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allegory
A literary work in which characters, objects, or actions represent abstractions
Alliteration
Repetition of initial consonant sounds
allusion
a direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known
ambiguity
The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.
analogy
A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way
anaphora
the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
4 sentence structures
simple, compound, complex, compound-complex
antithesis
The juxtaposition of sharply contrasting ideas in balanced or parallel words, phrases, grammatical structure, or ideas.
aphorism
A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle
Asyndeton
omission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words
clause
A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.
colloquial
The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing
conceit
A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.
concession
Something given up or yielded
Connotation
a word that correlates with emotions
denotation
The dictionary definition of a word
Academic Tone
The language that is appropriate for the academic setting and that should be used in AP Lang at all times
didactic
intended to teach
dogmatism
arrogant assertion of opinions as truths
euphemism
soft language used to lessen a harsher reality
figure of speech
a device used to produce figurative language
homily
a sermon
hyperbole
an extreme exaggeration used to make a point
imagery
Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) - must be coupled with an adjective in order to use in analytical writing!
invective
An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.
irony
A contrast between the logical/expected outcome and reality / A contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant. The intended meaning is often the opposite of what is stated, often suggesting light sarcasm.
litotes
A form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite
metaphor
A comparison without using like or as
Onomatopoeia
A word that imitates the sound it represents.
oxymoron
a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to describe or modify
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/parallel structure
similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses
parody
A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.
pedantic
tending to show off one's learning
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
the perspective from which a story is told
polysyndeton
the repetition of close conjunctions in succession
process analysis
A method of paragraph or essay development by which a writer explains step by step how something is done or how to do something.
prose
one of the major divisions of genre
refute
to disprove; to successfully argue against
repitition
Repeating a word, phrase, or idea for emphasis or rhythmic effect
rhetoric
the art of using language effectively and persuasively
sarcasm
the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
satire
a work that targets human vices and follies
subordinate clause
Created by a subordinating conjunction, a clause that modifies an independent clause.
syllogism
A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.
symbol
the use of a person, place, thing, event or pattern that figuratively represents something else - often an abstract concept or idea.
syntax
Sentence structure - YOU MUST FIND A PATTERN IN ORDER TO USE THIS DEVICE IN ANALYTICAL WRITING!
theme
Central idea of a work of literature
thesis
a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.
tone
Attitude a writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character
transition
a word or phrase that links different ideas
Understatement
the presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.
wit
intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights
zeugma
a grammatically correct construction in which a word, usually a verb or adjective, is applied to two or more nouns without being repeated.
Apostrophe
an address or invocation to something inanimate
The central appeals of Aristotelian argumentation
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Assonance
the repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds in successive words or phrases.
chiasmus
a figure of speech and generally a syntactical structure where in the order of the terms in the first half of a parallel clause is reversed in the second.
consonance
the repetition of two or more consonants with a change in the intervening vowels
Diction
the specific word choice an author uses to persuade or to convey tone, purpose, or effect. MUST BE COUPLED WITH AN ADJECTIVE IN ORDER TO USE IN ANALYTICAL WRITING.
epistrophe
in rhetoric, the repetition of a phrase at the end of successive sentences.
ethos
In rhetoric, the appeal of a text to the credibility and character of the speaker.
flashback
retrospection - an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronology of the narration.
deductive reasoning
moving from general premises to a specific conclusion in argumentation
inductive reasoning
a line of reasoning in which general statements and conclusions are drawn from specific principles: movement from specific to general.
Inference
a conclusion or proposition arrived at by considering facts, observations, or some other specific data
Isocolon
parallel structure in which the parallel elements are similar not only in grammatical structure, but also in length.
Jargon
specialized or technical language of a trade, profession, or similar group
juxtaposition
the location of one thing adjacent to or juxtaposed with another to create an effect, reveal an attitude, or accomplish some other purpose
loose sentence
a long sentence that starts with its main clause, which is followed by several dependent clauses and modifying phrases.
metonymy
a figure of speech in which an attribute or commonly associated feature is used to name or designate something
narrative
a mode of discourse that tells a story of some sort and is based on a sequence of connected events
mood
a feeling or ambience resulting from the tone of a piece as well as the writer/narrator's attitude and point of view.
kairos
the rhetorical purpose established through a writer's language
exigence
the reason the speech needs to be given - often tied to the historical context in which a speaker or writer delivers their message
periodic sentence
a long sentence in which the main clause is not completed until the end.
pathos
an appeal to emotion that stimulates pity or connection with the audience.
synecdoche
a figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole
simile
a direct, explicit comparison of one thing to another using connecting language (such as, like, as, etc.)
style
the manner in which a writer combines and arranges words, shapes ideas, and utilizes syntax and structure.
line of reasoning
the logical progression of ideas presented in an argument that establish the message as rational and valid.
premise
a reason for the assertion of an argument that offers validity to the conclusion
claim
In argument - a statement of assertion that contains the central conclusion drawn from evidence.
synthesis
combining evidence and ideas from several sources to create an original argument
verbal irony
what the speaker says is actually the opposite of what is meant (sarcasm)
dramatic irony
in drama or fiction, facts or situation are known to the reader or audience but not to characters
situational irony
when events end up the opposite of what is expected
rhetoric
The use of language to achieve a purpose- predominantly to persuade or convince.
Note 
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