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1. abstract generalization (PE13)AC “not real” and vague statement not supported by
evidence.
2. accumulation (PE13)AC the acquisition or gradual gathering of something.
3. accusation (PE07)AC Accusing someone.
4. acquisition (PE13)AC the learning or developing of a skill, habit, or quality.
5. ad hominem (PE13)AC An argument based on the failings of an adversary rather than on
the merits of the case; a logical fallacy that involves a personal attack.
6. admonitions (PE01)AC Cautionary advice or warning. “I admonished her not to do
that”.
7. agitating (PE13)AC make (someone) troubled or nervous.
8. allusive (G0102)AC A form of allusion.
9. ambiguous (PE12)AC Something that has more than one meaning (think of ambidextrous
– ambidextrous people can use both hands, and those ambiguous things have more than
one meaning).
10. analogy, extended (G0102)(PE01)AC An analogy which is extended throughout a piece.
11. analyses (PE01)AC Plural form of analysis.
12. anecdote (2) (G0102)(PE01)(PE12)(PE13)AC A short narrative detailing particulars of an
interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of
a person.
13. anecdote, extended (PE07)AC This would simply be a longer anecdote (see anecdote,
above).
14. antecedent (PE01)AC The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP
language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long,
complex sentence or in a group of sentences.
15. antiquated (PE12)AC no longer used; obsolete or obsolescent: The spinning wheel is an
antiquated machine.
16. antithesis (G0102)AC a statement in which two opposing ideas are balanced; a figure of
speech characterized by contrasting words, clauses, sentences, or ideals (man
proposes/God disposes); the balancing of one term against another for effectiveness
(“wretches hang that jury men may dine…hungry judges soon the sentence sign”);
balanced opposition.
17. aptitude (PE13)AC a natural ability to do something.
18. arduous (PE13)1, 5, 8 involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
19. argument by analogy (G0102)AC is a special type of inductive argument, whereby
perceived similarities are used as a basis to infer some further similarity that has yet to
be observed. Analogical reasoning is one of the most common methods by which human
beings attempt to understand the world and make decisions.
20. argumentation (PE13)AC To argue.
21. assert (PE01)AC To state or express positively; affirm: asserted his innocence.
22. blatant mimicry (PE01)AC Mimicry is imitation. Blatant would mean that it is very
obvious.
23. catastrophic (PE13)AC of the nature of a catastrophe, or disastrous event; calamitous: a
catastrophic failure of the dam.
24. assertive (PE12)AC Adjective form of assertion.
25. berate / berating (PE01)(PE13) AC To rebuke or scold angrily and at length.
26. charismatic (PE13)AC exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.
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27. clarify (PE13)1 clauses, subordinate (G0102)AC clause -- A grammatical unit that
contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a
complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause
cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause.
The point that you want to consider is the question of what or why the author
subordinates one element to the other. You should also become aware of making
effective use of subordination in your own writing.
28. clichés (PE07)AC a hackneyed or trite phrase that has become overused; clichés are
often considered bad writing and bad literature (think “one for all and all for one”; “here
today, gone tomorrow”).
29. comparison, analogical (PE01)AC Using an analogy to compare.
30. compound subject (G0102)AC In grammar, a compound subject is a type of subject where
two or more individual noun phrases are coordinated to form a single, larger noun
phrase.
31. conceptually (PE13)AC in terms of a concept or abstract idea.
32. conciliatory (PE13)AC overcoming animosity or hostility
33. concrete (PE13)(2)) AC Something real (as opposed to abstract).
34. concrete examples (PE01)AC Examples which are real and tangible.
35. conditional (PE13)AC The conditional mood is a grammatical mood used to express a
proposition whose validity is dependent on some condition, possibly counterfactual.
36. confidential (PE07)AC Something which is supposed to be secret, or said secretively.
37. connotative meanings (PE13)AC In literary criticism, a word's denotation is its primary
or literal significance, whereas connotation is the range of secondary significance which
a word commonly suggests. For instance, the word "sea" denotes a large body of water,
but its connotative meaning includes the sense of overwhelming space, danger,
instability; whereas "earth" connotes safety, fertility and stability. Of many potential
connotations, the particular ones evoked depend upon the context in which words are
used. Specific kinds of language (such as archaisms) also have special connotations,
carrying a sense of the context in which those words are usually found.
38. contrived (PE01)AC deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously.
39. cynical (PE13)AC believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of
human sincerity or integrity.
40. decorum (PE12)AC behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety.
41. dialect, regional (G0102)(PE13)AC A regional dialect is the distinct form of a language
spoken in a certain geographical area.
42. diction, concrete (G0102)AC That would be diction that is based in concrete language –
things that are real and tangible (as opposed to abstract).
43. digression (PE07)(PE01)AC Basically, going off topic.
44. direct comparison (PE01)AC Comparing something directly. (Analogy)
45. disassociates (PE12)AC: To separate oneself.
46. discerning (PE13)AC having or showing good judgment.
47. discrepancy (PE12)AC an instance of difference or inconsistency: There are certain
discrepancies between the two versions of the story.
48. disdainful (PE 2013 (2)) AC Scornful – showing contempt for.
49. dissemination (PE13)AC the act of spreading something, esp. information, widely;
circulation.
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50. domestication (PE13)AC. Making something “domesticated” or less wild. Can also
refer to the process of breeding wild animals into domesticated animals who are
trainable and more docile.
51. domesticity (PE13)AC home or family life.
52. double entendre (G0102)AC a figure of speech in which a spoken phrase is devised to be
understood in either of two ways. Typically one of the interpretations is rather obvious
whereas the other is more subtle. The more subtle of the interpretations may have a
humorous, ironic, or risqué purpose. It may also convey a message that would be
socially awkward, or even offensive, to state directly. (The Oxford English Dictionary
describes a double entendre as being used to "convey an indelicate meaning".) A double
entendre may exploit puns to convey the second meaning. Double entendre generally
relies on multiple meanings of words, or different interpretations of the same primary
meaning. They often exploit ambiguity and may be used to introduce it deliberately in a
text. Sometimes a homophone (i.e. another word with the same pronunciation) can be
used as a pun as well as a "double entendre" of the subject.
53. eccentricity (G0102)AC Someone who is “eccentric” has odd habits which are called
“eccentricities.”
54. eminence (PE13)AC high station, rank, or repute: philosophers of eminence.
55. empirical (PE12)AC based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience
rather than theory or pure logic.
56. enticing (PE13)AC to lead on by exciting hope or desire; allure; inveigle: They were
enticed westward by dreams of gold.
57. enumerate (PE01)AC To number, to list.
58. epithets (G0102)AC is an adjective or adjective phrase appropriately qualifying a subject
(noun) by naming a key or important characteristic of the subject, as in "laughing
happiness," "sneering contempt," "untroubled sleep," "peaceful dawn," and "life-giving
water." Sometimes a metaphorical epithet will be good to use, as in "lazy road," "tired
landscape," "smirking billboards," "anxious apple." Aptness and brilliant effectiveness
are the key considerations in choosing epithets. Be fresh, seek striking images, pay
attention to connotative value.
59. erratically (PE13)AC having no certain or definite course; wandering; not fixed: erratic
winds.
60. eugenics (PE13)AC Eugenics is the belief and practice of improving the genetic quality
of the human population. It is a social philosophy advocating the improvement of
human genetic traits through the promotion of higher reproduction of people with
desired traits (positive eugenics), and reduced reproduction of people with less-desired
or undesired traits (negative eugenics).
61. euphemism (2) (G0102)AC From the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more
agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The
euphemism may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to
add humor or ironic understatement. Saying "earthly remains" rather than "corpse" is an
example of euphemism.
62. euphemistic (PE13)AC Adjective form of euphemism.
63. evocation (G0102)AC Calling something forth.
64. exemplary (PE13)AC serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind.
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65. exemplification (PE12)AC Exemplification, in the philosophy of language, is a mode of
symbolization characterized by the relation between a sample and what it refers to.
66. exemplify (PE07)(PE12)AC to show or illustrate by example
67. explicitly (PE13)1, 5 To make obvious – explicitly in literary terms means to obviously
identify something, the opposite of stating something implicitly, which is just implied.
68. exposé (PE12)AC A genre that exposes something; like exposing a scandal.
69. fable, allegorical (G0102)AC An allegory is a narrative in which the literal elements
(characters, settings, actions) consistently point to a parallel sequence of ideas, values,
realities, or virtues. (A character named Sin who represents the idea of sin, for example).
A fable is a brief, humorous narrative told to illustrate a moral (which many allegories
do).
70. fallacious claim (PE01)AC A claim which is based in a logical fallacy.
71. fastidiousness (PE12)AC very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
72. follies (PE13)AC follies, a theatrical revue.
73. formulation (PE13)AC the action of devising or creating something.
74. historical summary (PE07)AC Summarizing the history of something.
75. hypothetical (PE01)AC of, based on, or serving as a hypothesis. A hypothesis (plural
hypotheses) is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon.
76. implausible (PE13)AC (of an argument or statement) not seeming reasonable or
probable; failing to convince.
77. implicit (PE12)AC Something is implicit is implied, as opposed to explicit, which is
obvious.
78. impressionistic descriptive writing (G0102)AC Impressionistic means: The depiction (as
in literature) of scene, emotion, or character by details intended to achieve a vividness or
effectiveness more by evoking subjective and sensory impressions than by recreating an
objective reality.
79. incite (PE12)AC encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior).
80. incredulity (PE13)AC or the state of being unwilling or unable to believe something.
81. impressionistic (PE13)AC based on subjective reactions presented unsystematically.
82. indiscretion (PE13)AC behavior or speech that is indiscreet or displays a lack of good
judgment.
83. inquisitive (PE13)AC given to inquiry, research, or asking questions; eager for
knowledge; intellectually curious: an inquisitive mind.
84. jargon (PE13)AC The specialized vocabulary of a particular group.
Ex: Bilateral periorbital hematoma (a black eye).
85. juxtaposition of disparate elements (PE01)AC An act or instance of placing close
together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast. “Disparate elements”
would be just different elements.
86. juxtapositions (PE13)AC the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with
contrasting effect.
87. nostalgia (G0102)AC The term nostalgia describes a sentimentality for the past, typically
for a period or place with happy personal associations.
88. ominous (PE13)AC giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to
happen; threatening; inauspicious.
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89. omnipotently (PE13)AC This word is not recognized by Spellcheck – but it’s an adverb
form of “omnipotent” – literally meaning “all-powerful”. It is usually applied to a
divine being.
90. paradoxical (PE12)(PE01)AC Adjective form of paradox.
91. paradoxical relationship (PE01)AC A relationship based on paradox (see above).
92. parallel / parallel construction (G0102)(PE07)(PE13)AC parallelism -- Also referred to
as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning
"beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words,
phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is
not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal
phrase. A famous example of parallelism begins Charles Dickens's novel A Tale of Two
Cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it
was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity . . . ."
The effects of parallelism are numerous, but frequently they act as an organizing force to
attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a
musical rhythm.
93. particularize (PE13)AC mention or describe particularly; treat individually or in detail.
94. pedantic (G0102)AC An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is
overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.
95. periodic sentence structure (PE13)AC A long and frequently involved sentence, marked
by suspended syntax, in which the sense is not completed until the final word--usually
with an emphatic climax. The other type of sentence (the usual type) is called a loose
sentence. A periodic sentence does not tell you what it’s really talking about until the
very end. Example: "To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in
your private heart is true for all men, that is genius." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, "SelfReliance," 1841)
96. pessimistic (PE12)(PE01)AC Someone who is pessimistic sees the glass as half-empty (as
opposed to half-full).
97. poetic fragments (PE13)AC Sentence fragments used in poetry (often used to aid rhyme
or mood).
98. predictions (PE01)AC Making a prediction about the future.
99. premise (PE12)AC A premise is a statement that an argument claims will induce or
justify a conclusion.
100.
propriety (PE12)AC the state or quality of conforming to conventionally
accepted standards of behavior or morals.
101.
prose (PE01)AC One of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and
nonfiction, including all its forms . In prose the printer determines the length of the line;
in poetry, the poet determines the length of the line.
102.
qualifying a statement (PE01)AC To “qualify” is to say “Yes, but…” (like the
argument essay).
103.
quantify (PE13)AC express or measure the quantity of.
104.
quizzical (PE13)AC (of a person's expression or behavior) indicating mild or
amused puzzlement.
105.
reevaluation (PE12)AC Redoing evaluation.
106.
refutation (PE12)AC Noun form of refute.
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107.
refute (PE07)AC The part of an argument wherein a speaker or writer anticipates
and counters opposing points of view.
108.
reverential (PE13)AC of the nature of, due to, or characterized by reverence
(which is deep respect for someone or something).
109.
revolutionary (PE13)AC engaged in or promoting political revolution.
110.
rhetorical questions (PE07)(PE13)1, 5 rhetorical question- A rhetorical question
implies that the answer is obvious--the kind of question that does not need actually to be
answered. It is used for rhetorically persuading someone of a truth without argument,
or to give emphasis to a supposed truth by stating its opposite ironically.
111.
rhetorical strategy (PE13)(PE01)(G0102)AC a rhetorical device or resource of
language (also called stylistic devices) is a technique that an author or speaker uses to
evoke an emotional response in the audience (the reader(s) or listener(s)). These
emotional responses are central to the meaning of the work or speech, and should also
get the audience's attention. Stylistic devices make your speeches, essays etc. more
interesting and lively and help you to get and keep your reader’s / listener’s attention
Ex. Analogy, antithesis, diction, synecdoche, imagery, simile, etc.
112.
satire (PE12)AC work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions
and conventions for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to
reform human behavior, satire is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for
writing. It can be recognized by the many devices used effectively the satirist: irony, wit,
parody, caricature, hyperbole, understatement, and sarcasm. The effects of satire are
varied, depending on the writer’s goal, but good satire, often humorous, is thought
provoking and insightful about the human condition.
113.
self-deprecating (PE13)AC Self-deprecation is the act of belittling or undervaluing
oneself. It can be used in humor and tension release.
114.
sentence, periodic (G0102)AC A periodic sentence (also called a period) is a
sentence that is not grammatically complete until its end. Periodicity is accomplished by
the use of parallel phrases or clauses at the opening or by the use of dependent clauses
preceding the independent clause; that is, the kernel of thought contained in the
subject/verb group appears at the end of a succession of modifiers. It is the opposite of a
nuclear sentence. The periodic sentence is effective when it is used to arouse interest and
curiosity, to hold an idea in suspense before its final revelation. Ex.
“Out of the bosom of the Air,
Out of the cloud-folds of her garment shaken,
Over the woodlands brown and bare,
Over the harvest-fields forsaken,
Silent and soft, and slow,
Descends the snow.”
115.
sentence structure, complexity of (PE01)AC How complex a sentence is – a
complex sentence is a sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent
clause.
116.
sentimentality (PE01)AC Excessively focused on feelings (the noun form of
“sentimental”).
117.
shift in point of view (G0102)AC Moving from first to second person, for
example.
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118.
speculative (PE12)(PE13)AC pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by
speculation, contemplation, conjecture, or abstract reasoning: a speculative approach.
119.
spontaneity (PE13)AC the condition of being spontaneous; spontaneous
behavior or action.
120.
straightforward (PE13)AC uncomplicated and easy to do or understand.
121.
style (2) (G0102)AC The consideration of style has two purposes: (1) An
evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax,
figurative language, and other literary devices. Some authors' styles are so idiosyncratic
that we can quickly recognize works by the same author (or a writer emulating that
author's style). Compare, for example, Jonathan Swift to George Orwell or William
Faulkner to Ernest Hemingway. We can analyze and describe an author's personal style
and make judgments on how appropriate it is to the author's purpose. Styles can be
called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, or laconic,
to name only a few examples. (2) Classification of authors to a group and comparison of
an author to similar authors. By means of such classification and comparison, we can see
how an author's style reflects and helps to define a historical period, such as the
Renaissance or the Victorian period, or a literary movement, such as the romantic,
transcendental or realist movement.
122.
stylistic (PE13)AC of or concerning style, esp. literary style. Style is a writer’s
unique voice.
123.
syllogism (PE07)AC From the Greek for "reckoning together," a syllogism (or
syllogistic reasoning or syllogistic logic) is a deductive system of formal logic that
presents two premises (the first one called "major" and the second, "minor") that
inevitably lead to a sound conclusion. A frequently cited example proceeds as follows:
major Premise: All men are mortal. minor premise: Socrates is a man. conclusion:
Therefore, Socrates is mortal. A Syllogism's conclusion is valid only if each of the two
premises is valid. Syllogisms may also present the specific idea first ("Socrates") and the
general second ("All men").
124.
syntax (G0102)AC The way an author chooses to join words into phrases,
clauses, and sentences. Syntax is similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by
thinking of syntax as the groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words.
In the multiple-choice section, expect to be asked some questions about how an author
manipulates syntax. In the essay section, you will need to analyze how syntax produces
effects.
125.
Syntax parallel (G0102)AC Syntax that uses parallel structure
126.
treatise (PE07)AC A treatise is a formal and systematic written discourse on
some subject, generally longer and treating it in greater depth than an essay, and more
concerned with investigating or exposing the principles of the subject.
127.
unassailable (PE13)AC not subject to denial or dispute: Shakespeare's
genius gives his works an unassailable position in world literature.
128.
undermines (PE12)AC damage or weaken (someone or something), esp.
gradually or insidiously.
129.
usage changes(PE07)AC Usage refers to how language is used. Acceptable usage
changes in time – thus language undergoes usage changes.
130.
validity (PE13)AC How valid something is.
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131.
varying degrees of formality (PE13)AC Very formal language is correct and
doesn’t use any slang. Less formal language does.
132.
verb form (PE07)AC There are up to 5 forms for each verb : root, third-person
singular, present participle, past, and past participle.
133.
wit (G0102)AC In modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises
and delights. A witty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speaker's verbal
power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Wit usually uses terse language
that makes a pointed statement. Historically, wit originally meant basic understanding.
Its meaning evolved to include speed of understanding, and finally (in the early
seventeenth century), it grew to mean quick perception including creative fancy and a
quick tongue to articulate an answer that demanded the same quick perception.
134.
paradox (G0102)(PE07)(PE01)(PE12)AC A statement that appears to be selfcontradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some
degree of truth or validity. Macbeth.