AP Language: Basic Vocabulary Terms

Argumentation

to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader.

Artistic Appeal

Support for an argument that a writer creates based on principles of reason and shared knowledge rather than on facts and evidence.

Attitude

The writer's personal views or feelings about the subject at hand.

Concession

When writers concede, they accept all or a portion of a competing position or claim as correct, agree that the competing position or claim is correct under a different set of circumstances, or acknowledge the limitations of their own argument.

Connotation

the moods/associations/implications of a word or phrase, as opposed to its exact meaning

Counterargument

The argument(s) against the author's position.

Deductive

a form of logical argumentation that uses claims or premises, where the author assumes that you will accept the claims as true and that you will then deduce the correct conclusion from the accepted premises at the outset

Denotation

the literal meaning of a word; the dictionary definition

Description

to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described.

Ethos

Setting up a source as credible and trustworthy.

Evidence

The information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author's position

Exigence

A part of the rhetorical situation that motivates a writer to create a text. It can be an event, situation, or problem that inspires, stimulates, or provokes a writer to respond through language and rhetoric. The term comes from the Latin word for "demand".

Explicit Thesis

directly states the writer's main idea/position and provides a clear direction for the essay.

Exposition

to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion.

Hard Evidence

Support for an argument using facts, statistics, testimony, or other evidence the writer finds.

Implicit Thesis

a thesis statement that is suggested or hinted at through language, supporting details, and other elements rather than being explicitly stated.

Inartistic Appeal

support for an argument using facts, statistics, eyewitness testimony, or other evidence the writer finds rather than creates.

Inductive Reasoning

Making a generalization based on specific evidence at hand.

Intended Readers

the actual, real-life people whom a writer consciously wants to address in a piece of writing.

Line of Reasoning

The formal structure of an argument. In other words, the way that claims and reasons are arranged to lead to the conclusion

Logos

Appealing to someone’s sense of concrete facts and logic.

Modifiers

words, phrases, or clauses that can be used to qualify an argument and convey perspective. They can add detail to a sentence, making it clearer, more specific, or more engaging. also help writers be confident when their evidence or claim is open to doubt

Narration

is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing.

Occasion

The reason or moment for writing or speaking.

Pathos

Aristotle’s appeal to someone’s emotions.

Phrase

a grouping of words that define or clarity; a group of words that is not a sentence because there is no verb

Purpose

The author’s persuasive intention.

Qualification/Qualifier

a limitation placed on a position/argument so as to avoid an absolute claim. Academic argument is typically about probability and possibility, not certainty, so it's more credible. Typically words or phrases that limit the scope of a claim: usually; in a few cases; under these circumstances, etc.

Rebuttal

they offer a contrasting perspective on an argument and its evidence or provide alternative evidence to propose that all or a portion of a competing position or claim is invalid.

Refutation

they demonstrate, using evidence, that all or a portion of a competing position or claim is invalid

Rhetoric

From the Greek for “orator,” this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.

Rhetorical Analysis

Involves examining how the author structures their argument and uses rhetoric to achieve their purpose. You'll need to practice identifying the various rhetorical strategies in the texts you read.

Rhetorical Appeals/Aristotelian Appeals

They include ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic). These appeals help authors persuade their audience.

Rhetorical Device

Some examples include simile, metaphor, personification, parallelism, alliteration, and hyperbole. Becoming familiar with these devices will help you identify them in texts and strengthen your own writing.

Rhetorical Modes

This flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing. The four most common rhetorical modes (often referred to as “modes of discourse”) are as follows: Exposition, Argumentation, Description, & Narration

Rhetorical Shift

this occurs when the author of an essay significantly alters his or her diction, syntax, or both

Rhetorical Situation

can be described in five parts: purpose, audience, topic, writer, and context. These parts work together to better describe the circumstances and contexts of a piece of writing, which if understood properly, can help you make smart writing choices in your work.

Rhetorical Triangle

consists of the speaker, audience, and subject. Understanding the relationships between these elements will help you analyze texts more effectively.

Scope of the Argument

the breadth and complexity of the central concern of your paper, including all of the points that you must establish for your readers to understand your central concern, as well as all of the significant issues that you must address in order to present a fair, well-considered argument.

Speaker

The persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author.

Style

The author's own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece; similar to voice.

Syntax and Sentence Structure

Includes sentence length, punctuation, parallelism, and variety. can help you uncover an author's style and determine how their writing contributes to their argument.

Synthesis

Combining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point.

Tone

the manner in which a writer expresses his/her attitude toward the subject and audience; mainly expressed through diction, syntax, and point of view

Voice

An author's unique sound. Similar to style.