AP English Language and Composition Unit 1: Introduction to Rhetoric Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key rhetorical concepts, rhetorical appeals, devices, syntax patterns, thesis types, evidence classifications, and logical fallacies from AP English Language and Composition Unit 1.

tone

The speaker's or author's attitude toward the subject and/or character as revealed by his or her choice of language.

style

Examining sentence structure and word choice to discover meaning, purpose, and effect of a text.

archaic language

Using language that is antiquated or old-fashioned.

alliteration

The use of words with the same consonant sound close together, or repetition of the same sound beginning several words or syllables in sequence.

colloquialism

Using language that reflects the way people actually speak (slang).

connotation

The implied or contextualized meaning that underlies the main meaning of a word, considering emotional or intellectual interpretation.

denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

ellipsis

Omitting some parts of a sentence to give the reader a chance to fill the gaps.

jargon

Using language that is specific to a place, period, position, or occupation.

repetition

Repeating words or phrases in order to emphasize or reiterate.

simple sentence

A sentence containing one independent clause.

complex sentence

A sentence containing one independent clause and one dependent clause.

compound sentence

A sentence containing two independent clauses joined with a conjunction.

compound-complex sentence

More than one sentence joined by a conjunction, one of which is complex; a compound sentence with a dependent, or subordinate clause.

cumulative sentence

A sentence where the main clause is at the beginning and then more is added on.

hortative sentence

A sentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action.

imperative sentence

A sentence that commands or demands.

periodic sentence

A sentence where the main clause is withheld until the end.

anaphora

Repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines.

antimetabole / chiasmus

Repetition of words in reverse order.

antithesis

Opposition or contrast of ideas or words in a parallel construction.

asyndeton

Omission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words, which speeds up the sentence.

syndeton

Addition of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words, which slows down the sentence.

juxtaposition

Placements of two things closely together to emphasize differences.

parallelism

Similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.

allusion

Reference to another source (such as the Bible, mythology, a poem, or a work of art).

anecdote

A usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident used to explain, illustrate, or persuade.

antecedent

A thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another; what pronouns refer to.

assonance

Repeating vowel sounds in nearby words.

consonance

Repetition of identical or similar consonants in neighboring words.

epithet

A characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name; a disparaging or abusive word or phrase.

euphemism

The substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend.

extended metaphor

A comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences.

hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration.

imagery

Descriptive language appealing to all five senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste); words used to paint a picture.

maxim

A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.

metaphor

A comparison that replaces one object for another (stronger than a simile).

metonymy

The substitution of the name for an attribute of the thing meant.

motif

A repeating symbol throughout a text.

oxymoron

Using two contradictory words next to each other.

paradox

A statement that seems contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true.

personification

Describing an inanimate object as if it were a person.

rhetorical question

Posing a question for effect rather than to get an answer.

simile

A comparison that uses 'like' or 'as'.

symbol

An object used to represent an idea or theme.

synecdoche

Using one part to represent a whole.

zeugma

Using two different meanings of the same word within a single sentence or line.

open thesis

A thesis that does not list all the points the writer intends to include, is usually inductive in its claim, and suggests a more abstract or universal claim of value.

closed thesis

A thesis that makes a more specific, limited claim of value and includes a list of the main points to follow.

counterargument thesis

A thesis that usually starts with a summary of the primary counterargument, is preceded by 'but' or 'although', and is usually followed by the writer's primary claim.

claims of fact

Asserts that something is true or not; is arguable on the basis of fact.

claims of value

Asserts something is good or bad, right or wrong, or is a cause or effect; draws conclusions from claims of facts.

claims of policy

Suggests a course of action as a result of the claims of fact and value.

first-hand evidence

Evidence based on something the writer knows from personal experience, observations, or general knowledge of events.

second-hand evidence

Evidence accessed through research, reading, investigation, interviews, and polls.

concession

An acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable, usually accompanied by a refutation.

refutation

Denial of the validity of an opposing argument in part or in whole, usually accompanied by a concession in order to sound more reasonable.

qualify (a claim)

To make a claim about qualities, what something is or is caused by, what something affects, or about the nature or properties of a thing using words such as 'usually,' 'often,' 'frequently,' 'many,' 'most,' or 'in general.'

quantify (a claim)

Claims and information about quantities; generating numerical data or statistics limited to 'how much,' 'how many,' 'how often,' or 'how famous/popular.'

fallacies of relevance

Logical fallacies that use evidence that is irrelevant to the claim.

ad hominem

('Against the man') Attacking the character of the speaker instead of addressing the topic.

appeal to false authority

Using someone as an 'expert' who is not actually an expert.

faulty analogy

Drawing a comparison between two things that is logically irrelevant.

red herrings

Introducing a new and unrelated topic before addressing the argument topic.

fallacies of accuracy

Logical fallacies that use evidence that is intentionally or unintentionally inaccurate.

non sequitur

('Does not follow') A claim where the reason does not actually connect logically.

post hoc ergo propter hoc (faulty causality)

('After this, therefore because of this') Assuming that because one event or action follows another, the first causes the second.

slippery slope (false dilemma)

A scare tactic that claims one action will lead to another, more extreme action, presenting two extreme options as the only possibilities.

straw man

Oversimplifying an example to ridicule or refute an opponent.

fallacies of insufficiency

Logical fallacies that use evidence that is insufficient to prove the claim.

bandwagon appeal

An argument where evidence boils down to 'everybody's doing it, so it must be good.'

circular reasoning

Presenting the claim as if it is the evidence.

hasty generalization

Using a single anecdote or example to make a major or larger point.

stack the deck

An argument that shows only one side of the story and refuses to even admit the existence of a counterargument.