AP Lang Rhetorical Devices Flashcards

Aphorism

A short, concise statement that expresses a general truth, principle, or observation about life.

It often contains wit or wisdom and is intended to provoke thought.

Zeugma

A single word governs or modifies two or more other words in a sentence, shifting the meaning or application between them.

Verbs: Compare, juxtapose, reveal, push the audience to reconsider something

Antithesis

a figure of speech in which an opposition or contrast of ideas is expressed by parallelism of words that are the opposites of, or strongly contrasted with, each other

Simile

Used to compare two things using the words, “like” or “as” or “than”

Metaphor

A figure of speech that compares two unrelated things by stating that one thing literally is another to show a shared similarity

Personification

A figure of speech that gives human traits, emotions, or actions to non-human things like objects, animals, or ideas

Asyndeton

A rhetorical device in which conjunctions like “and”, “but”, etc are intentionally omitted

Polysyndeton

A rhetorical device in which coordinating conjunctions like “and”, “but”, etc. are added for emphasis

Euphemism

A nicer, less direct or less harsh way of saying something that might be uncomfortable, negative, or offensive

Antimetabole

Words or phrases are repeated in reverse order to emphasize an idea, create contrast, or make a statement more memorable

Parallel Structure

Using the same grammatical pattern that shares the same level of importance in a sentence.

Jargon

Specialized language used by a particular group or profession, often confusing to outsiders.

Colloquialism

An informal word, phrase, or expression used in everyday, casual conversation rather than in formal writing or speech

Sarcasm

The use of remarks that mean the exact opposite of what they saytypically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Satire

Using sarcasm, humor, or exaggeration to criticize an individual or society

Irony

The contrast between expectations and realityoften highlighting the absurdity of a situation.

Hyperbole

A deliberate and extreme exaggeration, not intended to be taken literally, used to emphasize a point or to heighten emotion or create a dramatic effect.

Understatement

A deliberate presentation of something as smaller, milder, or less important than it truly is, often for ironic, modest, or comic effectthat emphasizes the significance by downplaying it.

Hortative sentences

Sentences that encourage or urge someone to take action, often using imperative or suggestive language to motivate the reader.

Imperative sentences

Sentences that give commands, requests, or instructions, often directing the reader to take a specific action.

Declarative sentences

Sentences that make statements or express opinions, providing information or assertions to the reader.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked to make a point or create an effect rather than to get an answer 

Allusion

A reference to a person, event, or literary work that is not explicitly mentioned, often used to create meaning or evoke emotion.

Litotes

A figure of speech that employs understatement by using double negatives or positive assertions to express a sentiment. It often highlights a point by negating its opposite.

Metonymy

A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated, often used to create vivid imagery or convey a deeper meaning.

Analogy

A comparison between two different things to highlight some similarity, often used to explain or clarify a concept by relating it to something familiar.

Oxymoron 

A figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms to create a paradoxical effect, often used for rhetorical emphasis or to provoke thought.

Cause/Effect (Methods of development):

A rhetorical strategy that explores the reasons why things happen (cause) and the resulting consequences (effect), often used to establish logical relationships in arguments.

Narration (Methods of development):

A rhetorical strategy that tells a story or recounts events, often to engage the audience and illustrate a point or argument through a personal or factual account.

Process Analysis (Methods of Development):

A rhetorical strategy that breaks down a process into its component steps to explain how something works or is done, often to clarify complex ideas or guide the audience through a procedure.

Syllogism (Methods of development):

A rhetorical strategy that uses a form of logical reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two or more premises, often used to demonstrate relationships between concepts and validate arguments.

Compare/Contrast (Methods of development):

A rhetorical strategy that examines similarities and differences between two or more subjects, often to highlight features or inform about choices. This method helps clarify ideas and deepen understanding by showcasing relationships.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language, contributing to clarity, style, and meaning in writing. (ORDER of a sentence)

Diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing, impacting tone, style, and overall meaning. (Individual PARTS of a sentence)

Cumulative sentences

A sentence that begins with the main idea and is followed by additional clauses or phrases that add detail or complexity, often enhancing the reader's understanding.

Periodic sentences

A sentence that presents the main idea at the end, often creating suspense or interest by withholding the key point until the conclusion.

Appeal to Logos

An argument that relies on logic, reasoning, and factual evidence to persuade an audience.

Appeal to Pathos

An argument that appeals to the audience's emotions and values to elicit feelings that support the argument.

Appeal to Ethos

An argument that establishes the credibility or ethical character of the speaker to persuade an audience.

Appeal to Kairos

An argument that emphasizes the timeliness or context of an issue to persuade the audience.

Simple sentence

A sentence consisting of only one independent clause, conveying a complete thought without any dependent clauses.

Complex sentence

A sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, providing more detail and complexity to the thought expressed.

Compound sentence

A sentence that includes two or more independent clauses, usually joined by a coordinating conjunction, which adds variety and complexity to writing.

Connotation

The implied or suggested meanings and associations of a word beyond its literal definition. Can evoke emotions and shape the reader's perception.

Denotation

The literal or primary meaning of a word, independent of any emotional or associative implications. Denotation provides the specific meaning that can be found in a dictionary.

Exigence

The urgency or need that prompts a writer to address a particular issue or topic, often reflected in the writing's purpose and context.

Tropes

Figures of speech that involve a change in the meaning of words. Tropes, such as metaphors and similes, convey meanings indirectly by comparing or substituting terms.

Schemes

Rhetorical figures that involve a change in the structure or arrangement of words, as opposed to the meaning. Schemes include devices like alliteration and parallelism, enhancing the flow and impact of language.

Bias

A tendency to favor one perspective or outcome over others, often affecting objectivity in writing or analysis. Bias can manifest in language, assumptions, and selection of evidence.

Tone

The attitude or emotional quality conveyed by a writer in their work. Can range from formal to informal, serious to humorous, and significantly influences how the audience perceives the message.