AP English Language and Composition Exam: The Language of the Test

Ensure you're prepared for the AP English Language and Composition Exam by learning the words in this collection of essential vocabulary. Our lists cover the language you'll see in test questions and writing prompts, important rhetorical and literary terminology, and vocabulary related to writing and grammar.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. achieve
    gain with effort
  2. analyze
    consider in detail in order to discover essential features
  3. argue
    present reasons to support one's views
  4. argument
    a methodical process of logical reasoning
  5. attitude
    a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings
  6. characterize
    describe or portray the qualities or peculiarities of
  7. claim
    an assertion that something is true or factual
  8. comparison
    relation based on similarities and differences
  9. conclusion
    a position or opinion reached after consideration
  10. context
    discourse that surrounds and helps explain a word or passage
  11. contrast
    put in opposition to show or emphasize differences
  12. convey
    serve as a means for expressing something
  13. description
    a statement that represents something in words
  14. develop
    elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses
  15. evidence
    knowledge on which to base belief
  16. imply
    express or state indirectly
  17. infer
    conclude by reasoning
  18. introduction
    the first section of a communication
  19. persuade
    cause somebody to adopt a certain position or belief
  20. position
    an opinion that is held in opposition to another
  21. purpose
    an anticipated outcome that guides your planned actions
  22. reasoning
    thinking that is organized and logical
  23. rhetorical
    relating to using language effectively
  24. synthesize
    combine and form a complex whole
  25. thesis
    an unproved statement advanced as a premise in an argument
Created on Wed Feb 10 10:21:28 EST 2021 (updated Wed Feb 10 12:07:55 EST 2021)

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