AP English Language and Composition | Devices 2

Figurative Language

Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.

Figure of Speech

A device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Includes; apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, metonymy, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, and understatement.

Generic Conventions

This term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and political writing. On the AP language exam, try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.

Genre

The major category into which a literary work fits.

Homily

This term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.

Hyperbole

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.

Imagery

The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.

Inference/Infer

a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.

Invective

insulting, abusive, or highly critical language.

Irony/Ironic

the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Loose Sentence

a type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases.

Metaphor

a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

Metonymy

the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant

Mood

the atmosphere or pervading tone of something, especially a work of art.

Narrative

a spoken or written account of connected events; a story.

Onomatopoeia

the naming of a thing or action by imitation of natural sounds.

Oxymoron

a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings

Paradox

a logically self-contradictory statement or a statement that runs contrary to one's expectation.

Parallelism

when words or phrases are repeated in succession and agree in both grammar and meaning.

Parody

an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.

Pedantic

too concerned with unimportant details or traditional rules, especially in connection with academic subjects.

Periodic Sentence

sentences that place the main clause at the end of a sentence.

Personification

the attribution of human characteristics to things, abstract ideas, etc., as for literary or artistic effect