AP Language and Composition Analysis Terms
AP Language and Composition Analysis Terms
Rhetoric
Definition: Using language strategically to persuade or influence an audience.
Mood
Definition: The emotional feeling a text creates for the reader.
Juxtaposition
Definition: Placing two things side-by-side to highlight contrast.
Exigence
Definition: The reason or situation that prompts an author to write.
Imagery
Definition: Language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell).
Antithesis
Definition: Opposite ideas placed close together for effect.
Expository Essay
Definition: An essay that explains, informs, or gives facts about a topic.
Anaphora
Definition: Repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of lines or sentences.
Figurative Language
Definition: Non-literal expressions (like similes, metaphors, etc.) used for effect.
Anecdote
Definition: A short personal story used to illustrate a point.
Description Essay
Definition: An essay that uses details to paint a vivid picture for the reader.
Absolutes
Definition: Words with no limitation or exception (e.g., “always,” “never”).
Metaphor
Definition: Comparing two things by saying one is the other.
Allegory
Definition: A story with a hidden deeper meaning, usually moral or political.
Persuasion Essay
Definition: An essay that attempts to convince the reader of a viewpoint.
Diction
Definition: The author’s word choice, which affects tone and style.
Simile
Definition: A comparison using “like” or “as.”
Analogy
Definition: Explaining something complex by comparing it to something simpler.
Narrative Essay
Definition: An essay that tells a story with characters, conflict, and events.
Denotation
Definition: The dictionary definition of a word.
Personification
Definition: Giving human traits to non-human things.
Point of View
Definition: The perspective from which a story is told.
Cause/Effect Essay
Definition: An essay that shows the reasons something happens and its results.
Verbal Irony
Definition: Saying the opposite of what happens or the results of an event.
Connotation
Definition: The feeling or association a word carries beyond its literal definition.
Understatement
Definition: Making something seem smaller or less important than it is.
First Person
Definition: Narration using “I” or “we.”
Process/Analysis Essay
Definition: Explains how something works or how to do something.
Colloquial
Definition: Casual, everyday language.
Hyperbole
Definition: Extreme exaggeration for effect.
Second Person
Definition: Narration using “you.”
Compare/Contrast Essay
Definition: An essay that explores similarities and differences between two subjects.
Formal Language
Definition: Professional, proper, and grammatically correct writing.
Paradox
Definition: A statement that seems contradictory but reveals truth upon further examination.
Third Person
Definition: Narration using “he,” “she,” “they,” or names.
Informal Language
Definition: Relaxed, conversational speech.
Rhetorical Questions
Definition: Questions asked for effect, not requiring answers.
Subjective
Definition: Based on personal feelings or opinions.
Jargon
Definition: Specialized language used in a specific field.
Allusion
Definition: A reference to a well-known person, event, text, or idea.
Objective
Definition: Based on facts, not feelings or personal views.
Situational Irony
Definition: When the opposite of what’s expected happens.
Syntax
Definition: How words and sentences are structured to create meaning.
Tone
Definition: The author’s attitude toward the subject, which can influence mood and interpretation.
Parallelism
Definition: Using similar grammatical structures for rhythm and clarity.