Words for english 3

Satire

A work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions and conventions, for reform or ridicule.

Simile

An explicit comparison, normally using ¨like¨, ¨as¨ or ¨if¨.

Style

1. An evaluation of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.

2. Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors.

Subject Complement

The word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements or completes, the subject of the sentence by either (1) renaming it or (2) describing it.

Subordinate clause

Like all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb, but unlike the independent clause, it cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought. Also called a dependent clause.

Syllogism

From the Greek for ¨reckoning together¨, it is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises-major and minor-that inevitably lead to a conclusion. Major: all men are mortal Minor: Socrates is a man Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal

Symbol/Symbolism

Generally, anything that represents or stands for something else.

Syntax

The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.

Theme

The central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers to life.

Thesis

In expository writing, this is the sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the authors opinion, purpose, meaning, or proposition.

Tone

Similar to mood, it describes the authors attitude toward their material, the audience, or both.

Transition

A word or phrase that links different ideas.

Understatement

The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. It is the opposite of a hyperbole. Two Types:

1. Litotes-A figure of speech by which an affirmation is made indirectly by denying its opposite, often used for ironic effect.

   
   

   2. Meiosis- A rhetorical term for a dramatic understatement, used to belittle.

Wit

Intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. This type of statement is humorous or sarcastic, often highlighting a clever turn of phrase or a play on words.