ap lang ghhs vocab

Syntax

The grammatical arrangement of words

Predicate

Part of the sentence that contains the verb and says something about the subject

Clause

Group of words containing a subject and a predicate (verb)

Independent Clause

Also known as a main clause; expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a main sentence

Dependent Clause

Also known as a subordinate clause; cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be joined to an independent clause

Simple Sentence

Contains only 1 independent clause

Compound Sentence

Contains at least 2 independent clauses but no dependent clauses

Complex Sentence

Contains only 1 independent clause and at least 1 dependent clause

Declarative Sentence

"Regular sentence;" states an idea

Imperative Sentence

Issues a command; understood subject is (you)

Interrogative Sentence

A question; includes an ____ pronoun—what, which, who, whom, whose

Balanced Sentence

A sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale. Both parts are parallel grammatically. Also called parallelism.

Cumulative Sentence

(also called a loose sentence); begins with an independent clause and adds subordinate elements

Periodic Sentence

When the main idea is not completed until the end of the sentence; the writer begins with subordinate elements and postpones the main clause

Antecedent

Word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun; the pronoun is replacing either the subject or the object in the sentence

Antithesis

Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas, with parallel structure.

Parallelism

Sentence construction which places equal grammatical constructions near each other, or repeats identical grammatical patterns.

Coherence

A principle demanding that the parts of any composition be arranged so that the meaning of the whole may be immediately clear and intelligible.

Analogy

Using a well-known idea, concept, person, etc. in order to simplify a more difficult, unfamiliar concept.

Anecdote

A brief recounting of a relevant episode, often inserted to develop a point or inject humor.

Inversion

Reversing the natural or normal word order for a poetic effect or to grab the reader's attention.

Cause-Effect

A method of development where writers present a cause and assert consequences, or present causes and subsequent effects.

Comparison-Contrast

A method of development where writers present a category of comparison and examine similarities and/or differences.

Narration

A method of development where writers offer details about real-life experiences along with reflections and insights.

Definition

A method of development where writers relate the characteristics, features, or sensory details of an object or idea.

Coordination

Used by writers to illustrate a balance or equality between ideas.

Subordination

Used by writers to illustrate an imbalance or inequality between ideas.

Perspective

The background, interests, and expertise of an individual or group.

Reiterate

To state again for emphasis or repeatedly, sometimes with wearying effect.

Audience

Who the text is addressed to; has shared as well as individual beliefs, values, needs, and backgrounds.

Context

The time, place, and occasion for a text.

Diction

Word choice, particularly as an element of style.

Exigence

The part of a rhetorical situation that inspires, stimulates, provokes, or prompts writers to create a text (the spark or catalyst).

Infer

To reach a conclusion based on what was implied or insinuated; to draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.

Juxtaposition

Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison.

Literal

In accordance with, involving, or being the primary or strict meaning of the word or words; not figurative or metaphorical.

Purpose

What the writer hopes to accomplish with a text / what they want the audience to do after listening.

Rhetoric

The art of effective communication.

Rhetorical Question

A question not asked for information but for effect.

Rhetorical Situation

Collectively refers to the exigence, purpose, audience, writer, context, and message of a text.

Style

The choices in diction, tone, and syntax that a writer makes.

Thesis

The main, overarching claim a writer is seeking to defend or prove using reasoning supported by evidence.

Tone

A writer's attitude or feeling about a subject, conveyed through word choice and style.

Voice

The overall effect of particular choices in writing.