AP English Language and Composition Glossary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Glossary of Important Terms for the AP English Language and Composition Exam.

narrative

The telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.

onomatopoeia

A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words, such as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur.

oxymoron

From the Greek for 'pointedly foolish,' a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.

paradox

A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.

parallelism

Also referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, coming from Greek roots meaning 'beside one another'; refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity.

parody

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

pedantic

An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.

periodic sentence

A sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end, preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone.

personification

A figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.

point of view

In literature, the perspective from which a story is told.

first-person narrator

Tells the story with the first-person pronoun 'I' and is a character in the story, such as the protagonist, a participant, or an observer.

third-person narrator

Relates the events with the third-person pronouns 'he,' 'she,' and 'it.'

third-person omniscient point of view

A point of view where the narrator, with godlike knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters.

third-person limited-omniscient point of view

A point of view that presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character, and only the actions of all remaining characters.

predicate adjectives

One type of subject complement—an adjective, group of adjectives, or adjective clause that follows a linking verb, is in the predicate of the sentence, and modifies or describes the subject.

predicate nominative

A second type of subject complement—a noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject, follows a linking verb, and is located in the predicate of the sentence.

prose

One of the major divisions of genre, referring to fiction and nonfiction written in ordinary language that most closely resembles everyday speech (technically anything that isn't poetry or drama).

repetition

The duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.

rhetoric

From the Greek for 'orator,' the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.

rhetorical appeal

The persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience's attention and response to any given work.

logos

A rhetorical appeal defined by Aristotle that employs logical reasoning, combining a clear idea (or multiple ideas) with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details.

ethos

A rhetorical appeal defined by Aristotle that establishes credibility in the speaker, setting up believability so the writer is perceived as trustworthy and concerned with the reader's best interests.

pathos

A rhetorical appeal defined by Aristotle that plays on the reader's emotions and interests to draw upon a sympathetic audience.

rhetorical modes

A flexible term describing the variety, conventions, and purposes of the major kinds of writing, also referred to as modes of discourse.

exposition

A rhetorical mode whose purpose is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion.

argumentation

A rhetorical mode whose purpose is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, thoughtful discussion, and insightful argument that thoroughly convince the reader.

description

A rhetorical mode whose purpose is to re-create, invent, or visually present a person, place, event, or action so that the reader can picture what is being described.

narration (rhetorical mode)

A rhetorical mode whose purpose is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events.

rhetorical question

A question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply.

sarcasm

From the Greek meaning 'to tear flesh,' involving bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.