AP Language & Composition Vocabulary Study

A monthly-organized study set of rhetorical strategies, tone words, and argumentation terms compiled for AP Language & Composition exam preparation.

Rhetoric

The art of using language effectively and persuasively.

Ethos

An appeal to credibility or character.

Pathos

An appeal to emotions.

Logos

An appeal to logic and reasoning.

Diction

A writer’s choice of words.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences.

Anecdote

A short personal story used to illustrate a point.

Allusion

A reference to a well-known work, person, or event.

Analogy

A comparison between two things for explanation.

Repetition

Reuse of the same word or phrase for emphasis.

Parallelism

Repetition of grammatical structure for effect.

Fallacy

A flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument.

Connotation

The implied or emotional meaning of a word.

Denotation

The literal dictionary definition of a word.

Juxtaposition

Placement of contrasting ideas close together.

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Understatement

Minimizing something for effect.

Counterargument

An opposing viewpoint addressed in writing.

Concession

Acknowledgment of a valid opposing point.

Refutation

The act of disproving an opposing argument.

Inductive reasoning

Specific evidence leading to a general conclusion.

Deductive reasoning

A general principle applied to specific cases.

Antithesis

Opposite ideas presented in a balanced way.

Didactic

Intended to teach or instruct.

Sardonic

Grimly mocking or cynical.

Cynical

Distrustful of human sincerity or motives.

Reverent

Showing deep respect.

Nostalgic

Longing for the past.

Ironic

Conveying meaning opposite of the literal sense.

Contemptuous

Showing scorn or disdain.

Optimistic

Hopeful and positive about the future.

Ambivalent

Having mixed or conflicting feelings.

Pragmatic

Dealing with things practically and realistically.

Solemn

Serious and dignified.

Whimsical

Playfully odd or fanciful.

Polysyndeton

The deliberate use of many conjunctions (and, but, or, yet, etc).

Asyndeton

The deliberate omission of conjunctions.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of clauses.

Epistrophe

Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of clauses.

Chiasmus

Reversal of grammatical structures in successive clauses.

Zeugma

A figure of speech where one word applies to multiple parts of a sentence.

Syllogism

A form of reasoning with a major premise, minor premise, and conclusion.

Enthymeme

An argument in which one premise is unstated but implied.

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals truth.

Qualifier

A word or phrase that limits the strength of a claim.

Absolutist language

Language that expresses certainty without exceptions.

Cumulative sentence

A sentence that begins with a main clause and adds details.

Colloquialism

Informal words or phrases used in everyday speech.

Euphemism

A mild phrase used in place of something harsh.

Satire

Writing that criticizes society through humor or irony.

Parody

An imitation meant to mock or comment on a work or style.

Polemic

A strong verbal or written attack on something.

Allegory

A story with symbolic meaning beyond the literal.