A fallacy of argument in which a writer's claim is answered by irrelevant attacks on his or her character; directed to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason
What is ad hominem argument
100
In formal logic, a structure of deductive logic in which correctly formed major and minor premises lead to a necessary conclusion
What is syllogism
100
A reference to a person, place or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea
What is allusion
100
A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before
What is non sequitur
100
The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. This is the characteristic emotion that pervades a work or part of a work---the spirit of quality that is the word's emotional essence
What is tone
200
A fallacy of logical argument that assumes as true the very thing that one is trying to prove
What is begging the question
200
In Toulmin argument, the statement (expressed or implied) that establishes the logical connection between a claim and its supporting reason
What is a warrant
200
The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words in prose or poetry
What is assonance
200
A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true
What is paradox
200
A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words
What is verbal irony
300
A fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data
What is hasty generalization
300
A fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't fall another.
What is non sequitur
300
Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect
What is hyperbole
300
That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow
What is pathos
300
(Refers to verbs) A verb is in this when it expresses an action performed by its subject. Stylistically, this leads to more economical and vigorous writing
What is active voice
400
A fallacy of argument exaggerating the possibility that a relatively inconsequential action or choice today will have serious adverse consequences in the future
What is slippery slope
400
A statement that asserts a belief or truth
What is a claim
400
A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language
What is conceit
400
The generic name for a figure of speech such as image, symbol, simile and metaphor
What is trope
500
A fallacy of argument in which a writer abruptly changes the topic in order to distract readers from potentially objectionable claims
What is a red herring
500
A fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute
What is begging the question
500
The use of images in speech and writing
What is imagery
500
A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole or the whole signifies the part. When the name of the material stands for the thing itself, that, too, is this