AP English Language and Composition

Specialized Exam Vocabulary

Literary Terms

Tone Words

Abstract Generalization

Accumulation of Detail

Ad Hominem Arguments

Allegory

Alliteration

Analogical Comparisons

Analysis

Antithesis

Apostrophe

Appeals to Authority

Argument/Argumentation

Audience

Authorial Aside

Balanced Sentences

Cause and Effect

Circumlocution

Colloquial Expressions

Deductive Reasoning

Elaborate Definitions

Elaborate Metaphors

Enumeration

Exposition/Expository

First Person Point of View

Grammatical Antecedent

Hyperbole

Intentional Shift

Ironical Understatement

Juxtaposition

Metaphorical Example

Narration/Narrative

Onomatopoeia

Oxymoron

Paradox

Parallel Construction

Personification

Proof by Example

Punning

Qualifying Adjectives

Qualifying an Argument

Repetition

Rhetorical Questions

Simile

Speaker

Specialized Diction

Specific Details

Specific Emphasis

Staccato Phrases

Subordinate Clauses

Syllogisms

Symbol

Tone/Shift in Tone

Understatement

Verbal Irony

Agitated                                           Uncertain

Apathetic                                         Understated Modesty

Arrogant                                          Wry Detachment

Authoritative

Brash

Combative

Confident

Confidential

Contemplative

Critical

Cynicism

Defensive

Despairing

Detached

Didactic

Disappointed

Disinterested

Dramatic

Elegiac

Elevated

Embarrassed Apology

Embittered

Empathetic

Emphatic

Fervent

Heedless

Impressionistic

Incredulous

Indifferent

Inquisitive Perplexity

Intolerant

Melancholy

Mock Solemnity

Moralistic

Ominous

Outraged

Pedantic

Playful

Prudent

Reassuring

Remorseful

Remote

Reproachful

Resentful

Resigned

Rigid

Sarcastic

Scandalized

Self-Aware

Strong Resentment

Supportive

Surprised Confusion

Suspicious

Tentative