Rhetorical Terms - AP Lang Review

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.