AP Lang words

Abstract

refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images ( ideas and qualities rather than observable or specific things, people, or places.) The observable or "physical" is usually described in concrete language.

Allegory

An extended metaphor in prose or verse in which character, events, and settings represent abstract qualities in which the writer intends a second meaning to be read beneath the surface of the story the underlying meaning may be moral, religious, political, social, satiric

Alliteration

the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

Allusion

An indirect reference to works, events, or figures that the author assumes the reader is familiar with.

Analogy

A more developed simile.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of every clause.

Anecdote

A short, simple narrative of an incident; it is often used for humorous effect or to make a point

Annotations

Explanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite sources, or give biographical data.

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. the AP Language and Composition Exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences

Antithesis

The presentation of two contrasting images. The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs. Examples include "To be or not to be…" and "Ask now what your country can do for you , ask what you can do for the country…"

Aphorism

A short, often witty statement of a principle or a truth about life: "Early bird gets the worm."

Apostrophe

The device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person to a place, thing, or personified abstraction

Assertion (or claim)

An arguable opinion stated as a fact

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds

Assumption

A supposed "fact" that is never actually proven

Asyndeton

The deliberate omission of conjunctions in sentence conjunctions in which they would normally be used.

Polysyndeton

The use or over use of multiple conjunctions in close succession.

Cacophony (or "Dissonance") -

Refers to harsh, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose; it is the opposite of euphony.

Caricature -

Descriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person's appearance or a facet of personality.

Colloquialism -

A word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing.

Concrete Language -

Language that describes specific, observable things, people, or places, rather than ideas or qualities.

Connotation -

The implied or suggested meaning of a word because of its association in the reader's mind.

Consonance -

The repetition of identical consonant sounds within two or more words in close proximity, as in boost/best; it can also be seen within several compound words, such as fulfill and ping-pong.

Conundrum -

A riddle whose answer is or involves a pun; it may also be a paradox or difficult problem.

Deduction -

The process of moving from a general rule to a specific example.

Denotation -

The literal meaning of a word as defined. Dependent/Subordinate Clause -

Diction -

Word choice, an element of style; diction creates tone, attitude, and style, as well as meaning. Different types and arrangements of words have significant effects on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise than street slang.

Dilemma -

A conflict whose resolution requires one of two choices, both of which are unfavorable or disagreeable.

Discourse -

Spoken or written language, including literary works; the four traditionally classified models of discourse are description, exposition, narration, and persuasion.

Emotional Appeal/Pathos -

Occurs when a writer appeals to readers' emotions to excite and involve them in the argument. Epigraph -

Epiphany -

The experience of a sudden or striking realization. Epistrophe -

Ethos -

Occurs when a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect and believe him or her based on a presentation of image of self through the text. Reputation is sometimes a factor in ethical appeal, but in all cases the aim is to gain the audience's confidence. Euphemism -

Euphony -

A succession of harmonious sounds used in poetry or prose; the opposite of cacophony.

Example -

An individual instance taken to be representative of a general pattern. Arguing by example is considered reliable if examples are demonstrably true or factual as well as relevant. Exposition -