Rhetorical Devices
A question asked for effect, not to get an answer
What is a rhetorical question?
If a question asks about the main idea, you should focus on this
What is the author’s overall argument or purpose?
In the rhetorical analysis essay, what should you analyze instead of summarizing?
What is the author’s choices and how they affect the audience?
The use of vivid sensory language to create mental pictures
What is imagery?
When you’re stuck between two answers, what’s a helpful thing to do?
What is go back to the passage and reread the specific lines?
The synthesis essay requires you to do this with at least three sources
What is incorporate them to support your own argument?
A reference to something well-known like a book, movie, or historical event.
What is an allusion?
This test-taking strategy helps you rule out extreme or clearly wrong answers.
What is process of elimination?
What is the term for acknowledging an opposing view and responding to it in an argument essay?
What is a counterargument and rebuttal?
Two ideas placed side by side to highlight contrast
What is juxtaposition?
This time-saving strategy helps if you don’t know an answer right away.
What is skip it, mark it, and come back later?
Strong commentary does this with your evidence, instead of just describing it
What is connects it to the thesis and shows why it matters?
Two opposite ideas combined into a phrase
What is an oxymoron?
This general strategy is the best way to approach an MCQ section to ensure you manage your time and make thoughtful decisions.
What is read carefully, eliminate wrong answers, and pace yourself?
This technique strengthens your commentary by connecting your claim to a broader idea, real-world issue, or universal theme.
What is extending the analysis or making a broader connection also called a “so what” statement?