AP Lang Rhetorical Terms Unit #2

What is consonance in rhetorical terms?

• The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words

• The repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words

• The use of similar grammatical structures in a sentence

• The use of words that imitate sounds

Answer explanation

Consonance refers to the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words, creating a harmonious effect. This distinguishes it from assonance, which involves vowel sounds. Therefore, the correct answer is the repetition of consonant sounds.

Ellipsis in rhetorical terms is:

• a figure of speech where words are omitted

• a type of punctuation mark

• a style of writing

• a form of dialogue

Answer explanation

Ellipsis is a rhetorical figure of speech where certain words are intentionally omitted from a sentence, allowing the meaning to be understood without them. This makes 'a figure of speech where words are omitted' the correct choice.

Active voice in rhetorical terms is when the subject of the sentence performs the action. Which of the following sentences is in active voice?

• The ball was thrown by John.

• John threw the ball.

• The ball is being thrown by John.

• The ball has been thrown by John.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'John threw the ball.' is in active voice because the subject 'John' performs the action of throwing. The other options use passive constructions, where the action is performed on the subject.

What is jargon in rhetorical terms?

• A specialized language used by a particular group

• A type of persuasive speech

• A rhetorical question

• A common language used by everyone

Answer explanation

Jargon refers to a specialized language used by a particular group, often to convey specific meanings within that group. This distinguishes it from common language, making the correct choice "A specialized language used by a particular group."

What is an adage in rhetorical terms?

• A short, memorable saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice

• A type of logical fallacy

• A rhetorical question

• A metaphor

Answer explanation

An adage is defined as a short, memorable saying that conveys a general truth or piece of advice, making the first choice the correct answer. The other options do not accurately describe what an adage is.

What is an idiom in rhetorical terms?

• A figure of speech

• A type of argument

• A rhetorical question

• A form of irony

Answer explanation

An idiom is a figure of speech that conveys a meaning different from the literal interpretation of its words. It is not a type of argument, a rhetorical question, or a form of irony, making 'A figure of speech' the correct choice.

What is synesthesia in rhetorical terms?

• A rhetorical device that involves the use of one sense to describe another

• A type of metaphor that compares two unlike things

• A form of irony where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning

• A narrative technique that involves the use of flashbacks

Answer explanation

Synesthesia is a rhetorical device that uses one sense to evoke another, such as describing sounds with colors. This choice accurately defines synesthesia, distinguishing it from metaphor, irony, or narrative techniques.

What is invective in rhetorical terms?

• A type of persuasive argument

• A form of emotional appeal

• A type of verbal attack

• A method of logical reasoning

Answer explanation

Invective refers to a type of verbal attack that uses harsh, abusive language to criticize or insult someone. It is not about persuasion, emotional appeal, or logical reasoning, making 'a type of verbal attack' the correct choice.

What is the term for the speed or tempo of an author's writing, which can be changed using devices like syntax and meter?

• The term is 'pacing'.

• The term is 'tone'.

• The term is 'style'.

• The term is 'voice'.

Answer explanation

The correct term is 'pacing', which refers to the speed or tempo of an author's writing. It can be adjusted through various devices like syntax and meter, influencing how quickly a reader moves through the text.

What is parallelism in writing?

• A sentence construction that places equal grammatical constructions near each other.

• A deliberate form of repetition.

• A humorous use of words with two meanings.

• A sentence with two parallel elements set off against each other.

Answer explanation

Parallelism in writing refers to a sentence construction that places equal grammatical constructions near each other, creating balance and clarity. It can also involve deliberate repetition and contrasting elements.