Argumentation
persuading the reader by appealing to their emotions
pathos
this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively
rhetoric
The ironic minimalizing of fact to present something as less significant than it is. ex: “It's a bit nippy today” to describe freezing temperatures
understatement
The speed or tempo of an author’s writing.
pacing
A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.
allusion
an attractive but unreliable piece of reasoning, faulty logic
fallacy
choice of words and style of expression that an author makes
diction
The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. ex. "His words felt like a dagger in my heart."
imagery
Grammatical arrangement / grouping of words. The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.
syntax
Question not asked for actual information but for effect.
rhetorical question
Accepting at least part or all of an opposing viewpoint. Often used to make one’s own argument stronger by demonstrating that one is willing to accept what is obviously true and reasonable, even if it is presented by the opposition.
concession
the associations suggested by a word. implied meaning rather than literal meaning
connotation
A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity. ex. "Life is a highway."
metaphor
Deliberate repetition of a word/phrase at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row, intended for dramatic emphasis of the author's point. ex. MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech.
anaphora
A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.
parody
persuading by the use of reasoning, valid arguments, data/statistics
logos
this word describes the author’s attitude toward his material, the audience, or both
tone
A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. ex. "I will simply DIE if I have to write another essay this year."
hyperbole
When the same words are used twice in succession, but the second time, the order of the words is reversed. ex. "Pleasure's a sin, and sometimes sin's a pleasure."
chiasmus
A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.
satire
persuading the reader by making claims to the writer's credibility / convincing the reader the writer is worth listening to or respecting
an issue, problem, or situation that causes or prompts someone to write or speak, the context or situation
exigence
A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.
apostrophe
A list of items all separated by conjunctions, often used to slow down the pace of the writing and/or add an authoritative tone. ex. Maya Angelou: "Let the whitefolks have their money and power and segregation and sarcasm and big houses and schools and lawns like carpets...."
polysyndeton
Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison. Authors often use the ______ of ideas or examples in order to make a point or make social commentary.
juxtaposition