Rhetorical Devices
a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (e.g., as brave as a lion, crazy like a fox, life is a highway, her eyes were diamonds).
What are similes and metaphors?
The setting (time period, circumstance, etc.) within which a work of writing is situated.
What is context?
Debatable statement that makes the author's opinion clear with supporting reasons.
What is a claim?
I have to have this operation. It isn’t very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.
What is an understatement?
a special case of consonance sounds and repetition occurs at the beginning
What is alliteration?
An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference (e.g., cookies are my kryptonite).
What is an allusion?
An author's reason for or intent in writing (may be to amuse the reader, to persuade the reader, to inform the reader, or to satirize a condition).
What is author's purpose?
Acknowledging an argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument.
What is a counterargument?
Ex: Most Americans need to exercise more. However, strenuous exercise is not appropriate for those with certain health conditions.
What is a qualification?
repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of several clauses
What is anaphora?
What are conventions?
Logical appeal using credibility
What is ethos?
A statement, designed to refute or negate specific arguments put forward by opponents.
What is a rebuttal?
A teenager tries to convince his parents to buy him a new car by saying if they cared about their child's safety they'd upgrade him.
What is pathos?
the choice and use of words used in a speech or writing
What is diction?
What is style?
Logical appeal giving reason(s)
What is logos?
Argument designed to make something seem less important
What is an understatement?
As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results.
What is ethos?
the arrangement of words in sentences, clauses, and phrases, and the study of the formation of sentences and the relationship of their component parts
What is syntax?
A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification (e.g., "Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you're gonna get").
What is an analogy?
Emotional appeal using feelings
What is pathos?
What is a qualification?
All men are mortal. Socrates is a man.
What is logos?
the spark or catalyst that moved the speaker/writer to act/write
What is exigence?