AP Lang Final

Diction

Diction

The distinctive vocabulary of a particular author.

Concrete diction

refers to a use of words which are specific and "show" the reader a mental picture

Example of concrete diction

A four-hundred-pound male [gorilla], unaccustomed to tourists, will bolt into the forest at the mere sight of a person.

Abstract diction

refers to words which are general and "tell" something, without a picture.

Example of abstract diction

Even a large male gorilla, unaccustomed to tourists, is frightened by people

Rhetoric

the art of using language as a means to persuade

Rhetor

in ancient Greece and Rome, a master or teacher of rhetoric; an orator.

Bombastic

Using or characterized by high-sounding but unimportant or meaningless language; pompous; grandiloquent

Ethos

An appeal based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author.

Example of ethos

As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results.

Logos

An appeal based on logic or reason. Documents distributed by companies or corporations are logos-driven. Scholarly documents are also often logos-driven.

Example of logos

The data is perfectly clear: this investment has consistently turned a profit year-over-year, even in spite of market declines in other areas.

Pathos

An appeal based on emotion. Advertisements tend to be pathos-driven.

Example of pathos

If we don't move soon, we're all going to die! Can't you see how dangerous it would be to stay?

Capricious

impulsive and unpredictable

Tone

The writer's attitude, mood or moral outlook toward the subject and/or readers, i.e. as angry, empathetic, critical, ironic, suspicious, comic, surprised, sarcastic or supportive, etc.

Appeal

The power of arousing a sympathetic response; to arouse a sympathetic response.

Argument

Discourse intended to persuade; the subject matter, a process of reasoning.

Colloquialism (colloquial)

A word or phrase used in an easy, informal style of writing or speaking. It is usually more appropriate in speech than formal writing.

Example of colloquialism

"You don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, but that ain't no matter"

Connotation

Suggestions and associations which surround a word as opposed to its bare, literal meaning. It is the opposite of denotation (used by literature) and refers to qualities, attributes, and characteristics implied or suggested by a word and depend upon the context in which the word is used.

Denotation

The dictionary definition of a word (used for science and philosophy)

Apathy

A lack of feeling or emotion; lack of interest or concern.

Paradox

A statement that appears to be contradictory, but which reveals a deeper truth.

Paradox example

Less is more

Dialect

Variety of language confined to a region or group; manner or means of expressing oneself

Understatement

A statement which says less than is really meant. It is a figure of speech which is the opposite of hyperbole. (minimizes)

Hyperbole

Deliberate and obvious exaggeration for effect.

Example of understatement

Saying "I think there is a leak" on the Titanic

Example of hyperbole

I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.

Anecdote

A short narrative of an interesting, amusing or biographical incident.

Condescending

Patronizing or assuming superiority.

Voice

An author's distinctive literary style, basic vision and general attitude toward the world.

Syntax

sentence construction

The voice of an author may cover a wide range of possibilities....

(i.e. "victim," "judge," "friend," "coach," "spy," "opponent," "cheerleader")

literacy narrative

A writing genre that explores the writer's experiences with reading and writing.

Profile

published as a narrative non-fiction article in a newspaper, magazine, or website. The story is based on facts discovered through research as well as interviews with the subject and their friends, family, or professional associates.

Rhetorical Analysis

the analysis of the language of persuading

Rhetorical Situation

a situation in which people's understanding can be changed through messages

Exigence

the moment or event that motivates someone to write or to speak about a specific issue, problem, or situation

Example of exigence

political speech; racist societies; Gettysburg address (the battle)

Primary research

research done firsthand for the first time (literacy profile)

Example of primary research

Customer interviews

Secondary research

past research which has already been performed and often already PUBLISHED (genre analysis)

Example of secondary research

published research

Title formatting with italics

for larger works such as books, movies, and the names of periodicals.

Title formatting with quotations

for short works such as articles, poems, songs, essays, or short stories

MLA formatting

Name,teacher name,class, date, 12 point font,times new roman font

In text citations

Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).

If it does not say the author's name in the sentence, it needs to be in the parenthesis.

Works cited example

Dean, Cornelia. "Executive on a Mission: Saving the Planet." The New York Times, 22 May 2007, www.nytimes.com/2007/05/22/science/earth/22ander.html?_r=0. Accessed 29 May 2019.

Claim of value

a statement of opinion with emotionally charged language or subjective words that can be interpreted in different ways (initiates an argument you can't win)

Comma splice

two sentences joined incorrectly with only a comma

Claim of fact

promises that the author will provide evidence that demonstrates validitiy of its claim (is not suitable when it is easy to prove)

Claim of cause and effect

a thesis that promises to prove that A caused B (much easier to set up because humans define by logic)

False cause

a fallacy in which a speaker mistakenly assumes that because one event follows another, the first event is the cause of the second (mistakes cause and effect)

Inductive logic

letting personal experiences shape what you believe (constructive role); moves from specific to general

Deductive logic

moves from general to specific (can also go astray)

Claim of solution and policy

(need, should, or ought) advocates for a specific cause of action; almost always affirms a position the author strongly holds; nudges for a call of action

Topic

subject matter (what something is about)

example of claim of fact

The number of suicides and homicides committed by teenagers, most often young men, has exploded in the last three decades.

example of claim of value

There's a plague on all our houses, and since it doesn't announce itself with lumps or spots or protest marches, it has gone unremarked in the quiet suburbs and busy cities where it has been laying waste.

example of cause and effect claim

if one eats too much food and does not exercise, one will gain weight.

example of solution and policy claim

Because violence on television is harmful to all strata of American society, strict guidelines for permissible content of television shows should be enacted.

example of capricious

a bride who suddenly leaves her groom standing at the wedding altar.

example of dialect

The people in the Southeastern region of the United States speak with a Southern accent.