrophe

Answer 18

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 may add familiarity or emotional intensity.

Question 19

Logos

Answer 19

appeals to logic, use of facts, science statistics

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Question 20

Pathos

Answer 20

appeals to emotion; stimulates pity, sorrow, etc.

Question 21

Ethos

Answer 21

appeal of text to credibility and character of the writer