Examples of AP Vocab Part 1

Front

What is antithesis?

Back

A rhetorical device that contrasts opposing ideas in a balanced structure. Example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Front

What is syllogism?

Back

A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises). Example: "All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal."

Front

What is euphemism?

Back

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt. Example: "He passed away" instead of "He died."

Front

What is inversion?

Back

A literary technique in which the normal order of words is reversed, often for emphasis. Example: "Never have I seen such beauty."

Front

What is metonymy?

Back

A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated. Example: "The White House issued a statement" (referring to the U.S. government).

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating one is the other. Example: "Time is a thief."

Front

What is simile?

Back

A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'. Example: "Her smile was like sunshine."

Front

What is personification?

Back

A literary device where human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. Example: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Front

What is hyperbole?

Back

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. Example: "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse."

Front

What is alliteration?

Back

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. Example: "She sells sea shells by the sea shore."