AP Lang Semester 2 Vocab

fallacy

the use of faulty reasoning in an argument, which may go unnoticed

ad hominem

attacking the speaker instead of the argument

red herring

a proposition intended to draw attention away from the original topic

strawman

an oversimplification of a viewpoint that is then attacked

equivocation

the use of an ambiguous word or phrase in more than one sense

slippery slope

s conclusion based on equating two things separated by multiple events

hasty generalization

a conclusion based on insufficient evidence

post hoc

the conclusion that one thing caused another because it happened before it

appeal to authority

a conclusion based on an expert’s opinion

false dilemma

presenting a limited number of options as if they were the only possible ones

bandwagon

a conclusion based on what a group of people think

appeal to ignorance

a conclusion derived from a lack of evidence that proves it wrong

appeal to pity

attempt of persuasion by using pathos instead of evidence

loaded question

a question that assumes something preemptively

aberration

deviating from the right, normal, or usual course

adulation

extreme admiration, praise, or flattery

imperative

absolutely necessary or required

circumvent

to avoid, go around, or bypass

impetuous

impulsive; characterized by rashness or haste

ameliorate

to make or become better, more bearable, or satisfactory

coalesce

to blend or come together

dissident

someone or something who disagrees (with someone or something)

conciliatory

intended to placate or reconcile

intrepid

fearless; daring; bold

indoctrinate

to instruct in a belief, especially a partisan or biased one

scrutinize

to examine in detail with careful or critical attention

prudent

exercising good judgement or common sense, especially toward the future

unilateral

involving or performed by only one part, or side, of several

uniquituous

existing or being used everywhere; omniprescent