Rhetorical Devices & Appeals
Which rhetorical appeal focuses on logic and reasoning?
Logos
In rhetorical analysis, what is the author’s main goal called?
The Purpose
What is the main argument or position an author is trying to prove?
Claim
Which punctuation mark is used to join two closely related independent clauses?
Semicolon
What term describes the author’s attitude toward the subject?
Tone
Which rhetorical appeal relies on emotion to persuade the audience?
Pathos
Why is identifying the audience important in rhetorical analysis?
It explains why the author uses certain strategies or language choices
What do you call an opposing viewpoint to the author’s claim?
Counterclaim
What grammatical error occurs when a sentence lacks a subject or a verb?
Sentence Fragment
What element of writing refers to an author’s word choice?
Diction
Which device compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as”?
Metaphor
What mistake occurs when a student retells the text instead of explaining how a rhetorical choice works?
Summary instead of analysis
What is a rebuttal?
A response that refutes or addresses a counterclaim
Why might an author intentionally use sentence fragments in nonfiction writing?
For emphasis, tone, or stylistic effect
How does formal style typically differ from informal style?
Formal style avoids slang and uses complex, precise language.
Identify the rhetorical appeal an author uses when emphasizing their credibility or moral character.
Ethos
What should commentary explain in a rhetorical analysis essay?
How and why a rhetorical strategy supports the author’s purpose
What term describes how ideas are logically connected and developed throughout an argument?
Line of reasoning
What is the difference between active and passive voice?
Active voice emphasizes the subject doing the action; passive voice emphasizes the action or receiver
What causes a tone shift in a text?
A change in subject, audience, purpose, or rhetorical strategy.
What rhetorical device is used when a writer intentionally contrasts ideas in parallel structure (e.g., “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”)?
Antithesis
Explain why context (historical, cultural, or situational) matters in rhetorical analysis.
It helps explain the author’s choices and how the audience would interpret the text
Why is acknowledging a counterclaim effective in persuasive writing?
It strengthens credibility and shows the argument has been thoughtfully considered
In the sentence below, identify the grammatical issue and explain how it affects clarity:
"Each of the students were responsible for completing their own project."
The subject “Each” is singular, so the verb should be “was” instead of “were.” The pronoun “their” is also plural, which creates a disagreement. This affects clarity by confusing the reader about whether the sentence refers to one student or multiple students.
How do an author’s stylistic choices help reveal their purpose?
They shape how the message is perceived and influence the audience’s response.