AP Lang Rhetorical Terms (cumulative)

Ad hominem

latin for “to the man” this fallacy refers to the specific diversionary tactic of switching the argument from the issue at hand to the character of the person. When someone attacks the person instead of the argument at hand.

Ad populum

this fallacy occurs when evidence boils down to “everybody’s doing it so it must be a good thing to do.”

Alliteration

repetition of the same consonant sound beginning with several words or syllables in sequence.

Allusion

a brief reference to a person, event, or a place(could be real or fictitious) or to a work of art.

Analogy

A comparison between two seemingly dissimilar things. Often an analogy uses something simple and familiar to explain something unfamiliar or complex.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases.

Concession

An acknowledgement that the opposing argument may be true or reasonable.

Counter argument

Opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward.

Anecdote

A brief story used to illustrate a point or a claim.

A Closed Thesis

A statement of the main idea of the argument that also previews the major points the writer intends to make.

Connotation

Meanings or associations readers have with the word beyond its dictionary definition;they are often positive or negative and affect the author’s tone.

Ethos

Greek for character; this appeal demonstrates the speaker is credible and trustworthy.

Pathos

Greek for suffering or experience; speaker’s appeal to pathos to emotionally motivate their audience; they might play on an audience's values, desires, and hopes or fears and prejudices

Logos

Greek for embodied thought; speaker’s appeal to reason by offering clear rational ideas by using specific details, facts, examples, statistics, or expert testimony to back up the ideas.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or comedic effect

Understatement

Opposite of hyperbole; where something is presented as less important, urgent, or dire than it actually is; can be for comedic effect.

Juxtaposition

Placement of two things closely together to emphasize similarities or differences.

Purpose

The goal the speaker wants to achieve

Polysyndeton

The deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between phrases, clauses, or words.

Refutation

A denial of the validity of an opposing argument.