Reading
Term for something we find puzzling, intriguing, or ambiguous while reading
Curiosities
The use of language, reason and evidence to influence the thoughts and behavior of others
Argument
This asks: What was the time and place the piece was written? What encouraged it to be written?
Occasion
a direct comparison between unlike things, and using the word “like” or “as”
Simile
The choices or “the how” of an argument; the strategies we use to make an argument persuasive
Rhetoric
Repeated images, words, phrases, settings, structures, and rhymes we notice while reading
Repetitions
The position taken by the person making the argument; the thing the person is hoping to prove or persuade the audience to believe
Claim (or Thesis)
This asks: Who is the piece directed at? Is it a certain person, group, etc?
Audience
The cultural or emotional associations attached to a word
Connotation
Appeal to logic
Logos
When we are reading, we determine theme by using this process
Analytical Process (Or Analysis)
Term for when a speaker or a writer has an identifiable preference for, or prejudice against, one particular side or viewpoint of an issue
Bias
This asks: What is the reason behind the text being written? What does the speaker want the audience to do as a result of the text?
Purpose
Term for descriptions that appeal to the five senses
Imagery (or Sensory Details)
Appeal to emotions
Pathos
Contrasts like light/dark, good/evil, or characters or settings that seem to be in opposition
Opposites
The opposing viewpoint of an argument, otherwise known as the rebuttal
Counterargument
This asks: What is the attitude of the author? How does the author feel about it? (Consider diction, syntax, and imagery as clues)
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
Term for conceding and refuting. You start out by agreeing with the opposition to show that you respect their views even if you disagree, then point out how the opposition doesn’t outweigh your stance
Concession
Connections or references in the text to something else outside the text. Often called allusions, these may be references to people, places, or things the writer expects the reader to know
Links
Gaps in logic
Logical Fallacies
This asks: Who is the voice that tells the story? Is it the author? Someone else? (Consider point of view.)
Speaker
When something is used to represent something else
Symbol (or Symbolism)
Appeal to credibility of the speaker
Ethos