Unit Two - Glossary of Literary and Rhetorical Terms AP Language and Composition

These are important terms every AP Language student needs to know. They frequently appear on the AP Exam, and you will be expected to know them and apply them to your analysis throughout the course. This week you are responsible for all of the terms that begin with the letters B, C, and D.

1. Backing Support or evidence for a claim in an argument. 2. Balance Construction in which both halves of the sentence are about the same length and importance. 3. Begging the Question: Also known as Circular Reasoning

This sort of "reasoning" is fallacious because simply assuming that the conclusion is true (directly or indirectly) in the premises does not constitute evidence for that conclusion. Obviously, simply assuming a claim is true does not serve as evidence for that claim. This is especially clear in particularly blatant cases: "X is true. The evidence for this claim is that X is true."

Some cases of question begging are fairly blatant, while others can be extremely subtle.

Example of Begging the Question

Bill: "God must exist." Jill: "How do you know." Bill: "Because the Bible says so." Jill: "Why should I believe the Bible?" Bill: "Because the Bible was written by God." 4. Causal Relationship In causal relationships, a writer asserts that one thing results from another. To show how one thing produces or brings about another is often relevant in establishing a logical argument. 5. Chiasmus Arrangement of repeated thoughts in the pattern of X Y Y X. Chiasmus is often short and summarizes a main idea. 6. Common Knowledge Shared beliefs or assumptions are often called common knowledge. A writer may argue that if something is widely believed, then readers should accept it. 7. Concrete Language Language that describes specific, observable things, people or places. rather than ideas or qualities. 8. Connotation Rather than the dictionary definition, the associations suggested by a word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning or denotation. 9. Consonance Repetition of a consonant sound within two or more words in close proximity. Unit Two - Glossary of Literary and Rhetorical Terms AP Language and Composition

10. Conventional Following certain conventions, or traditional techniques of writing. An over reliance on conventions may result in a lack of originality. The five-paragraph theme is considered conventional. 11. Cumulative Sentence which begins with the main idea and then expands on that idea with a series of details or other particulars. 12. Diction Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types and arrangements of words have significant effects on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise than street slang. 13. Didactic A term used to describe fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking. 14. Dramatic Irony When the reader is aware or an inconsistency between a fictional or nonfictional character's perception of a situation and the truth of that situation.