AP LANG COURSE TERMS

AP Lang rhetorical ladder and style terms.

Tropes

Variations of meaning, connotation.

Schemes

Clever variation of words and sentences.

Simile

A figure of speech using "like" or "as" to compare two unlike things, adding vividness and creating a visual image. Example: "Her smile is as bright as the sun."

Metaphor

Comparison between two unrelated things, highlighting similarities to create a vivid image. Used to enhance understanding and evoke emotions in literature and speech.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statement or claim used for emphasis or dramatic effect.

Euphemism

A figure of speech that replaces a harsh or unpleasant word or phrase with a milder or more polite one. Used to soften the impact of sensitive topics or to make something sound less severe.

Personification

Giving human characteristics or qualities to non-human things or ideas, adding depth and imagery to writing. Examples: "The flowers danced in the wind." "The sun smiled down on us."

Analogy

Comparison between two things that are similar in certain aspects, used to explain or clarify a concept by highlighting the similarities.

Verbal Irony

A figure of speech where the speaker says something but means the opposite. Often used to create humor or sarcasm. Example: "What a lovely weather!" on a rainy day.

Epithet

An adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect or to make a point, not requiring an answer. Used in speeches and writing to engage the audience and stimulate critical thinking.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech where a part represents the whole or vice versa. Example: "All hands on deck" - hands represent the entire crew.

Metonymy

Figure of speech where a word or phrase is substituted with something closely associated with it. Eg. "The pen is mightier than the sword."

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory or absurd but may reveal a deeper truth or meaning. It challenges logic and forces the reader to think beyond the surface. Example: "I can resist anything but temptation."

Litote

A figure of speech that uses understatement to emphasize a point by stating the opposite of what is meant. Example: "Not bad" to mean "very good."

Chiasmus

A rhetorical device that involves the reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses for emphasis or artistic effect. “Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds”

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting ideas, images, or concepts side by side to create a dramatic effect or highlight their differences.

Antithesis

Opposite or contrasting ideas or concepts presented in a sentence or phrase to create a rhetorical effect. “Out of sight, out of mind.”

Asyndeton

A figure of speech that involves the omission of conjunctions in a series of words, phrases, or clauses for emphasis or impact. "I came, I saw, I conquered"

Parallelism

Using parallelism means expressing similar ideas or elements in a sentence using the same grammatical structure. It adds rhythm and balance to writing.

Polysyndeton

The deliberate use of multiple conjunctions in close succession to create an artistic effect. Example: "I ate and drank and laughed and danced."

Anaphora

i’m Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences for emphasis. Example: "I have a dream... I have a dream... I have a dream."

Epiphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses.

Antistrophe

A rhetorical device where the repetition of words or phrases occurs at the end of successive clauses. It is used to emphasize ideas and create a rhythmic effect in writing or speech.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial sounds in neighboring words or syllables for emphasis or musical effect.

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. It adds musicality and rhythm to a text. Example: "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain."

Tricolon

A rhetorical device that involves the use of three parallel clauses or phrases in a sentence. It adds rhythm and emphasis to the writing, making it more memorable.

Inverted Syntax

A sentence structure where the order of words is reversed for emphasis or stylistic purposes. Example: "Into the room walked a mysterious figure."