Figurative Language
comparison using “like” or “as”
what is a similie?
The repetition of beginning consonant sounds
what is alliteration?
The emotional atmosphere of a poem
what is mood?
The main argument of your essay
what is a thesis?
Number of essays on the AP Lit exam
what is 3?
“Time is a thief” is an example of this
What is a metaphor?
A reference to another work, myth, or history
what is an allusion?
The speaker’s attitude toward the subject
what is tone?
Evidence + explanation = this
what is commentary?
Recommended reading time for multiple choice
what is 15-20 minutes
Giving human traits to nonhuman things
What is personification?
When something represents a deeper meaning
what is symbolism?
The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables
what is meter?
Explaining HOW evidence supports your claim
what is analysis?
You should always do this before writing your essay
what is going over your prompt?
An exaggerated statement not meant literally
what is a hyperbole?
Contrast between expectation and reality
what is irony?
A 14-line poem, often about love
what is a sonnet?
A sentence that connects ideas between paragraphs
what is a transition?
This earns you points even if your thesis is imperfect
what is evidence?
A contradiction that reveals a deeper truth (ex: “deafening silence”)
what is a paradox?
A shift in tone or meaning in a poem
what is a volta?
A contrast within a poem that highlights opposing ideas (often used to develop meaning)
what is a juxtaposition?
The sophistication point often comes from this (big picture thinking)
what is complexity?
The most important thing to focus on in analysis
What is explaining HOW meaning is created and not summarizing the passage?