AP Lang. Midterm (Spring 2023)

Diction

Word choice or the use of words in speech or writing. (must be accompanied by an adjective)

Syntax

Sentence structure

Claim

a truth statement

Evidence

The backing to support the claim. (data/statement)

Aphorism

A brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.

Satire

A literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit; the goal is to change behavior/issues.

Irony

contrast between a latent and ostensible meaning (exits on microcosm and macrocosm levels).

Anastrophe

Inversion of the usual, normal, or logical order of the parts of a sentence. Purpose is rhythm or emphasis or euphony. It is a fancy word for inversion.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa. (Example: UGA will beat Bama.)

Isocolon

a sequence of identical clauses or sentences of identical length.

Paralellism

The repetition of similar grammatical or syntactical patterns (An isocolon can be a form of parallelism).

Polysyndeton

Deliberate use of many conjunctions

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds

Anthimeria

The substitution of one part of speech for another, often turning a noun into a verb

parenthesis

a rhetorical figure in which a word or words are woven within a clause

Asyndeton

omission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words for the sake of speed or economy

Apostrophe

a direct address of an inanimate object, abstract qualities, or a person not living or present

gravitas

the seriousness required to achieve pietas

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos

are all achieved by various modes

The “tenor”

the tone of the piece

aid nauseum

literally repeating something until another is sick

per se

Intrinsically; by itself; in itself

verbatim

word for word

vis-a-vis

preposition for "compared with"

joie de vivre

joy of living

du jour

of the day

coup d'etat

(1) a sudden (perhaps violent) seizure of power

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(2) notable or successful move

faux pas

tiny mistake

avant garde

new and unusual or experimental in ideas

quid pro quo

In a favor granted or expected in return for something

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something for something

ad hoc

formed or created with a specific purpose (adjective or adverb)

seisgeist

the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and belief of the time (the 'spirit of the age")

ad hominem

of an argument or reaction directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining

status quo

state of affairs (often used with a negative connotation)

Creating a metaphor/simile

A comparison between two unlike things for effect; look for a comparison between unlike things (and “like” or “as” for a simile).

Creating a hyperbole

An exaggerated statement, look for superlative language (best, most, “-est,” worst, least, ect.)

Using personification

Giving human characteristics to something not-human; look for humans verbs by objects/ ideas.

Using irony

Language that means the opposite; look for opposing ideas in close proximity

Using loaded words

Some words connote strong emotions within the audience; look for powerful words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs), especially near one another.

Repeating a word or phrase

look for a word (or variation of a word) repeated in close proximity.

Juxtaposing

intentionally putting two contrasting words/ideas together, look for opposing ideas next to one another.

Comparing

Two ideas, people, or events that are coupled to show similarities; look for “similar(ly)”

Contrasting

ideas, people, or events that are paired to highlight their differences; look for the words “but,” “yet,” “except,” or “however”

Listing

Sharing a list/sequence of words or ideas; look for a series of commas or semicolons

Varying sentence structure; syntactic variation

Varying the sentence structure throughout a text; look for sudden change or deviation in the length the sentences

Showing cause & effect

Shows how one thing leads to another; look for “causes,” “because,” or “as a result”

Speculation Hypothesizes

A guess or hypothesis about a potential outcome; Look for “if,” “then” statements, “would,” “could,” “might”

What are some possible adjectives to use when describing diction?

Inclusive, unifying, and divisive

What are three multifunctional power verbs that you are claiming as part of your “verb backpack”?

Accommodate, Alter, and Affirm

What is the strategy for answering an RA prompt? What are some key features?

Strategy: Look for rhetorical choices and explain their function within the piece. Work systematically through the essay.

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Key features: No Into. (only thesis statement), No summary in the conclusion, two to three body paragraphs.

What is the strategy for answering an argument prompt? What are some key features?

Strategy: Use examples from readings. Make claims, support them with evidence, and provide commentary.

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Key features: No Into. (only thesis statement), No summary in the conclusion, two to three body paragraphs.

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave Summary

Plato compares existence and reality to being chained up in a cave, forced to watch shadows flitting across a stone wall. The prisoners have lived in the cave since birth with no knowledge of the outside world other than the shadows they see. One prisoner is released and able to explore the outside world. He learns to adjust to the outside world and change his perception of reality. He returns to the cave to tell the other prisoners about his experience, but they are unable to his experience. He draws a comparison between the free prisoner and a philosopher trying to educate an unenlightened society.

Claim: Wearing a hijab does not degrade Muslim women.

Evidence “My decision to observe hijab, is the greatest gift I’ve ever given myself, confirms my status as a Muslim without altering my commitment to feminism” uses exemplification.

“But he certainly loved people: throughout his life he seemed to believe in people and trust them, and yet no one ever thought him simple minded or naive.”

This quote introduces the readers to Alyosha.

“You know what? he would often say, examining Alyosha’s face closely. "‘You’re woman”

\- Fyodor Karamazov. Comparing his son to his second wife (Alyosha’s mother). He says this to Alyosha during one of his visits, during which some of his ‘metal’ vigor and decency was restored.”

“In most cases people, even the most vicious, are much more naive and simple minded then we assume them to be. And this is true of ourselves too.”

Author’s addition/speculation that Karamazov’s true character may be more simple and naive than what readers expect based on his actions.

“The elder Zosima entered accompanied by a hunce and by Alyosha”

Demonstrates the connection that is built between Zosima and Alyosha

“Don’t even think of it! You ought to be ashamed of yourself for asking, How can anyone ask for a requim mass for some-one who is still alive, and you, his mother of all people! That would be a mortal sin…”

Zosima chastises Mrs. Bedryagin for asking if she should requim mass for her son in order to bring him to her by making his soul uneasy. A requim mass is only to be held for someone who has died.

“As to Martha, She was no fool; indeed she was probably more intelligent than her husband and certainly much more practical in life. Nevertheless, from the beginning of their married life, she had given in completely to his wishes and she respected him for his moral superiority.”

Even through Martha is intellectually superior, Gregory is the head of the family because of moral and societal standards.

“But how can I tell you what I so long to tell you? They say that paper cannot blush, but that isn’t true. It does blush, just as I am blushing myself at this moment. My sweet Alyosha, I love you, and I have loved you ever-since I was little girl in Moscow, when you were not at all the same as you are now, and I will love you all my life.”

Young Lise sends a letter to Alyosha telling his about the love she has for him. This represents that there is still hope and love in this cold nation despite the dire circumstances.

“Love the people of God. For we are no holier than the secular for having come here and retired to seclusion within these walls…”

In his parting words, Zosima gives his fellow monks to love the people of God, not seeing themselves as superior. God offer salvation to all but the prideful.

“You… You’re a holy little fool!”

This is a quote said by Katerina as an insult towards Alyosha after he bluntly tells her she doesn’t love Ivan.

“‘Here’s how I propose to end it,’ Ivan said, continuing. The Grand Inquisitor falls silent… And he lets the prisoner leaves.”

This quote is soon after Ivan tells Alyosha of the Grand Inquisitor. This quote is at the very end of his speech and he completely contradicts his previous argument.

“No, I do not find that acceptable, Alyosha said and his eyes suddenly flared up… You were right, O Lord, for your ways have now been revealed to us!”

After Ivan explains his thoughts on suffering Alyosha argues that his stories confirm the goodwill of God rather than disproving it.

“Everywhere men today are turning scornfully away from the truth that the security of the individuals cannot be achieved by his isolated efforts but only by mankind as a whole.”

Father Zosima’s Visitor is answering Zosima’s question “What isolation?” He states that pursuing one’s own individuality does not lead to a full life but leads one away from the truth. Security and truth are not found in the individual but in mankind.

“Heaven is within reach of every one of us, and now it is within my reach too; if I choose I could have it tomorrow, real heaven for all my life.”

The visitor tells father Zosima that heaven is in our reach. We later discover that his heaven is found by confessing his crime so he can live a guilt free life.