Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What does isocolon refer to in rhetorical terms?

1. A succession of balanced sentences, phrases, or clauses of equal length

2. A repetition of a phrase in reverse order

3. A repetition of similar vowel sounds in adjacent words

4. A device involving the final word of one clause becoming the initial word of another

The correct answer is: A succession of balanced sentences, phrases, or clauses of equal length

Isocolon refers to the use of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences that are similar in structure and have an identical length, which enhances the rhythm and balance in a piece of writing. This rhetorical device creates a sense of harmony and can make an argument more persuasive or memorable due to its musical quality. It often appears in famous speeches and literary works where the parallel structure emphasizes the importance of the ideas being presented. In contrast, the other options describe different rhetorical devices. The second option refers to chiasmus, where phrases are repeated in reverse order. The third option describes assonance, which involves the repetition of vowel sounds in close proximity. The last option pertains to anadiplosis, where the last word of one clause is used as the first word of the following clause. Each of these options showcases unique stylistic choices that do not align with the specific definition of isocolon.