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AP Language & Composition Literary Terms
Vocabulary for AP Exam
35
English
12th Grade
03/12/2012

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Term
Abstract
Definition
refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete, tangible images.
Term
Allegory
Definition
an extended narritive in prose or verse in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and in which the writer intends a second meaning to be read beneath the surface of the story.
Term
Anecdote
Definition
a short, simple narrative of incident
Term
Antithesis
Definition
the presentation of two contrasting images
Term
Aphorism
Definition
a short, often witty statement of a principle or a truth about life
Term
Apostrophe
Definition
usually in poetry but sometimes in prose, the device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person
Term
Argumentation
Definition
writing that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting reasoned arguments
Term
Cacophony, Dissonance
Definition
harsh, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately
Term
Caricature
Definition
descriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person's appearance or a facet of personality
Term
Colloquialism
Definition
a word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing
Term
Concrete Language
Definition
language that describes specific, observable things, people, or places, rather than ideas or qualities
Term
Connotation
Definition
implied or suggested meaning of a word because of its associated in the reader's mind
Term
Consonance
Definition
repetition of identitical consonant sounds within two or more words in close proximity (boost/best)
Term
Conundrum
Definition
a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun
Term
Denotation
Definition
the meaning of a word as defined
Term
Didactic
Definition
writing whose purpose is to instruct or teach. Typically formal and focuses on moral or ethical concerns.
Term
Pathos (Emotional Appeal)
Definition
When a writer appeals to readers' emotions to excite and involve them in the argument
Term
Epigraph
Definition
the use of a quotation at the beginning of a work that hints at its theme.
Term
Ethos (Ethical Appeal)
Definition
when a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect and believe him/her based on the presentation of image of self through the text.
Term
Euphemism
Definition
a more acceptable and usually more pleasant way of saying something that might be inappropriate or uncomfortable
Term
Euphony
Definition
a succession of harmonious sounds used in poetry or prose
Term
Explication
Definition
the art of interpreting or discovering the meaning of a text.
Term
Exposition
Definition
the immeidate revelation to the audience of the setting and other background information necessary for understanding the plot.
Term
Hyperbole
Definition
deliberate exaggeration in order to create humor or emphasis
Term
Invective
Definition
a verbally abusive attack
Term
Inversion
Definition
reversing the customary order of elements in a sentence or prahse
Term
Logos (Logical Appeal)
Definition
when a writer tries to persuade the audience based on statistics, facts, and reasons
Term
Mood
Definition
the primary emotional attitude of a work
Term
Objectivity
Definition
an impersonal presentation of events and characters that is a writer's attempt to remove himself/herself from any subjective, personal involvement in the story.
Term
Oversimplification
Definition
when a writer obscures or denies the complexity of the issues in an argument
Term
Parable
Definition
a short tale that teaches a moral; similiar to but shorter than an allegory
Term
Pedantic
Definition
a term used to describe writing that borders on lecturing. It is scholarly and academic and overly difficult and distant
Term
Regionalism
Definition
an element in literature that conveys a realistic portrayal of a specific geographic locale using the locale and its influences as a major part of the plot
Term
Syllogism
Definition
a form of reasoning in which two statements are made and a conclusion is drawn from them. Consists of major premise, minor premise, and a conclusion.
Term
Synecdoche
Definition
a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent a whole
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