Coherence & Stylistic Choices (College Board AP® English Language & Composition): Flashcards
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Define unity.
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Cards in this collection (38)
Define unity.
Unity is the quality of an argument in which all reasons, evidence and commentary support the same central claim.
Define coherence.
Coherence is the logical connection among ideas within a sentence, a paragraph and a whole essay.
Define text-level coherence.
Text-level coherence is the logical connection among paragraphs or sections of a whole essay.
True or False?
Transitions are the only way a writer can create coherence.
False.
Writers also create coherence through repetition, synonyms, pronoun reference and parallel structure.
Define repetition.
Repetition is the purposeful reuse of a word, phrase or idea to create emphasis or connection.
Simplistic or overused repetition can ____ an argument.
Simplistic or overused repetition can weaken an argument.
Define synonym.
A synonym is a word or phrase with a similar meaning that helps writers refer to the same idea without awkward repetition.
Define pronoun reference.
Pronoun reference is the use of a pronoun, such as it, this, they or these, to refer clearly to an earlier noun or idea.
Define parallel structure.
Parallel structure is the use of similar grammatical patterns to show that ideas are related or balanced.
Define transition.
A transition is a word, phrase, clause, sentence or paragraph that shows the relationship between ideas.
True or False?
Using more transitions always makes a paragraph more coherent.
False.
Too many transitions can crowd the paragraph. There is no required number, so transitions should be used strategically.
Define signposting.
Signposting is a phrase or sentence that guides the reader by explaining where the argument is going or how a point should be understood.
Transitions can introduce evidence, but they should also show the _____ of that evidence.
Transitions can introduce evidence, but they should also show the purpose of that evidence.
True or False?
Transitions can fix an essay whose reasons do not support the thesis.
False.
Transitions can clarify a line of reasoning only if the reasoning is already logical. They cannot fix reasons that do not support the thesis.
Define commentary.
Commentary is explanation that shows how evidence supports a reason, how the reason supports the thesis and why the evidence matters.
True or False?
Strong evidence speaks for itself, so it does not need commentary.
False.
Evidence does not speak for itself. The reader still needs to understand how the evidence supports the writer's argument.
In rhetorical analysis, what else does commentary explain?
In rhetorical analysis, commentary also explains why a writer's choices matter for a particular audience, context and purpose.
True or False?
Like evidence, commentary can be quoted, paraphrased or summarized from a source.
False.
Evidence can be quoted, paraphrased or summarized, but commentary must come from the writer's reasoning.
Elaboration means ________ your explanation instead of stopping after one basic sentence.
Elaboration means developing your explanation instead of stopping after one basic sentence.
True or False?
A paragraph with more evidence than explanation is usually more convincing.
False.
A paragraph with more evidence than explanation may feel like listed evidence rather than a convincing argument.
How does summary fall short of commentary?
Summary stops at what the source said, while commentary explains why the evidence supports the claim.
Define analysis.
Analysis is interpretation that explains the meaning, function or significance of evidence.
How does commentary relate to analysis in an AP Lang essay?
Commentary is the written explanation of thinking in the essay, while analysis is the thinking that interprets evidence. In many AP Lang contexts, the terms overlap.
Define stylistic choice.
A stylistic choice is a language decision that shapes tone, meaning or audience response.
A writer's word choice can reveal perspective before the writer directly states an _____.
A writer's word choice can reveal perspective before the writer directly states an opinion.
Define adjective.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun.
Define adverb.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, adjective or other adverb.
Define descriptive language.
Descriptive language consists of words that add detail and reveal perspective.
Define precise word choice.
Precise word choice is specific language that reduces confusion and helps communicate perspective clearly.
Which kinds of choice can a comparison include?
A comparison can include similes, metaphors, analogies, contrasts and juxtapositions.
Define comparison.
A comparison is a stylistic choice that explains or presents one idea in relation to another.
Define simile.
A simile is a comparison using "like" or "as".
Define metaphor.
A metaphor is a comparison that describes one thing as another.
What effect can a long sentence create?
A long sentence can show complexity, develop an explanation or create momentum.
True or False?
Syntax is only a matter of sentence length.
False.
Treating syntax as sentence length only is a common mistake. Syntax also affects pace, emphasis, rhythm, clarity, tone, contrast and the relationship between ideas.
What effect does a rhetorical question have on an audience?
A rhetorical question invites the audience to think deeply.
Define antithesis.
Antithesis is a contrast expressed through parallel grammatical structure.
True or False?
In AP Lang analysis, naming a stylistic device earns credit on its own.
False.
The effect earns credit, not the label. A strong response explains how the choice affects the reader and why that effect matters.
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