AP Lang: Argument /Rhetorical Terms and Tone Words

Allusion

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known

Anecdote

A short narrative detailing with a particularly interesting episode or event

Colloquial/colloquialism

The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing

Diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing, often reflecting the speaker's or writer's style and tone.

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor developed at great length

Fallacy

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.

Irony

When a person says or writes one thing and means another

Juxtaposition

When two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction, creating a paradoxical effect.

Parallelism

the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity.

Parody

A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule

Rhetorical Question

A question that is not answered by the writer because its answer is obvious or obviously desired, and usually just a yes or no answer would suffice.

Satire

A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.

Syntax

The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.

wit

In modern usage, intellectually amazing language that surprises and delights.

Appeals

Persuasive appeals are convincing arguments an author uses to appeal to the reader's sense of logic, ethics, and emotion.

Author’s Purpose

The author’s reason or intent for writing.

Concession

literary device used in argumentative writing, where one acknowledges a point made by one's opponent.

context

circumstances forming a background of an event, idea or statement,

exigence

an issue, problem, or situation that causes or prompts someone to write or speak.

rhetoric

the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

Refutation

The part of an argument wherein a speaker or writer anticipates and counters opposing points of view.

Admonitory

Admonishing

Ambivalent

Contradictory attitudes

Belligerent

hostile/aggressive

Benevolent

Kind, genuine, well meaning

Beseeching

emotional/ desperate want

Despondent

Hopelessness/dejection/ no or little faith

Frank

Straight forward honest

Fervent

Strong/intense feelings or emotions

Haughty

Thinking highly of oneself

Imploring

Asking deeply to do or not do something

Incredulous

unable/unwilling to believe something

Inquisitive

Asking questions/curious

Jaded

tired/bored/ lacking enthusiasm

Jubilant

Expressing great joy

Laudatory

Showing praise or admiration; complimenting.

Melodramatic

exaggerating emotions or actions for effect.

Penitent

Feeling or expressing remorse for one's sins or wrongs.

placid

not easily upset or excited; calm and peaceful.

Pretentious

attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.

self deprecating

Modestly acknowledging one's faults or shortcomings in a humorous way.

Terse

sparing in the use of words; brief and concise.

vindictive

having or showing a strong desire for revenge.

vitriolic

filled with bitter criticism or malice.

wistful

having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

zealous

having or showing enthusiasm or eagerness, often in pursuit of a cause or goal.