AP Notes 23-27

Question 1

23. ASYNDETON:

Answer 1

: Asyndeton is derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a
stylistic device used in literature and poetry to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the
phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. This literary tool helps in
reducing the indirect meaning of the phrase and presents it in a concise form. Asyndeton helps in
speeding up the rhythm of words. Mostly this technique is employed in speech but can be used
in written works too.

Question 2

24. POLYSYNDETON

Answer 2

: The term polysyndeton comes from a Greek word meaning “bound together”. It
makes use of coordinating conjunctions like “and”, “or”, “but” and “nor” (mostly and and or)
which are used to join successive words, phrases or clauses in such a way that these conjunctions
are even used where they might have been omitted

Question 3

25. SYNECDOCHE

Answer 3

Synecdoche is a literary device in which a part of something represents the whole or it
may use a whole to represent a part. Distinguishing between this and metonymy often take some
thoughtful consideration.

Question 4

26. TONE

Answer 4

Tone, in written composition, is an attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience. It is
something important for the reader to “sense” to determine an argument. Tone is generally
conveyed through the choice of words or the viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject.

Question 5

27. PROCESS ANALYSIS

Answer 5

A step-by-step breakdown of the phases of a process, used to convey the details
of each phase of thinking, an operation, etc. It is often used to improve understanding and also
to break down an argument to make it more comprehensible.