AP Lang Toolbox Terms #4

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is told. Example: “I walked home” (first person).

Prose

A major form of writing that includes fiction and nonfiction, written in sentences and paragraphs rather than poetic lines. Example: A novel, short story, or essay.

Parody

A humorous imitation that exaggerates another work’s features. Example: A funny version of a superhero movie.

Rhetoric

From the Greek for "orator.” The art of using language effectively and persuasively. Example: “Vote for me to improve our school!”

Epistrophe

Opposite of anaphora. Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses. Example: “We need justice, we want justice, we deserve justice.”

Satire

Uses humor or exaggeration to criticize human flaws or society. Example: A show making fun of corrupt politicians.

Semantics

The study of word meanings and how they relate. Example: “House” and “home” have related meanings.

Syllogism

From the Greek for “reckoning together”. A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion. Example: All dogs are animals. Max is a dog. Therefore, Max is an animal.

Trope

A figurative or creative use of language. Example: “The classroom was a zoo” (metaphor).

Understatement

Making something seem less important or serious than it is. Example: Saying “It’s a little chilly” when it’s freezing.