1. 12th Grade Course Vocabulary
Introduction to Terms

2. Anachronism Ana- (against) –chronos (time)
Something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time

3. Apocryphal
Describes a story of doubtful authority, a questionable or fictitious story

4. Bandwagon
A propaganda technique that suggests a cause or an idea is correct because “everyone else” thinks so

5. Broad Generalization
A claim that a statement is true or not true about all members of a group or class of people
Examples:
Brunette-haired people are more intelligent than blondes.
People over the age of 65 are bad drivers.

6. Colloquialism An informal use of spoken or written language, slang
Examples:
pop vs. soda vs. coke as names for soft drinks
wasted, tanked, loaded, trashed, buzzed, sloshed, smashed, etc. for describing someone as under the influence of alcohol

7. Denouement Comes from a French word meaning “to untie”
Events that occur after a conflict has been resolved in a story

8. Epiphany
A sudden understanding or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something

9. Ethos Related to the words ethics and ethical
Offers evidence that a writer is credible, that he knows about the topic and is a good, believable expert
Easier to think of as an “appeal to authority”

10. Explication Derives from a word meaning “to unfold” or “to explain”
Offers an explanation or interpretation of a literary selection
Perhaps the easiest memory trick:
Explication = Explanation

11. Euphemism
The substitution of a mild or positive word for one that is thought to be more effective
It’s a politically correct way of avoiding saying the obvious
Examples:
Concentration camp
Toilet => bathroom => restroom
Someone who is dead has passed on, passed away, checked out, bit the big one, kicked the bucket, bitten the dust, bought the farm, cashed in their chips, or croaked.
Once dead that person is sleeping the big sleep, taking a dirt nap, pushing up daises or six feet under.

12. Logical fallacy A fallacy is something that is false
Demonstrates a flaw in reasoning
Examples:
Cutting people is a crime. Surgeons cut people. Therefore, surgeons are criminals.
The law of gravity has held true every day in the past. Therefore, the law of gravity will hold true tomorrow.

13. Logos Related to logic and logical
Offers a clear idea that is developed with reasoning and examples
Easier to think of as an “appeal to logic”
Example: See caption at right

14. Motif Any recurring element in a piece of literature
Examples: Stupidity of groups in Animal Farm and blood in Macbeth

15. Pathos Related to words empathy and sympathy
Draws on the sympathies and emotions of the audience

16. Propaganda
Information deliberately spread to help or to harm

17. Rhetoric
The art or study of using language effectively or persuasively
Think of the speech and debate team

18. Red Herring
Information intended to divert attention from a real problem or matter at hand; a misleading clue
Red Herring from “A Pup Named Scooby Doo”

19. Slanted, loaded language
The use of words that have a particular, strong association
Examples:
Fair Language: “You have asked for my views on the man named Mr. Smithers.  He has been a valued employee here for years.  If you can find a position for him in the management sector of your company, I will be pleased.”
Loaded Language: “You have asked for my views on that creature named Smithers.  He has been a clinging nuisance here for ages.  If you can find a crevice for him in the woodwork of your sweatshop, I will be relieved.”

20. Syntax
The rules or patterns of grammar, usage, and sentence structure followed by a language

21. Tragedy
Literature that features the defeat and/or death of the main character