Name: ___________________________________________________ Period: _______ Date: ________________________________
Most Common AP English Language and Composition Rhetorical Devices Summer 2018
1. Abstract Language or Concept (n)
Definition: Opposite of concrete and tangible;
usually relates to concepts, ideas, emotions and
universal themes
Examples: peace; love; hate; racism; faith;
integrity; truth; loyalty; betrayal; wisdom
3. Allegory (n)/Allegorical (adj)
Definition: Symbolic story
Examples: The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe is an allegory for the life, death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Animal Farm is an allegory for Communism.
Avatar is an allegory for colonialism or what
happened to Native Americans on their own land.
5. Ambivalent (n)/Ambivalence (n)
Definition: Feeling two ways at the same time;
having conflicting feelings
Examples:
“I’m wavering between following the dress code
and wanting to rebel against it.”
“I feel excited and scared at the same time about
going away to college.”
7. Anecdote (n)/Anecdotal (adj)
Definition: Brief, amusing or interesting story
that makes a point
Example: “When I was in high school, we had to
use electric typewriters and no one had Interact
access. Therefore, you have no excuse for not
typing your research paper.”
2. Affirm (v)/Affirmation (n)/Affirmative (adj)
Definition: Declare something to be true or factual; to
state positively
Examples: The evidence affirmed her claim.
The Republican Party continued to affirm its support
for further healthcare reform.
4. Allusion (n)/Allude (v)
Definition: Reference to something in art, music,
movies, literature, culture, history, etc.
Examples: “It’s like World War II in that classroom.”
“High school is no Disneyland.”
“He played me like Judas.”
“My mother is no Top Chef in the kitchen.”
6. Analogy (n)/Analogous (adj)
Definition: Using a well-known idea, concept,
person, etc. in order to simplify a more difficult,
unfamiliar concept; analogous: similar in some way
Examples: “Mrs. Wong grading your essay is like
wearing a freshly washed white shirt to school only to
have her spray grape jelly all over—and, I mean, all
over your once-clean shirt.”
“Intelligence is like a pencil: It needs sharpening in
order to be useable.”
8. Antecedent (n)
Definition: Word, phrase or clause referred to
by a pronoun (the pronoun is replacing either the
subject or the object in the sentence)
Example: “They refused to broach the subject,
because it was too sensitive to discuss.”: “It” refers to
“the subject,” which is the antecedent.
“Mrs. Wong balked when someone suggested that she
not be so fastidious about grammar.”: “She” refers to
“Mrs. Wong,” who is the antecedent.
9. Anthology (n)
Definition: Collection of selected literary pieces
or passages or works of art or music; compilation
Examples: Norton Anthology of Poetry; Norton
Anthology of American Literature; The Beatles
Anthology; Andy Warhol Anthology
11. Aphorism (n)
Definition: Short phrase that expresses a wise
idea; wise saying; proverb; maxim
Examples: “Diligence is the mother of good luck”
(Benjamin Franklin).
“We must become the change we want to see”
(Mahatma Gandhi).
13. Apostrophe
Definition: Forceful, emotional device, where
writer breaks from flow of writing or speaking to
directly address person or personified object
Examples: “So we near our conclusion, and I
must ask you, my wise reader, to bear with me for
one more small digression.”
“Death be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so . . .”
(Donne).
15. Assert (v)/Assertion (n)
Definition: Declare forcefully, aggressively; state
clearly and strongly
Example: “The head of the EPA asserts that
climate change does not exist while the National
Park Service—along with numerous scientists—
asserts that it does.”
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10. Antithesis (n)/Antithetical (adj)
Definition: Using contrast in language in order to
emphasize contrast in ideas; can be created by
contrasting different parts of a statement.
Examples: “That’s one small step for [a] man, one
giant leap for mankind” (Neil Armstrong).
“To err is human, to forgive, divine” (Alexander
Pope).
“You are easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart.”
12. Apologetic (adj)
Definition: Feeling or showing regret or remorse,
especially for one’s own wrongdoing; an argument
offered in defense or vindication
Examples: “The aftermath has been a rough several
days for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who posted
an apologetic note on his site. . . .”
“Christian apologetics are meant to defend its beliefs
and teachings.”
14. Argument/Argumentation
Definition: Writing or speaking trying to prove the
validity of a proposition or opinion
Examples: persuasive essay or speech; editorial or
op-ed piece (opinion-editorial); debate
16. Asyndeton (n)
Definition: Leaving out conjunctions in a list or
between clauses to clarify previous item, imply
spontaneity or suggest an incomplete list.
Examples: “This is the villain among you who
deceived you, who cheated you, who meant to
betray you completely . . . ” (Rhetoric, by Plato)
“I stepped into a deserted corridor clogged with
too many smells. Carnations, old people, rubbing
alcohol, bathroom deodorizer, red Jell-O” (The
Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Mond Kid).
18. Atmosphere (n)
Definition: Feeling, emotion or mood that an
author creates through descriptive language and/or
person’s actions; also known as “mood.”
Examples: “The President’s policies toward
immigration has created an atmosphere of fear and
apprehension among many immigrants.”
“A classroom should have an atmosphere of
collegiality, cooperation and encouragement.”
“Mandy Kaling’s memoir created an atmosphere
of levity, frustration and triumph.”
19. Caricature (n)
Definition: Comically or grotesquely exaggerated
representation (visual or written) of someone or
something
Examples: Written: “Mr. Tanner wore shoes
that were scuffed, and pants that were so tight
around his belly that we wondered if he would pop
out of them. His shirts were neatly pressed, but so
starchy that he crackled when he walked. And, he
was forever forgetting his Coke bottle glasses-
perched on top of his head while he looked for
them on his desk.”
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17. Polysyndeton (n)
Definition: Purposely putting conjunction between
every item, which can increase sense of urgency and
power
Examples: “We must change that deleterious
environment of the ’80s, that environment which was
characterized by greed and hatred and selfishness and
mega-mergers and debt overhang . . .” (Barbara Jordan,
1992 DNC Keynote Address)
“As soon as he learned that the Republican fiction
writers, in Congress and out, had concocted a story that
I'd left him behind on the Lucian Islands and had sent a
destroyer back to find him at a cost to the taxpayers of 2
or 3 or 8 or 20 million dollars, his Scot soul was
furious” (FDR about his dog).
19. Cacophony (n) / Euphony (n)
Definition: Cacophony = Harsh sound; jarring sound
Euphony = Pleasant sound; harmony; melody
Examples: “‘Screech!’ went the tires, while the front
of the car crumpled into the metal Dumpster on the
corner.”
Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne’er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need. (Emily Dickinson)
20. Clause (n)
Definition: Group of words containing subject and
predicate (part of sentence that says something about
subject)
Subordinate (Dependent) Clause: Subject + verb,
but does not express complete thought, because it
depends on independent clause to function (i.e., it’s a
fragment). The subordinate clause usually begins
with a preposition.
Independent (Main) Clause: Subject + verb that
expresses a complete thought (i.e., it’s a complete
sentence).
Visual: U.S. Presidents are represented as
caricatures in political cartoons with physical
exaggerations. For example, Bill Clinton’s
caricature always had an oversized nose, while
Barack Obama’s caricature always has big ears.
21. Colloquialism (n)/ Colloquial (adj)
Definition: Slang; local expressionism; everyday
casual language, usually used on spoken
expression; vernacular
Examples: “kick back”; “I’m shook”; “trolling”;
“how’s it?” “the 405”; “stand in line” vs. “stand
on line”
23. Concrete Language (n)
Definition: Words used to describe tangible
things; factual, realistic language
Example: “Hot apple pie straight out of the
oven;” “avocado-green cotton T-shirt”; “95-
degree weather with 100-percent humidity”
“The AP English Language and Composition
exam has three Free Response Questions and 55
multiple-choice questions, which takes 2 hours.”
25. Consonance (n)
Definition: Repetition of similar consonant
sounds that are close together
Example: “Tick-tock,” “ping pong” or “Peter
Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”
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Examples: “She passed the AP exam (independent
clause), because she studied for months (dependent
clause).”
“Unless he passes his final (dependent clause), he
cannot pass the class (independent clause).”
22. Coherence (n)/Coherent (adj) vs. Cohesive
Definition: Being clear, intelligible and
understandable without losing meaning
Examples: “I don’t agree with you, because your
argument is based on logical fallacies.”
A coherent essay would make sense to the reader.
A cohesive essay has sentences, paragraphs and ideas
that connect and flow together.
24. Connotation (n)/Connote (v)
Definition: Implied, suggested meaning of a word
phrase; often revealing the word user’s bias
Example: “Smarty-pants” and “know-it-all” have
negative connotations that imply that someone is
trying to show off his or her intelligence, while
“intelligent” and “astute” have positive connotations
about being smart and being respected for it.
26. Deduction/Deductive Reasoning
Definition: Drawing specific conclusions from
general premises or principles
Example: “John is a man.”
“All men are sons.”
“Therefore, John is a son.”
All apples are fruits.
A Granny Smith is an apple.
Therefore, a Granny Smith is a fruit.
27. Contrived (adj)

Definition: Having an unnatural or false

appearance or quality; sounding forced, fake or
insincere

Example: “His contrived condolences to the

families of the shooting victims convinced no one
that he actually cared about them or their loss of
loved ones.”
“Her apology felt contrived, so I didn’t accept it.”

28. Denotation (n)/Denote (v) 29. Descriptive Language (n)

Definition: Literal, dictionary, objective Definition: Depiction in words of something or

definition someone through detailed observation of color,
motion, sound, taste, smell, and touch; one of the four
Example: “Perspicacious” means “intelligent.” modes of discourse.

“Adept” means “highly skilled or talented.” Example: “The sunset in Hawaii was crimson red,
burnt orange and golden yellow while the summer air
smelled like briny salt water and coconut oil.”

30. Diatribe (n) 31. Diction (n)

Definition: Angry speech; tirade; rant; harangue
Example: “Politicians and social activists often
go on diatribes against those who adamantly
oppose their agendas.”
“They do nothing to support the government
services they want, and have nothing but criticism
for the government services they don’t want,”
Bahrman told the jury. “We’re trespassers and
tramplers of their rights right up until they need us
to protect them from the violence that they attract to
the community.”
Definition: Word choice, which affects the tone of a
piece and reflects the writer or speaker’s style
Example: Formal diction is used in official speeches
and essays, while informal diction is used in casual
conversation.
The intentional use of pronouns such as “I,” “we” and
“you” represents diction, because each pronoun can
affect the tone and connotation

32. Didactic (adj) 33. Discourse (n)

Definition: Overly instructional; too much Definition: Written or spoken communication

lecturing
Example: Exposition: Main focus of this type of
Example: A speaker addressing a problem and discourse is to make the audience aware about the topic
telling the audience what the solution is without of the discussion. Definitions and summaries.
allowing them to come to their own conclusion is
being didactic.
5

A teacher or professor who lectures to the class
the whole time without any discussion or
independent thinking is didactic.
34. Discredit (v)
Definition: To cause someone or something to
appear dishonest or untrue; damage someone’s
credibility
Examples: “The defense attorney tried to
discredit the witness in order to cast doubt upon
his testimony.”
“One way to discredit the opposition is to prove
the fallacy of their claims against your argument.”
36. Enthymeme (n)
Definition: Form of reasoning where 1 or more
statements of syllogism (a three-pronged deductive
argument) is/are left out
Example: “Michael is mortal because he is
human.” (Dropped major premise: All humans are
mortal.)
“She’s a U.S. citizen, so she is entitled to vote.”
(Dropped major premise: All U.S. citizens have
the right to vote.)
38. Ethical Appeal (Ethos)
Definition: Appeal to readers’ or audience’s
sense of ethics; writer or speaker needs to
establish credibility and/or authority
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Narration: Type of discourse that relies on stories,
folklore or a drama as a medium of communication.
Stage play, story, folklore.
Description: Describing something in relation to the
senses. Descriptive discourse enables the audience to
develop a mental picture of what is being discussed.
Descriptive parts of novel or essays.
Argument: Based on valid logic and, through correct
reasoning tries to motivate the audience.
Lectures, non-fiction books, essays and prose.
35. Emotional Appeal (Pathos)
Definition: Appealing to readers’ or audience’s
emotions, especially sympathy, empathy, guilt,
indignation, shame, duty, patriotism
Example: ASPCA TV ads with sad shelter animals
and Sarah McLachlan singing a melancholy song in
the background.
Trump playing upon people’s fears and frustrations in
order to get elected.
37. Eponym (n)
Definition: Similar to allusion but refer to specific
famous person to connect his or her attributes with
someone else.
Examples: “He’s an Eminem on the mike.”
“She’s Kylie Jenner from the front and Kim
Kardashian from the back.”
When Sam and Dean Winchester meet Prometheus in
a Supernatural episode, Dean asks Prometheus,
“You’re a real-life Kenny?” (As in Kenny from South
Park, who dies in every episode but returns in the next
one.)
“She’s the Regina George of her squad.”
39. Eulogy (n) (“Good Speech”)/Eulogize (v)
Definition: Speech given at someone’s funeral or
memorial service; meant to highlight the achievements
and good memories of the deceased
Example:
Examples: Using expert opinions, published
research studies, people affiliated with reputable
organizations
“According to Professor Know-It-All. . . .”
“In a research study conducted by Stanford
University psychology professors. . . .”
“In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control
announced. . . .”
“President Barack Obama argued that. . . .”
40. Euphemism (n)/Euphemistic (adj)
Definition: Presenting a potentially offensive or
negative word or term in a more positive, less
offensive light
Examples:
adult entertainment = pornography
beauty mark = mole
between jobs = unemployed
certified pre-owned vehicle = used car
enhanced interrogation = torture
sanitation engineer = trash collector
underperforming = failing
42. Exemplify (v)/Exemplification (n)
Definition: To show or illustrate by example; to
serve as an example; to be typical of
Examples: “The student’s mastery of writing and
rhetorical analysis was exemplified by her 5 on the
AP exam.”
Exemplum (n)
Definition: Providing an example to illustrate
your point; best exemplum come from the real
world (e.g., current events, history)
Examples: “The United States should extricate
itself from military involvement in Afghanistan;
after all, more than 2,000 U.S. soldiers have died
over the past 13 years.”
“Police brutality is on the rise; consider the recent
cases involving Michael Brown and Eric Garner.”
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President Obama’s 2015 Eulogy of Rev. Clementa
Pinckney After Charleston Shooting:
“ . . . . Preacher by 13, pastor by 18, public servant by
23. What a life Clementa Pinckney lived. What an
example he set. What a model for his faith. And then
to lose him at 41, slain in his sanctuary with eight
wonderful members of his flock, each at different
stages in life but bound together by a common
commitment to God—Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson,
Ethel Lance, DePayne Middleton Doctor, Tywanza
Sanders, Daniel L. Simmons, Sharonda Coleman-
Singleton, Myra Thompson. . . .”
41. Evoke (v)/Evocative (adj)
Definition: To bring a memory, feeing or image to
mind; to conjure
Examples: “The mere mention of 9/11 evokes images
of the plane crashing into the Twin Towers and the
survivors covered in layers of ash.”
“In his speech after the Sandy Hook shooting,
President Obama tried to evoke feelings of sympathy
for the children and their families, as well as
indignation against the lawmakers who refused to pass
stricter gun control, which could have prevented such
a tragedy from occurring in the first place.”
43. Explicate (v)/ Explication (n)
Definition: To analyze or explain; to explain in detail
Examples: Writers and speakers should explicate
unfamiliar terms, complex theories or new concepts.
Analogies can be used to explicate.
44. Exposition (n)/Expository (adj)
Definition: Comprehensive description or
explanation of idea of concept
Example: An expository essay on the Civil War
will explain what happened but not argue a
specific point of view.
An expository essay on vaccines would describe
the vaccines and how they work but not argue for
or against the vaccination of all children.
46. Generalization (n)/Generalize (v)
Definition: Statement about group of people or
things based on only a few people or things in that
group; forming opinions that are based on small
amount of information
Examples: It is a broad generalization to say that
all high school students want to go to college.
“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not
sending the best. They’re sending people that have
lots of problems and they’re bringing those
problems. They’re bringing drugs, they’re
bringing crime. They’re rapists and some, I
assume, are good people, but I speak to border
guards and they’re telling us what we’re getting”
(Donald Trump in June 2015).
48. Hyperbole (n)/Hyperbolic (adj)
Definition: Deliberate exaggeration or
overstatement
Examples: “She has watched the movie a million
times.”
“I slept for a week.”
“Bill Gates is a gazillionaire.”
“It’s 200 degrees ouside.”
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45. Footnote (n)
Definition: Notes at the bottom of the page that cite
sources or comment on text with footnote numbers.
Example: The development of aptitude with technology in
young children should not overshadow the necessity of play
which is crucial to building important gross and fine motor
skills in early childhood.6
Footnote:
6
See Harsenwusen (2014) for research demonstrating the lack of
motor skill development in young children using tablets for more
than an hour each day.
47. Genre (n)
Definition: Category of writing, music, movies and
other forms of entertainment
Examples:
Nonfiction: autobiography; biography; memoir
diary/journal; literary criticism; essay; journalistic,
political; scientific; and nature writing
Fiction: Science fiction; horror; fantasy; mystery;
thriller; tragedy; and romance
Subgenres: Zombie apocalypse, vampires vs.
werewolves and paranormal activity are subgenres of
the horror genre; dystopian, post-apocalyptic,
superheroes and supervillains, time travel, and mythical
are subgenres of science fiction/fantasy.
49. Imagery (n)
Definition: Using descriptive language to appeal to
reader or listener’s senses (not just visual)
Example: “The shriek was followed by another,
louder and yet more agonizing—for once started upon
that journey, the hog never came back; at the top of
the wheel he was shunted off upon a trolley, and went
sailing down the room. And meantime another was
swung up, and then another, and another, until there
was a double line of them, each dangling by a foot and
kicking in frenzy—and squealing.” (The Jungle)
50. Imply (v)/Insinuate (v)
Definition: To hint at, suggest; “insinuate” has
more of a negative connotation (“What are you
insinuating?”
Example: A speaker could be implying that his
opponent is a hypocrite by saying “At least what I
say and do is the same—unlike some other
people.”
52. Infer (v)/Inference (n)
Definition: To reach conclusion based on what
was implied or insinuated
Example: “Based on her curt reply, I can infer
that she is angry with me.”
When someone uses a racist term, most would
infer that the person is racist.
54. Invective (n)
Definition: Emotionally violent, verbal
denunciation or attack using strong, abusive
language.
Example: “A knave, a rascal; an eater of broken
meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-
suited, hundred-pound, filthy, worsted-stocking
knave… and art nothing but the composition of a
knave, beggar, coward, pandar, and the son and
heir of a mongrel bitch . . . ” (Shakespeare, King
Lear).
56. Jargon (n)
Definition: Language used by specific group,
especially in certain fields and industries
Examples: Medical jargon: cardiac arrest; stat;
BP (blood pressure)
Computer jargon: megabyte; jpg; drive;
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51. Induction/Inductive Reasoning (n)
Definition: Making broad generalizations from
specific observations; opposite of deductive reasoning
Example: “Mrs. Wong is an expert in grammar.”
“Mrs. Wong is Asian.” “All Asians are experts in
grammar.” (Clearly, you can see the lack of logic in
this type of reasoning.)
53. Interrogative (adj)
Definition: Having the form or force of a question
Example: “How can you make the world a better
place?”
“What happens to us after we die?”
“What is your purpose in life?”
FYI: An interrogative with an exclamation is called an
interrobang (e.g., “What do you think you’re
doing?!”).
55. Inversion (n)/Invert (v)
Definition: Reversing the natural or normal word
order for a poetic effect or to grab the reader’s
attention
Examples: “Wars not make one great.”
“Judge me by my size, do you?” (Yoda)
“Whose woods these are I think I know”
(“Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert
Frost).
57. Kairos (Greek for “Supreme Moment”) (n)
Definition: Opportune moment for a speech,
considering time, place and current social atmosphere
Example: Germany of post-WWI was demoralized
and disorganized. Adolph Hitler's rhetoric was
successful not only because of his personal charisma
and his mastery of delivery, but because he spoke at
the right time: the German people wanted a way out of
its economic morass and its cultural shame, and Hitler
provided them both with his strong, nationalistic
oratory.
58. Litote (n) 59. Logical Appeal (Logos)

Definition: Understatement of an affirmative by Definition: Using logic and reason to support an

using negative description; discreet way of saying argument
something unpleasant without directly using
negativity Examples: Using facts, research studies, survey
results and statistics.
Examples: “He’s not the sharpest tool in the
shed.” “According to a 2013 Pew Research Center (ethos)
“The food wasn’t bad.” “It wasn’t the worst thing survey, 8 percent of Americans get their news through
she had ever read.” Twitter.”
60. Logical Fallacy (n)

Definition: Error in reasoning; adopting a
position based on faulty reasoning
Example: Slippery Slope: Based on premise that
if A happens, then eventually through series of
small steps, through B, C . . . X, Y, Z will happen,
too, basically equating A and Z. So, if we don't
want Z to occur, A must not be allowed to occur
either.
Red Herring: Diversionary tactic that avoids key
issues, often by avoiding opposing arguments rather
than addressing them.
Straw Man: Oversimplifies an opponent’s viewpoint
and then attacks that hollow argument.
Moral Equivalence: Compares minor misdeeds with
major atrocities.

Hasty Generalization: Based on insufficient or

biased evidence; rushing to conclusion before you
have all relevant facts.
Post hoc ergo propter hoc: Assumes that if ‘A’
occurred after ‘B’ then ‘B'-‘ must have caused ‘A.’

Genetic Fallacy: Based on an argument that origins

of a person, idea, institute or theory determine its
character, nature or worth.

Begging the Claim: The conclusion that the writer

should prove is validated within the claim.

Circular Argument: This restates the argument

rather than actually proving it.

Either/or: This is a conclusion that oversimplifies

the argument by reducing it to only two sides or
choices.

Ad hominem: This is an attack on the character of

a person rather than his or her opinions or
arguments.

Ad populum: Emotional appeal that speaks to

positive (such as patriotism, religion, democracy) or

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negative (such as terrorism or fascism) concepts,
rather than real issue at hand.
61. Loose Sentence (n)
Definition: Opposite of periodic sentence; main
clause comes first and then followed by 1 or more
dependent clauses.
Note: Additional information comes at the end.
Examples: “Her parents berated her for her
outlandish behavior, expecting her to conform to
their conservative mores.”
“The student felt that her essay was a debacle,
inundated with grammatical errors, convoluted in
its argument, and suffering from a dearth of
evidence.”
63. Metonym/Metonymy (n)
Definition: Reference to something closely related
to the actual object; using name, attribute or object
closely related to the object or organization
Examples: “The White House held a press
conference.”
“The pen is mightier than the sword.”
“Apple released a new iPhone today.”
65. Nostalgic (adj)/Nostalgia (n)
Definition: Feeling of both pleasure and sadness
that is caused by remembering something from the
past and wishing that you could experience it
again
Examples: “Adults often feel nostalgic for the
innocence and frivolity of their childhood.”
“Hearing certain songs can make people feel
nostalgic for past relationships and times in their
lives.”
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62. Periodic Sentence (n)
Definition: Places dependent clause at beginning of
sentence and main clause at end of sentence.
Note: Used for emphasis, suspense or intrigue; or to
focus on cause or reason for main point.
Examples: “Rather than being complacent, she
decided to take action.”
“Despite being inundated with homework, he helped
his little brother with his.”
“Instead of studying for his AP exam, he played
Fortnite—all night.”
64. Mood (n)/Atmosphere (n)
Definition: Predominant atmosphere or emotional
feeling of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect
mood.
Example: The mood of The Jungle is depressing and
somber.”
“The mood of Invisible Man is surreal and tense at
times.”
66. Objectivity (n)/Objective (adj)
Definition: Showing no bias; based on facts and not
feelings or opinions
Examples: News articles are supposed to be
objective.
“Students must complete A-G course requirements in
order to be able to apply to schools in the Cal State
and UC systems.”
67. Ornamental/Ornate (adj)
Definition: Excessively “flowery,” complex, with
big words as part of writing style; opposite of
concise and simple style
Example: “Salutations. I beseech you to permit
me to introduce my lowly being as your most
fervent admirer who has followed every nuance
and meander of your laudable existence on this
spherical planet” (i.e., Hi. I think you’re
awesome).
69. Oxymoron (n)/Oxymoronic (adj)
Definition: Combination of words that have
opposite or very different meanings
Examples: “jumbo shrimp”; “awfully good”;
“deafening silence”; “seriously funny”;
“bittersweet”; “a definite maybe”
71. Parable (n)
Definition: Simple, didactic story used to
illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson
Example: “The Parable of the Good Samaritan”:
The lesson is that our perceived enemy could help
us and love us more than our perceived neighbor.
“The Parable of the Prodigal Son”: The lesson is
that God welcomes His children at any time, even
if they once rejected Him.
73. Paralipsis (n)
Definition: When an idea is deliberately
suggested through a brief treatment of a subject,
while most of the significant points are omitted. It
is explained through the use of this device that
some points are too obvious to mention.
Furthermore, paralipsis is a way of emphasizing a
subject by apparently passing over it.
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68. Oversimplification (n)/Oversimplify (v)
Definition: Simplifying to such an extent as to bring
about distortion, misunderstanding, or error; describe
in a way that does not include all the facts and details
and causes misunderstanding
Examples: “Raising taxes would eliminate the
federal deficit.”
“In order to write a good essay, you just need to have
a good thesis statement and topic sentences.”
70. Pacing (n)
Definition: Manipulating time in a creative work;
technique used in narratives (storytelling); how
quickly (or slowly) a story unfolds
Example: Speeches tend to have faster pacing,
because of time constraints and the audience’s
attention span.
Adventure and action stories have intense, fast-
actioned pacing in order to pump up the audience’s
adrenaline.
72. Paradox (n)/Paradoxical (adj)
Definition: Statement that appears to be self-
contradictory or opposed to common sense, but, upon
closer inspection, it does possess a certain degree of
truth or validity
Example: Liar’s Paradox: A Cretan sails to Greece
and says to some Greeks who are standing upon the
shore: “All Cretans are liars." Did he speak the truth,
or did he lie? A week later, the Cretan sailed to Greece
again and said: “All Cretans are liars and all I say is
the truth.”
Example: Tony Stark from Iron Man 2: “I’m not saying
I’m responsible for this country’s longest run of
uninterrupted peace in 35 years! I’m not saying that from
the ashes of captivity, never has a Phoenix metaphor been
more personified! I’m not saying Uncle Sam can kick back
on a lawn chair, sipping on an iced tea, because I haven’t
come across anyone man enough to go toe to toe with me
on my best day! It’s not about me. It’s not about you,

74. Parallelism/Parallel Structure (n)
Definition: Grammatical or rhetorical framing
of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs to give
structural similarity
Example: “Here, we have gathered.” Here, we
have stood up for our rights. Here, we will
triumph.”
“She enjoys writing, reading and sleeping.”
76. Pedantic (adj)/Pedant (n)
Definition: Adjective that describes words,
phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly,
academic, or bookish (language that might be
described as bombastic)
Example: “Her teaching pedagogy is extremely
didactic when, really, she should be integrating
more scaffolding into her classroom instruction.”
78. Point of View (n)
Definition: Angle of seeing things, which shows
readers/audience the opinion or feelings of
individuals involved in a situation. In literature,
point of view is mode of narration that author
employs to let readers “hear” and “see” what takes
place in the story.
Examples: 1st person; 2nd person; 3rd person;
objective point of view; subjective point of view
80. Predicate (n)
Definition: Part of sentence that contains the
verbs and says something about the subject.
Example: “The student wrote her essay.” (“The
student” is the subject, and “wrote her essay” is
the predicate.)
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either. It’s about legacy, the legacy left behind for future
generations. It’s not about us!”
75. Parody (n)/(v)
Definition: Work that closely imitates style or
content of another work with specific purpose of comic
effect and/or ridicule; also exploits stylistic peculiarities
of original work
Examples: Scary Movie mimics other popular horror
movies; Space Balls mimics Star Wars; Austin Powers
mimics James Bond; Shaun of the Dead mimics Dawn
of the Dead
77. Personify (v)/Personification (n)
Definition: Giving inanimate objects a human
characteristic. In contrast, anthropomorphism basically
makes an animal or inanimate object like a human
overall.
Examples: “Pink is as laid back as beige, but while
beige is dull and bland, pink is laid back with attitude”
(“The Eight-Story Kiss”).
“My computer hates me.”
“New York—the city that never sleeps.”
79. Polemic (n)/Polemical (adj)
Definition: Strong verbal or written attack against
someone or something; diatribe; rant; invective; tirade;
harangue
Example: Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is both a
satire and polemic against Stalinism.
Trump often issues polemics against the news media,
Democrats, immigrants and his opponents.
81. Preposition (n)
Definition: Word or group of words used with noun,
pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, location, or
time, or to introduce an object
Examples: of; in; to; for; with; on; at; from; by; about
; as; into; like; through; after; over; between; out;
against; during; without; before; under; around; among
Predicate nominative renames the subject: “The
student is a brown noser.”
82. Procatalepsis (n)
Definition: Refuting anticipated objections or
counterarguments
Examples: “Some might question the practicality
of such a plan. . . .”
“Contrary to popular belief. . . .”
“While many would disagree with me. . . .”
84. Propaganda (n)
Definition: Information, usually of a biased or
misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a
specific politic cause or point of view
Examples:
86. Rebuttal/Refutation (n) or Rebut/Refute (v)
Definition: To rebut means to prove something
as false through argument and/or evidence; to
refute means to prove something as not true
Examples: Counterarguments in essays and
rebuttals in debates are used to prove opponents
wrong and/or as lacking credibility.
Editorials and opinion pieces are often trying to
refute someone else’s argument or position on an
issue.
88. Reiterate (v)/Reiteration (n)
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83. Prose (n)/Prosaic (adj)
Definition: Fiction and non-fiction; any writing that
isn’t poetry; prosaic: dull, ordinary; unimaginative
Examples: Novels, plays, short stories, speeches,
letters, biographies and essays are all prose.
85. Qualifier/Qualified Assertion (n)
Definition: An argument with limitations, conditions
or modifications in order to be more realistic or in
anticipation of counterarguments
Examples: Thesis statements can include qualifiers
such as “possibly,” “potentially,” “perhaps,” “most
likely,” “in certain cases,” “almost always,”
“sometimes,” “occasionally,” “might” “can,” “could”
or “under certain conditions.”
87. Repetition (n)/Repeat (v)
Definition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis
Example: Florence Kelley’s repeated use of the
phrase “while we sleep” in her speech about child
labor in order to insinuate that the adults were
complacent toward little girls working overnight
Upton Sinclair’s repeated use of “cog in the machine”
to emphasize how insignificant immigrant workers
were in the grand capitalist machine.
Definition: To state again for emphasis or
repeatedly sometimes with wearying effect

Examples: “In a post to his Facebook page on

Wednesday, Zuckerberg reiterated Facebook’s
stance on this issue: That the company was hurt by
a bad actor who didn’t follow the company’s
guidelines.”

“The speaker seems to be reiterating her earlier

point at the end of her speech in order for her
audience to understand how important it is for
them to remember to vote.”

89. Rhetoric (n)/Rhetorical (adj) 90. Rhetorical Modes (n)

Definition: Language used to support your point Definition: Different forms of writing based on the
of view; language intended to persuade purpose of writing

Examples: Politicians rely on political rhetoric to Examples: 1) Description; 2) Narration; 3) Example;

persuade voters and other politicians. 4) Compare/Contrast; 5) Process Analysis; 6)
Analogy; 7) Cause and Effect; 8) Extended Definition;
Social activists rely on emotionally charged 9) Argument: persuade by appealing to emotion
rhetoric to galvanize a crowd. and/or reason; 10) Exposition

91. Rhetorical Question (n) 92. Ribald (adj)

Definition: Question asked to make a point, force Definition: Crude; offensive; characterized by or
the audience or readers to think and/or agree with using coarse indecent humor
the speaker or writer

Examples: “Who do you think you are?”
“You want to end terrorism, don’t you?”
“What is wrong with you?”
Example: “The Ted and Ted 2 movies are full of
ribald humor.”
The use of ribald humor is usually inappropriate
unless the audience appreciates that type of humor.

93. Sarcasm (n)/Sarcastic (adj) 94. Satire (n)/Satirical (adj)

Definition: Use of words that mean opposite of Definition: Literary technique that reveals and mocks
what you really want to say, especially in order to human weakness or shortcomings; often includes
insult someone, to show irritation or to be funny sarcasm, exaggeration, ridicule and irony

Examples: “You must be a genius to have Examples: The Interview is a satire mocking the
figured that out all by yourself.” Communist dictatorship in North Korea.

“My mother is never wrong.” Invisible Man is a satire mocking racism practiced by
both whites and blacks.
“Of course, people who take selfies all the time
are nowhere near narcissistic.
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95. Shift (n/v)
Definition: Occurs when speaker or writer alters
his or her style or tone in a speech or written
piece. It is often accompanied by a shift in focus.
Examples: Shifts are often seen with contrary
transition words, such as “however,”
“nonetheless,” “on the other hand,” “on a different
note,” “in contrast,” and “although.”
Shifts allow speaker or writer to change topics
within the same piece.
97. Style (n)
Definition: Manner in which writer or speaker
chooses to communicate with his or her readers or
audience; depends on diction, syntax and tone
Examples: 1) formal; 2) informal; 3) ornate
(fancy words and complex sentences; 4)
straightforward (direct, shorter sentences); 5)
academic; journalistic
99. Subordinate Clause (Dependent Clause)
Definition: Adding a subordinating conjunction
(e.g., if, before, unless, until, when) to the head of
the clause makes it dependent on the main clause.
Example: “If you pass the AP exam, you will earn
college credit.”
101. Syllogism (n)
Definition: Argument that starts with major
statement or premise, a minor statement or
premise, and a conclusion that is deduced
Examples: “All men are mortal.” “John is a
man.” “Therefore John is mortal.”
“All food from that market is organic.” “This food
is from that market.” “This food is organic.”
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96. Stereotype (n/v)/Stereotypical (adj)
Definition: Belief that people or things with the same
characteristic are all the same; usually a negative and
ignorant assumption
Examples: “All Asians are good at math.”
“Southern Californians are all laid-back and surf.”
“Republicans always want to cut taxes and oppose gun
control.
98. Strident (adj)
Definition: Expressing opinions or criticism in a very
forceful and often annoying or unpleasant way; harsh-
sounding
Examples: “Most public schools are, at best, nothing
but expensive babysitting arrangements, helpfully
keeping hoodlums off the street during daylight hours.
At worst, they are criminal training labs, where
teachers sexually abuse the children between drinking
binges and acts of grand larceny,” said Ann Coulter.
100. Subjectivity (n)/Subjective (adj)
Definition: Expressing a biased opinion or
perspective; based feelings and opinions, rather than
facts
Example: Florence Kelley was extremely subjective
in her speech, because she was biased against making
children work long hours overnight.
102. Synecdoche (n)
Definition: Figure of speech where part stands for the
whole
Examples: “All hands on deck.”
“We’re freezing our butts off.”
“That’s a nice set of wheels.”
“I asked for her hand in marriage.”

103. Syntax (n)
Definition: Structure and order to sentence; how
words are structured in a sentence
Example: The use of long, elaborate sentences
(e.g., The Jungle) versus the use of short sentences
(e.g., He ate. He slept. He loved”).
105. Transcribe (v)/Transcript (n)
Definition: To make a written copy (usually of
something spoken); typed copy of dictated, spoken
or recorded material
Examples: Speech transcript; hearing transcript;
courtroom transcript; interview transcript; meeting
transcript
107. Understatement (n)/Understate (v)
Definition: Description that is less than what is
expected
Examples: “Her Oscar-winning performance was
okay.”
“I was a little excited that I passed the AP exam
with a 5.”
“The United States has a bit of a budget crisis.”
109. Warrant (n)
Definition: Underlying assumption that connects
your data to your claim; part of Toulmin
Argument, which includes claim, data; warrant
(AKA “bridge”); backing; counterclaim; and
rebuttal
Example: Claim: Overconsumption of fast food
is contributing to obesity. Warrant: Fast food is
bad for human health.
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“She captured our hearts.”
104. Tone (n)
Definition: Attitude of writer/speaker toward subject
of argument
Example: Upton Sinclair takes a sympathetic tone
toward immigrant workers, like his protagonist Jurgis.
Mussoni took an indignant, caustic tone toward non-
blacks who use the n-word.
106. Underscore (v)
Definition: To emphasize, stress; to reveal importance
of something
Examples: “Rising college debt underscores the need
to reform the financial aid system.”
“Recent hate crimes underscore the need for improved
race relations and harsher penalties for such hate
crimes.”
108. Voice (n)
Definition: Way of writing that sets apart one writer
from other writers; characteristic of first-person
narrator
Examples: In The Jungle, Upton Sinclair’s voice is
both compassionate and didactic.
Active Voice: Subject + Active Verb + Object
Passive Voice: Object + Inactive Verb + By Subject
110. Rogerian Argument Model
Definition: Argument where arguer wants to
convince another person by minimizing any
possibility of hostility to argument. His goal is to
have two sides solve the problem together. Both
arguers should qualify their arguments and
understand the validity of other side.
Example: “While solar energy is a better
alternative to gas and electricity, it is still too
costly for most homeowners to make the switch.
Therefore the federal government needs to do
more to subsidize those upfront costs.”
Rogerian Argument Outline:
1. Catch the reader’s interest. Introduce the issue
or problem. Mention the two sides, but do so
without bias or influence on the writer’s side.
2. Give the point of view of the opposing side,
always in nonjudgmental language.
3. Address the writer’s point of view and reasons
for supporting this side.
4. Find common ground between the two sides
and then reach a compromise.
112. Whimsical (adj)/Whimsy (n)
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111. Toulmin Argument Model
Definition: Good, realistic arguments typically
will consist of 6 parts:
1) Data: Facts or evidence used to prove argument
2) Claim: The statement being argued (a thesis)
3) Warrants: General, hypothetical (and often
implicit) logical statements that serve as bridges
between claim and data.
4) Qualifiers: Statements that limit strength of
argument or statements that propose conditions
under which argument is true.
5) Rebuttals: Counterarguments or statements
indicating circumstances when general argument
does not hold true.
6) Backing: Statements that serve to support the
warrants (i.e., arguments that don’t necessarily
prove main point being argued, but which do
prove warrants are true.)
Example: Congress should ban animal research
(Claim #1), because animals are tortured in
experiments that have no direct benefit to humans,
such as the testing of cosmetics (data). The well-being
of animals is more important than the profits of the
cosmetics industry (warrant). Only Congress has the
authority to make such a law (warrant), because the
corporations can simply move from state to state to
avoid legal penalties (backing). Of course, this ban
should not apply to medical research (qualifier). A law
to ban all research would be going too far (rebuttal).
Therefore, the law would probably (qualifier) have to
be carefully written to define the kinds of research
intended (claim #2).
113. Wistful (adj)/Wistfulness (n)
Definition: Unusual in a playful, amusing way;
fanciful and lighthearted
Examples: “Harry Potter books are whimsical
because of the fantastic creatures and magical
experiences the characters have.”
“Charlie in the Chocolate Factory and Dr. Seuss
books all feel whimsical, because they are purely
based in childlike fantasy, instead of grave
reality.”
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Definition: Full of yearning or desire tinged with
melancholy; having or showing sad thoughts and
feelings about something that you want to have or do,
especially about something that made you happy in the
past
Examples: “Seeing her old boyfriend made her
wistful for the great times that they had together.”
“When all his friends went away to college, he felt
wistful about the college experience he could have
had.”