Week 11 Terms Flashcards
Subordinate clause
Like all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but unlike the independent clause, the subordinate clause cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought
- Also called a dependent clause, the subordinate clause depends on a main clause, sometimes called an independent clause, to complete its meaning
- Easily recognized key words and phrases usually begin these clauses- for example” “although,” “because,” “unless,” “if,” “even though,” “since,” “as soon as,” “while,” “who,” “when,” “where,” “how,” and “that.”
Syllogism
In logic, a form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion
-Conclusion is valid only if each of the two premises is valid
Major premise: All mammals are warm-blooded.
Minor premise: All black dogs are mammals.
Conclusion: Therefore, all black dogs are warm-blooded
Symbol/symbolism
– Generally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else. Usually a symbol is something concrete – such as an object, action, character, or scene – that represents something more abstract. However, symbols and symbolism can be much more complex. One system classifies symbols into three categories:
(1) natural symbols are objects and occurrences from nature to symbolize ideas commonly associated with them (dawn symbolizing hope or a new beginning, a rose symbolizing love, a tree symbolizing knowledge).
(2) conventional symbols are those that have been invested with meaning by a group (religious symbols such as a cross or Star of David; national symbols, such as a flag or an eagle; or group symbols, such as a skull and crossbones for pirates or the scale of justice for lawyers).
(3) literary symbols are sometimes also conventional in the sense that they are found in a variety of works and are more generally recognized. However, a work’s symbols may be more complicated, as is the jungle in Heart of Darkness.
Synecdoche
Figure of speech in which a term for a part of something refers to the whole of something or vice versa
Synesthesia
When one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another
-Ex: The sight of red ants makes you itchy. In literature, synesthesia refers to the practice of associating two or more different senses in the same image. Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song title,“Taste the Pain,” is an example.
Synthesis
Combining two or more ideas in order to create something more complex in support of a new idea
Syntax
Way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences
- Similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of syntax as groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words
- In the multiple-choice section of the AP exam, expect to be asked some questions about how an author manipulates syntax. In the essay section, you will need to analyze how syntax produces effects.
Tautology
Repetition of the same statement
Testimony
Personal experience or observation used to support an argument
Theme
Central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life
-Usually theme is unstated in fictional works, but in nonfiction, the theme may be directly stated, especially in expository or argumentative writing
Thesis
In expository writing, the thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author’s opinion, purpose, meaning, or position
-Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, effectively, and thoroughly a writer has proven the thesis
Tone
Similar to mood, tone describes the author’s attitude toward his material, the audience, or both
- Easier to determine in spoken language than in written language
- Considering how a work would sound if it were read aloud can help in identifying an author’s tone. Some words describing tone are playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, ornate, sardonic, somber, etc.
Toulmin model
Approach to analyzing and constructing arguments created by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin; the Toulmin model can be stated as a template: Because (evidence as support), therefore (claim), since (warrant or assumption), on account of (backing), unless (observation)
Transition
Word or phrase that links different ideas
- Used especially, although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, transitions effectively signal a shift from one idea to another
- Few commonly used transitional words or phrases are furthermore, consequently, nevertheless, for example, in addition, likewise, similarly, on the contrary, etc.
- More sophisticated writers use more subtle means of transition
Understatement
Ironic minimalizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is
-Effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic
-Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole
Example: Jonathan Swift’s A Tale of a Tub: “Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse”
