AP language vocabulary

Analogy

Explaining something complex by comparing it to something simple

argument

the combination of reasons, evidence, etc that an author uses to convince an audience of their position.

Aristotelian appeals

three different methods of appealing to an audience to convince them -ethos pathos logos

attitude

the writers personal feelings or views about the subject on hand

audience

to whom the author is directing their message

compare and contrast

discussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose

connotation

the implied meaning of a word: words can broadly have positive negative or neutral connotations

context

the extra textual environment in which the text is being delivered

counterargument

the arguments against the authors position

deductive reasoning

a form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case

denotation

the literal dictionary definition meaning of a word

diction

the style of language used generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation

ethos

setting up a source as credible and trustworthy

evidence

the information presented meant to persuade the audience of the authors position

exigence

typically the moment or event that motivates someone to write or to speak about a specific issue problem or situation

figurative language

the use of language in a non literal way

genre

the specific type of work being presented

imagery

any descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something includes figurative language

implication

when something is suggested without being concretely stated.

inductive reasoning

making a generalization based on specific evidence at hand

irony

at the most basic sense saying the opposite of what you mean also used to describe situations in which the results of an action are dramatically different then intended.

juxtaposition

placing two very different things together for effect

logos

appealing to ones sense of concrete facts and logic

occasion

the reason or moment for writing or speaking

organization

how the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech

pathos

an Aristotelian appeal involves appealing to ones emotions

purpose

the authors persuasive intention

repetition

re using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphasis

rhetoric

the use of spoken or written language or visual medium to convey your ideas and convince an audience, the art of language

rhetoric triangle

the relationship between the author the audience the text/message and the context

speaker

the persona adopted by the author to deliver their message may or may not actually be the same person as the author

style

the authors own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece similar to voice

symbolism

using an object to refer to an idea or concept

syntax

the way sentences are grammatically contructed

synthesis

combining sources or ideas in a coherent way for the purpose of a larger point

themes

overarching ideas or driving premises of a work

tone

the use of stylistic devices to reveal an authors attitude toward a subject

voice

an authors unique sound similar to style