AP Language and Composition Essential Vocabulary

All the vocab you need to remember for AP Language and Composition!

Exigence

the situation or problem that prompts a writer to respond.

Context

the circumstances (time, place, occasion) that shape how a text is created and received.

Audience

the people a writer addresses, with particular beliefs, values, and needs.

Writer

the person constructing the text (author or persona) with a particular perspective.

Purpose

what the writer aims to accomplish for the audience.

Message

what the writer communicates (central idea/claim) through choices in the text.

Mode

The common way a writer organizes ideas to meet a purpose (e.g. modes of discourse).

Semantics

The literal meaning of words and sentences (denotation)—what the text says before tone or figurative layers.

Objectivity

Fact-focused presentation based on evidence, with little or no personal opinion.

Subjectivity

Opinion-influenced presentation shaped by the writer's perspective, feelings, or values.

Abstract Language

Words that name big ideas or qualities we can think about but not physically touch (like honor, love, equality).

Concrete Language

Words that name real, tangible things we can sense or picture clearly (like rain, apple, thunder, red door).

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its dictionary definition.

Qualitative Evidence

evidence based on qualities, descriptions, or characteristics rather than numbers or measurements.

Quantitative Evidence

evidence that can be measured or counted and is expressed in numerical form, such as statistics, percentages, charts, or data sets.

Rhetoric

Using language strategically—for a purpose, with a specific audience, in a context—to inform, persuade, or motivate.

Anecdote

A brief, specific story—personal or reported—used to illustrate or humanize a point.

Analogy

A comparison that shows how something unfamiliar is like something familiar to explain or clarify an idea.

Allusion

A brief reference to a well-known person, event, text, or idea that adds meaning through association.

Generalization

A broad claim drawn from examples; strong if the evidence is sufficient and representative, weak if it overreaches.

Infer

To draw a reasonable conclusion from clues and evidence (as a reader or writer), not just from what's stated outright.

Deduction

Reasoning that starts with a general rule, applies it to an individual case, and reaches a specific conclusion. (general principle → specific conclusion; BIG → SMALL)

Induction

Reasoning that gathers specific examples to detect a pattern and propose a broader claim. (specific examples → general conclusion; SMALL → BIG)

Concession

A fair acknowledgment of a valid point on the other side, often used to build credibility.

Refutation

Showing through evidence or logic why a counterargument is flawed or less convincing.

Juxtaposition

Placing contrasting ideas/images side by side to sharpen their differences or create emphasis.

Antithesis

Putting two opposite ideas in the same sentence using similar structure to highlight the contrast.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked to prompt thinking or emphasize a point—not to get an actual answer.

Diction

Word choice (including connotation and denotation) that shapes meaning, tone, and voice.

Syntax

How words, phrases, and clauses are arranged—affecting emphasis, pacing, and clarity.

Figurative Language

Language that uses figures of speech (like metaphor or simile) to convey meaning beyond the literal level.

Imagery

Sensory language that helps readers see, hear, smell, taste, or feel the scene.

Tone

The writer's attitude toward the subject, audience, or situation.

Mood

The atmosphere or emotional feeling created by the writer's choices in setting, detail, and diction.

Voice

The distinctive style or personality of a writer, revealed through diction, tone, and sentence structure.

Style

The overall way an author uses words, phrases, and structure to shape meaning and tone.

Analyze

Examine methodically and in detail the structure of the topic of the question for purposes of interpretation and explanation.

Argue your position

Formulate a claim and support it with evidence.

Synthesize

Combine different perspectives from sources to form a support of a coherent position.

Read

Look at or view printed directions and provided passages.

Write

Produce a response in writing.