English Language &: Composition Vocab Words

Diction: Related to style, diction refers to the writer’s word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.

For the exam, you should be able to describe an author’s diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain) and understand the ways in which diction can complement the author’s purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, and so on, creates an author’s style. Avoid: “The author uses diction…”

Loose sentence: A type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses.

If a period were placed at the end of the independent clause, the clause would be a complete sentence. A work containing many loose sentences often seem informal, relaxed, and conversational.

Periodic sentence: A sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. For example, “Ecstatic with my AP scores, I let out a loud shout of joy!” The effect of a periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety.

Metonymy: A term from the Greek meaning “changed label” or “substitute name,” metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. A news release that claims “the White House declared” rather than “the President declared” is using metonymy. This term is unlikely to be used in the multiple-choice section, but you might see examples of metonymy in an essay passage.

Parallelism: Also referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greet 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.

Pedantic: An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.

Predicate adjectives: One type of subject complement-an adjective, group of adjectives, or adjective clause that follows a linking verb. It is in the predicate of the sentence, and modifies or describes the subject. For example, in the sentence “My boyfriend is tall, dark, and handsome,” the group of predicate adjectives (“tall, dark, and handsome”) describes “boyfriend.”

Predicate nominative: A second type of subject complement-a noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject. It, like the predicate adjective, follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “Abe Lincoln was a man of integrity,” the predicate nominative is “man of integrity,” as it renames Abe Lincoln. Occasionally, this term or the term “predicate adjective” appears in a multiple-choice question.

Rhetorical appeal: The persuasive device by which a writer tries to sway the audience’s attention and response to any given work. Three rhetorical appeals were defined by Aristotle: Logos, Ethos, Pathos (and Kairos).

Logos: Employs logical reasoning, combining a clear idea (or multiple ideas) with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details. These supports are logically presented and rationally reach the writer’s conclusion.

Ethos: Establishes credibility in the speaker. Since by definition “ethos” means the common attitudes, beliefs, and characteristics of a group or time period, this appeal sets up believability in the writer. He or she is perceived as someone who can be trusted and is concerned with the reader’s best interests.

Pathos: plays on the reader’s emotions and interests. A sympathetic audience is more likely to accept a writer’s assertions, so this appeal draws upon that understanding and uses it to the writer’s advantage.

Kairos: A time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action; the opportune and decisive moment.

Rhetorical modes: This flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing. Sometimes referred to as modes of discourse, the four most common rhetorical modes and their purposes are as follows:

Exposition (or expository writing): The purpose of exposition is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. The AP Language and Composition Exam essay questions are frequently set up as expository topics.

Argumentation: The purpose of argumentation is to prove the validity of an idea, point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, thoughtful discussion, and insightful argument that thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation having the additional aim of urging some form of action. Many AP Language and Composition Exam essay questions ask you to form an argument.

Description: The purpose of description is to re-create, invent, or visually present a person, place, event, or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five senses in description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional and subjective.

Narration: The purpose of narration is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing.

Syllogism: From the Greek for “reckoning together,” a syllogism (or syllogistic reasoning) 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 are valid. Syllogisms may also present the specific idea first (“Socrates”) and the general idea second (“All men”)

Understatement: The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. Understatement is opposite of hyperbole. Two specific types of understatement exist: litotes and meiosis.

Litotes: A figure of speech by which an affirmation is made indirectly by denying its opposite. It uses understatement for emphasis, frequently with a negative assertion. Example: “It was no mean feat” means it was quite hard. “He was not averse to drink” means he drank a lot.

Meiosis: The Greek term for understatement or belittling; a rhetorical figure by which something is referred to in terms less important than it really deserves. It describes something that is very impressive with simplicity. Example: When Mercutio calls his mortal wound a “scratch” in Romeo and Juliet.