AP Language and Composition Terms

Using character and/or story elements to symbolically represent an abstraction

Anything that represents itself and stands for something else.

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional of words, phrases, or sentences

A verbal description, the purpose of exaggerating or distorting a person's physical features

An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong abusive language.

When one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another

A statement that appears to be self contradictory but contains some truth

Contains both a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone

A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.

A device used to produce figurative language

A work that closely imitates the style of another with the specific aim of comic effect

One of the major divisions of genre, refers to fiction and nonfiction including all its forms

A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform

A deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises that lead to a conclusion

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement

Describes the traditions of each genre, helps define each genre.

The ironic minimalizing of fact, presenting something less significant than it is

A figure of speech that addresses an abstract or imaginary person

An adjective that describes a word and is overly scholarly or bookish

Good speech, less offensive substitutes for generally unpleasant words or concepts

The priciniples of governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively

The word or clasue that follows a linking verb and complements

This term means "sermon"

A figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole

Perspective from which the story is told

The telling of a story

The author presents or describes concepts, animals, inanimate objects with human attributes.

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun

The central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.

A figure of speech where the name of an object is substituted for that of another.

A direct or indirect reference to an event, book, myth, place or work of art.

The exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or analogy.

The branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words

The use of slang or informal speech

Involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.

The opposition or contrast of ideas, the direct opposite

The contrast between what is stated and what is really meant.

A figure of speech where the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.

Primary aim of teaching or instructing especailly moral or ethical priniciples.