AP Language and Composition: Basic Terms to Know

Argumentation

The purpose of argumentation is to prove the validity of an idea or point of view through sound reasoning and discussion.

Persuasive Writing

A type of argumentation that aims to urge some form of action.

Artistic Appeal

Support for an argument based on principles of reason and shared knowledge rather than on facts.

Attitude

The writer's personal views or feelings about the subject.

Concession

Accepting all or part of a competing position as correct or acknowledging limitations in one's own argument.

Connotation

The moods or associations of a word or phrase, beyond its exact meaning.

Counterargument

The argument(s) against the author's position.

Deductive

A logical argumentation form that uses premises to deduce a conclusion.

Denotation

The literal meaning of a word; its dictionary definition.

Description

The purpose of description is to recreate or visually present a person, place, event, or action.

Ethos

Establishing a source as credible and trustworthy.

Evidence

Information presented to persuade the audience of the author's position.

Exigence

The motivation behind a writer's creation of a text, often an event or problem.

Explicit Thesis

A thesis that directly states the writer's main idea and provides clear direction.

Exposition

Writing that explains and analyzes information by presenting an idea and relevant evidence.

Hard Evidence

Support for an argument using facts, statistics, or testimony.

Implicit Thesis

A thesis suggested through language and supporting details rather than explicitly stated.

Inartistic Appeal

Support for an argument using external evidence rather than created by the writer.

Inductive Reasoning

Making a generalization based on specific evidence.

Intended Readers

The real-life people a writer wants to address in their writing.

Line of Reasoning

The formal structure of an argument leading to a conclusion.

Logos

An appeal to logic and concrete facts.

Modifiers

Words or phrases that qualify an argument and add detail to a sentence.

Narration

The purpose of narration is to tell a story or recount events.

Occasion

The reason or moment for writing or speaking.

Pathos

An appeal to emotions.

Phrase

A grouping of words that defines or clarifies but lacks a verb.

Purpose

The author's persuasive intention.

Qualification/Qualifier

A limitation placed on an argument to avoid absolute claims.

Rebuttal

Offering a contrasting perspective or alternative evidence against an argument.

Refutation

Demonstrating that a competing position or claim is invalid using evidence.

Rhetoric

The principles governing effective and persuasive writing.

Rhetorical Analysis

Examining how an author structures their argument and uses rhetoric.

Rhetorical Appeals

Ethos, pathos, and logos used to persuade an audience.

Rhetorical Devices

Techniques like simile and metaphor that enhance writing.

Rhetorical Modes

The conventions and purposes of major kinds of writing, such as exposition and narration.

Rhetorical Shift

A significant change in diction or syntax by the author.

Rhetorical Situation

The context of a piece of writing, including purpose, audience, topic, writer, and context.

Rhetorical Triangle

The relationship between the speaker, audience, and subject.

Scope of the Argument

The breadth and complexity of the central concern of a paper.

Speaker

The persona adopted by the author to convey their message.

Style

The author's personal approach to rhetoric in their writing.

Syntax and Sentence Structure

The arrangement of sentences, including length and punctuation.

Synthesis

Combining sources or ideas coherently to support a larger point.

Tone

The manner in which a writer expresses their attitude toward the subject and audience.

Voice

An author's unique sound, similar to style.