AP Lang Unit 1-4 Key Terms

Subject

The literal topic or issue addressed in a text.

Purpose

The goal that a writer hopes to accomplish within a text (e.g., to persuade, narrate, explain, evaluate).

Introduction

The opening of an argument that engages the audience, establishes the writer’s purpose, and provides context for the subject.

Conclusion

The ending of an argument that brings unity and closure to the reasoning.

Evidence

Information, details, and/or data used to support a reason within an argument.

Reasons

A sub-claim that justifies and validates an argument’s claim.

Definition

A method of development that explains a word, subject, or concept.

Analogy

The presentation of two things as similar based on common attributes, often used to explain an unfamiliar subject using objects and concepts that are more familiar to an audience.

Negation

A strategy for definition that uses contrast to explain what something is not.

Diction/Word Choice

The specific word choices writers make to convey their ideas.

Ambiguity

Language or writing that is imprecise or vague, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Antecedent

The original noun that is replaced by a pronoun.

Modifier

Any word, phrase, or clause that qualifies, clarifies, or specifies another word, phrase, or clause.

Jargon

Special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.

Colloquialisms

Slang terms, regional expressions, and other informal language.

Claim

A writer’s defensible position that includes a unifying idea and perspective about the subject.

Thesis

The formal expression of a writer’s claim (idea and perspective) about a subject.

Rhetorical situation

The strategic and intentional decisions a writer makes to achieve specific effects.

Exigence

The part of a rhetorical situation that inspires, stimulates, or provokes a writer to create a text.

Message

The writer’s claim (idea and perspective) that is developed with reasoning and evidence.

Position

The side that a writer takes on the subject of an argument.

Perspective

A writer’s stance about an idea related to a subject; the lens through which a subject is viewed.

Epiphanies

A moment of sudden revelation, insight, or awareness.

Figurative language

Comparisons (analogies, metaphors, similes, personifications) that draw upon concrete objects to represent abstract ideas.

Tone

A writer’s attitude toward the subject expressed through diction, syntax, and other elements of style.

Denotations

The relatively neutral dictionary definition of a word.

Connotations

The sensory, emotional, or cultural associations of a word.

Persuasive

A rhetorical purpose that asks the audience to think or act in a specific way.

Valid

The outcome that results when all of the reasons justify a claim within an argument.

Credibility

The audience’s trust in the writer’s authority, honesty, and perspective.

Relevant evidence

Information that directly supports the reasons and claims of an argument.

Sufficient evidence

The inclusion of enough relevant information and data to support a line of reasoning.

Typical evidence

Evidence that is representative of a population or issue.

Accurate evidence

Verifiable information or data that can be confirmed by other credible sources.

Line of reasoning

The sequence of reasons that work together to support the unifying idea and perspective of a writer’s argument.

Induction

An organizational strategy that moves from specific observations to broad generalizations.

Deduction

An organizational strategy that begins with a broad generalization and moves to specific observations.

Syntax/Syntactical choices

The specific selection and arrangement of sentences within a text.

Juxtaposition

The presentation of evidence or examples side by side to emphasize similarities or differences, often in the context of ideas or values.

Antithesis

A contrast of ideas presented in parallel grammatical structure.

Parallel structure

The repetition of words or phrases in similar syntax (or word order) to emphasize the equality between words, subjects, and ideas.

Rhetorical Questions

A syntactical device that a writer uses to compel the audience to pause and reflect rather than respond with a literal answer.

Repetition

A rhetorical strategy in which a writer uses a word, phrase, sentence, or other element two or more times for effect or emphasis.

Fragment

A broken thought or idea, or an incomplete part of a sentence used intentionally for emphasis.

Context

The time, place, and occasion that a text was created, delivered, or read.

Synthesis

An argument that integrates multiple sources to support a claim.

Unifying Idea

A single abstract concept that controls a line of reasoning.

Sources

A person or organization from which information is taken and used to support or refute reasons in an argument.

Expository arguments

A rhetorical purpose that gives an explanation of a subject, often through definition, process, or causality.

Process Analysis

A method of development that explains how something works, how to do something, or how something is/was done.

Transitions

Words, phrases, clauses, sentences, or paragraphs that illustrate relationships among ideas and contribute to coherence.

Coherence

A writer’s strategy to illustrate the relationship between sentences, paragraphs, information, and ideas within a text.

Style

The cumulative effect of a writer’s choices, including diction, syntax, tone, and other elements of writing.

Imagery

The written expression of a sensory experience, such as sound, sight, smell, touch, or taste

Idea

An abstract concept that presents a writer’s unique stance and serves to unify an argument.

Argument

A claim justified through a unified line of reasoning that is supported with evidence.

Unity

A writer’s strategy that connects various reasons and supporting evidence to one controlling idea within an argument.

Arrangement

The ordering of reasons and evidence within an argument.

Casual Arguments

A method of development that explains how a result or effect came about, or that explains the short or long-term effects that result from the causes.

Comparison and contrast

A method of development or arrangement that evaluates two or more subjects by analyzing their similarities and differences.

Division

A method of development that explains a subject or concept by breaking it down or dividing it into its component parts.