Advanced Style (College Board AP® English Language & Composition): Flashcards
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What is the difference between diction and syntax in shaping a reader's response?
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Cards in this collection (30)
What is the difference between diction and syntax in shaping a reader's response?
Diction shapes how an idea is framed, while syntax shapes how ideas are related and emphasized.
When does sentence length matter most?
Sentence length matters most when it creates a meaningful pattern or contrast.
What effect can delaying the main assertion until the end of a sentence have?
Delaying the main assertion forces the reader to process the preceding details before reaching the main point.
Define coordination.
Coordination is the joining of ideas of roughly equal grammatical weight to present them as balanced.
Define subordination.
Subordination is the placing of one idea in a dependent relationship to another to show that the two are not of equal weight.
True or False?
In "Although the proposal is expensive, it may improve safety," the cost receives the main emphasis.
False.
The writer acknowledges the cost in the dependent clause, but the syntax makes safety the main assertion.
In subordination, the word "if" expresses a relationship of _______.
In subordination, the word "if" expresses a relationship of condition.
Define misplaced modifier.
A misplaced modifier is a modifier positioned too far from the word it describes, creating ambiguity or unintended meaning.
Define participial phrase.
A participial phrase is a phrase beginning with a participle, usually an -ing or -ed form, that modifies a noun or pronoun.
Define agency.
Agency is who the reader sees as responsible for performing an action.
Define passive voice.
Passive voice is a construction in which the subject receives the action, so the actor may be left unstated.
True or False?
Using the passive voice is always a stylistic weakness.
False.
The passive voice may be appropriate when the actor is unknown or unimportant, but it can also shift attention away from responsibility.
Define active voice.
Active voice is a construction in which the subject performs the action, keeping the actor visible.
True or False?
Complicated syntax makes a writer appear more credible.
False.
Effective style depends on control rather than complexity. Syntax that clearly shows relationships among ideas makes the reasoning easier to follow.
Define clause.
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb.
Define irony.
Irony is a meaningful gap between what is said or appears to be true and what the audience is expected to understand.
What is the rhetorical purpose of irony?
The rhetorical purpose of irony is often to make readers recognize the gap in communication and draw a conclusion for themselves.
Irony depends partly on what the audience ___, expects or values.
Irony depends partly on what the audience knows, expects or values.
Define verbal irony.
Verbal irony is irony that occurs when the intended meaning differs from the apparent meaning.
Define situational irony.
Situational irony is irony that occurs when an outcome conflicts with what would normally be expected.
Define dramatic irony.
Dramatic irony is irony that occurs when readers know something a speaker or person within the text does not.
Define satire.
Satire is a rhetorical strategy that uses irony, humor, exaggeration or related choices to expose or criticize a problem.
True or False?
A satirist always argues for the position they actually hold.
False.
A satirist may appear to support an unreasonable position so that readers recognize what is wrong with the thinking behind it.
Define exaggeration.
Exaggeration is pushing an idea to an unreasonable extreme so that its weakness becomes obvious.
Define understatement.
Understatement is deliberately presenting something significant as though it were minor.
Define juxtaposition.
Juxtaposition is the placing of contrasting ideas or values beside one another.
Define parody.
A parody is an imitation of a recognizable style used in order to criticize it.
How is irony usually signaled in a text?
Irony is usually signaled through a pattern of stylistic choices, such as unexpected diction or tone.
True or False?
Irony always strengthens a writer's argument.
False.
Some readers may interpret an ironic statement literally, especially if they do not share the writer's assumptions. If the intended meaning is too subtle, irony can confuse readers or weaken the argument.
Define speaker.
A speaker is the voice a writer constructs to deliver a text, which may not share the writer's own position.
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