AP Lang Working Terms and Glossary (1st Page)

Active Voice

The overall tone of any passage of writing that engages or persuades your reader
(Try not to use a passive voice)

Allusion

An indirect reference to something (usually a literary text, although it can be other things commonly known, such as plays, songs, or historical events) with which the reader should be familiar.
(She’s just another Juliet to him)

Alter-Ego

A character that the author uses to speak the author’s own thoughts; is when an author speaks directly to the audience through a character. In Shakespeare’s last play, The Tempest, Shakespeare talks to his audience about his upcoming retirement, through the main character in the play, Prospero.

Do not confuse it with persona.

Anecdote

A brief recounting of a relevant episode. They are often inserted into fictional or nonfictional texts to develop a point or inject humor.

(When I was younger…)

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause is referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or a group of sentences. “If I could command the wealth of all the world by lifting my finger, I would not pay such a price for it.”

(“I” is the antecedent and “my” is the clue)

Classicism

Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world; sticks to traditional themes and structures (see romanticism).

(Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell)

Comic Relief

when a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten the mood somewhat.

Diction

Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types of words have significant effects on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise than street slang. Instead, describe the type of diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain).

Colloquial

Ordinary or familiar type of conversation. This is a common or familiar type of saying, similar to an adage or an aphorism.

(Ain’t that something?)

Connotation

Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning. (For example, “policeman,” “cop,” and “The Man” all denote the same literal meaning of police officer, but each has a different connotation.)

(Big, Large, Enormous, Gargantuan)

Denotation

The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.

(Big)

Jargon

The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity. Lawyers speak using particular vocabulary as do soccer players.

(We finna get hundreds on our next exams)

Vernacular

1. Language or dialect of a particular country. 2. Language or dialect of a regional clan or group. 3. Plain everyday speech

Didactic

A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.