Assessment of AP terms 26-50

Narrative

The telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events. Ex: "Once upon a time..."

Oxymoron

From the Greek for "pointedly foolish." A figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Ex: Pretty Ugly

Paradox

A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. Ex: "If I know one thing, it's that I know nothing."

Parallelism

The grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. Acts as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simple provide rhythm. Ex: It takes one to know one

Parody

A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. Ex: Gnomeo and Juliet

pedantic

An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish. Ex: "I systematically investigated with intense inquisitive vigor"

periodic sentence

A sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. Ex: Because they like being entertained by competition, people attend sporting events.

predicate adjective

an adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies the subject of the sentence. Ex: The food was delicious

predicate nominative

a noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject. Follows a linking verb. Ex: The apple is a fruit.

Prose

One of the major types of genre. Refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms, because they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble everyday speech. Ex: "I walked about all alone over the hillsides,"

Rhetoric

From the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively. Ex: Lawyers presenting an emotional argument to sway a jury.

rhetorical modes

describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing. The four most common are: 1) exposition - to explain and analyze information, 2) argumentation - to prove the validity of an idea, 3) description - to re-create, invent, or visually present a person, place, event, or action, and 4) narration - to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. Ex: Narration; "In the story 'Marley & Me', newlyweds John and Jenny adopt an adorable yellow Labrador pup......¨

Satire

A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. Ex: Stupid F'ing Birds. A play mocking another famous play, The Seagull.

Style

the choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work. Ex: "As her eyes sparkled in the night, the rays from the night shone upon her figure."

subject complement

the word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by either renaming it or describing it. Ex: "Your cat looks friendly."

subordinate clause

A word group that contains both a subject and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), nut cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought. Also referred to as dependent. Ex: Since today will be sunny, we should go to the beach.

Syllogism

A deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the first one called "major" and the second "minor") that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion. Ex: "All men are human; all humans are mortal; therefore all men are mortal."

Symbolism

A device in literature where an object represents an idea. Ex: "Red roses" symbolize love

Syntax

The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. Ex: "She read the book in her room."

Theme

The central idea of a work of literature. Ex: "The Lorax" is about the dangers of deforestation and human destruction.

Thesis

The sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or proposition. Ex: Cheesecake is the best dessert because it is light, is easy to make, and compliments many toppings.

Tone

Describes the author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both. Ex: "It was a dark and stormy night..."

transition

A word or phrase that links different ideas. Effectively signals a shift from one to another. Ex: "Consequently..."

Understatement

The ironic minimalizing of fact, presenting something as less significant than it is. Ex: "It was a little cold outside" It was 34 degrees

Wit

In modern usage, the intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. Humorous, while suggesting the speaker's verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Ex: "I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes. She gave me a hug."