AP English Language and Composition

Allegory

Meant to reveal an abstract idea or a truth, this is a fictional or non fictional story, in which characters, things and events represent qualities or concepts.

Aphorism

A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle. (Example: A watched pot never boils.)

Argument

A piece of reasoning with one or more premises and a conclusion. Essentially, every essay is an argument that begins with the conclusion (the thesis) and then sets up the premises. Also known as: claim, position or stance.

Concession

Accepting at least part or all of an opposing viewpoint. Often used to make one’s own argument stronger by demonstrating that one is willing to accept what is obviously true and reasonable, even if it is presented by the opposition. Sometimes a concession is immediately followed by a rebuttal of the concession.

Connotation

Implied meaning rather than literal meaning of the word. (Example: “She’s so cool.” versus “The breeze is cool.”)

Figurative Language

It is the opposite of literal language; one is not supposed to take its meaning literally.

Idiom

A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally (Example: The coach chewed me out!)

Irony

When the opposite of what one expects to happen does.

Verbal Irony

When one says something and means the opposite/something different.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience of a drama, play, move, etc., knows something that character does not and would be surprised to find out.

Situational Irony

Found in the plot (or story line) of a book, story, or movie; sometimes it makes you laugh because it’s funny how things turn out.

Motif

A recurring idea in a piece of writing.

Paradox

A seemingly contradictory situation which is actually true. (Example: I love large parties. They’re so intimate.)

Parody

An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes.

Romanticism

Art or literature characterized by an idealistic, perhaps unrealistic view of people and the world, and an emphasis on nature. Does not rely on traditional themes and structures.

Sarcasm

A generally bitter comment that is ironically or satirically worded. However, not all satire and irony are sarcastic. It is the bitter, mocking tone that separates sarcasm from mere verbal irony or satire.

Style

The choices in diction, tone, and syntax that a writer makes. Style may be conscious or unconscious.

Thesis

The central idea or message of a work. May be directly stated in nonfiction works, although not necessarily. It is rarely stated in fiction.

Tone

A writer’s attitude toward their subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization. To identify tone, consider how the piece would sound if read aloud. It can be: playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, somber, etc.

Understatement

The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presentes something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous.