AP English Language Glossary

Rhetoric

The study of how language is used in speaking and writing

Rhetorical devices

A rhetorical device is a use of language that is intended to have an effect on its audience. Repetition, figurative language, even rhetorical questions are rhetorical devices

Rhetorical triangles

The relationships, in any piece of writing, between the writer, the audience, and the purpose subject.

Exigence

In rhetoric, exigence is an issue, problem, or situation that causes or prompts an author to write or speak.

Deductive reasoning

An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide a guarantee of the truth of the conclusion. In a deductive argument, the premises are intended to provide support for the conclusion that is so strong that, if the premises are true, it would be impossible for the conclusion to be false. It is organized from the general to the specific.

Inductive reasoning

An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide reasons supporting the probable truth of the conclusion. In an inductive argument, the premises are intended only to be so strong that, if they are true, then it is unlikely that the conclusion is false. It is organized from specific to the general

Demolition

Literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations. The dictionary definition of a word.

Connotation

The associations suggested by a word, implied meaning rather than literal meaning

Jargon

The diction used by a specific group that practices a similar profession or activity.

Vernacular

Language or dialect of a particular country. Language or dialect of a region or group. Plain everyday speech.

Colloquial

Ordinary or familiar type of conversation, similar to an adage or saying.

Mood

Emotional tone or atmosphere of a work of literature

Tone

A writers attitude towards his subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language or organization

Ethos

Credibility. Means being convinced by the credibility of the author. In an appeal to ethos, a writer tries to convince the audience that he or she is worth being listened to, being liked, or worthy of respect.

Pathos

Emotional. Means of persuading by appeal to the reader’s emotions

Logos

Logical. Means of persuading by use of reasoning, using true premises and valid arguments. Considered the strongest form of appeal/persuasion

Kairos

Refers to the effective use of timing, aka timeliness

Hypophoric questions

A question is posed by the author and immediately answered

Allusion

Indirect reference to something with which the author expects the reader to be familiar (books, plays, texts, etc)

Anecdote

A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Of the inserted to develop a point or inject humor

Metonymy

Replacing an actual word or idea with a related word or concept. “Relations between London and Washington are strained” means the leaders of the us and England, not the cities themselves. Often used in body parts - “I could not understand his tongue”

Synecdoche

A kind of metonymy when a whole is represented by naming one of its parts or vice versa. “Check out my new wheels”

Litote

A certain kind of understatement, generated by denying the opposite of the statement which otherwise would be used. Depending on the situation and context/tone, litotes can be understatement (hitting that telephone pole certainly didn’t do your car any good). Double negative » positive comment