Rhetorical Devices
the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words. It creates a rhythmic, musical quality that makes phrases more memorable.
Examples:
Alliteration
If an advertisement uses humor to make you laugh and feel good about a brand, which appeal is it using?
Pathos
In the sentence "The malodorous garbage made everyone hold their noses," what does malodorous mean based on context clues?
a. Pleasant smelling
b. Fresh
c. Bad smelling
d. Colorful
c. Bad smelling
What does the prefix "mis-" mean in the word "misunderstand"?
a. many
b. again
c. wrongly
d. between
c. wrongly
Which meaning of "bank" is used in the sentence: "The river bank was covered in wildflowers."?
A. A financial institution
B. The edge of a river or stream
C. To tilt or slope sideways
D. To rely or depend on something
B. The edge of a river or stream
achieved by exaggerating a reality through expressions that amplify it to an extreme.
Hyperbole
Which type of appeal is being used if a speaker talks about their years of experience in a field to persuade the audience?
Read: "The lethargic cat barely moved from its spot all day." What does lethargic suggest?
a. Energetic
b. Sluggish
c. Playful
d. Hungry
b. Sluggish
2. In the word "prehistoric," what does the prefix "pre-" mean?
a. after
b. before
c. again
d. not
b. before
How is "light" used in "The feather was very light"?
A. Brightness or illumination
B. Not heavy in weight
C. Pale in color
D. To ignite something
6. What meaning of "sp
B. Not heavy in weight
use words or phrases to indicate something that isn’t often denoted by that word or phrase.
Metaphor
An emotional story about a family's struggles is an example of which appeal?
Pathos
"The opulent mansion featured marble floors and crystal chandeliers." Based on context, opulent means:
a. Simple
b. Old
c. Luxurious
d. Small
c. Luxurious
Which suffix changes the word "excite" to mean "causing excitement"?
a. -ment
b. -ing
c. -able
d. -ful
b. -ing
What meaning of "present" is used in "She needs to present her findings"?
A. A gift
B. The current time
C. To show or display
D. To be in attendance
C. To show or display
the comparison is made through adverbs or adverbial phrases, most notably “like” or “as.”
Simile
If a speaker provides data and statistics to support their argument, which appeal are they using?
Logos
"The gregarious student made friends easily in her new school." What does gregarious mean?
a. Shy
b. Lonely
c. Sociable
d. Angry
c. Sociable
5. Choose the word that contains both a prefix and a suffix:
A. unforgettable
b. happiness
c. return
d. preview
A. unforgettable
What does "bark" mean in "The tree's bark was rough and textured"?
A. A dog's vocal sound
B. The outer covering of a tree
C. A small sailing ship
D. To give orders harshly
B. The outer covering of a tree
Repetition of the same initial consonant sound throughout a sentence, phrase or verse.
Alliteration
Which rhetorical appeal is most likely being used if an advertisement shows a celebrity using a product?
Ethos
"The perspicacious detective solved the case quickly." What does perspicacious suggest?
a. Slow
b. Confused
c. Clumsy
d. Sharp-minded
d. Sharp-minded
Which suffix can be added to "beauty" to create an adjective?
A. -ment
B. -ful
C. -ness
D. -ly
B. -ful
In "The crane lifted the heavy steel beam," what type of crane is being referenced?
A. A large wading bird
B. A lifting machine
C. A person's neck
D. A paper decoration
B. A lifting machine