Literary Devices I
What is the group of three?
A list of three words or sentences for effect.
Give an example of onomatopoeia
Answers may vary but could include: Boom! Slam! Ouch!
What is ethos?
it is an appeal to authority and credibility.
What is pathos?
an appeal to the emotions
What is logos?
an appeal to logic and reason
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
Simile = uses "like" or "as"
Metaphor = direct comparison (no "like" or "as")
Give an example of repetition
Answers may vary but could include: I have a dream... I have a dream...
Why should you use ethos?
If your audience believe you to be a qualified, authoritative figure, or an expert in a subject, they are more likely to be persuaded by your argument.
Why should you use pathos?
If your audience is emotionally invested and engaged with your cause or argument, they are more likely to be persuaded.
Why should you use logos?
If you can present a logical, rational argument to your audience, which engages their intellect and sense of reason, they are more likely to be persuaded.
What is alliteration?
The repetition of the same sound or letter in a phrase or sentence
What is a rhetorical question?
A question that doesn’t require an answer but promotes the thinking of an idea.
How can you incorporate ethos?
• You can openly remind your audience who you are and why you are an authority on the subject. (‘As the leading researcher, I agree...’).
• You can establish authority more subtly through the use of jargon or specialised terms (‘My quantitative research in linguistic anthropology has shown...’).
• You can establish credibility by just using correct grammar and language, using solid reasoning and good arguments and therefore sounding credible and trustworthy.
How can you incorporate pathos?
• You can use descriptive language and imagery, which evokes emotions. (‘This life-saving dishwasher will enhance your life and lighten your load.’)
• You can identify values / emotions which relate particularly to your audience, and play on them. (‘I know you care for your family, so...’)
• You can use personal stories to appeal to the sympathies and emotions of your audience. (‘When I lost my job, I knew how important it was to...)
How can you incorporate logos?
• You can use research and statistics to back- up your arguments. (‘87% of students benefit from textbooks, so...’)
• You can use logical processes to explain your point – ‘if this... then that...’ (‘If you don’t want gum disease, then you should brush regularly.’)
• You must give convincing, solid evidence and reasons to support your claims. (‘I need a car: it would make me more independent; save me money; improve my life.)
What is sensory language?
Use the five senses to create a realistic image in the reader’s mind.
Read this sentence and decide which literary device it is: The wicked cat glared with hatred at the innocent young boy.
Emotive language: words and phrases that illicit/make the reader feel a certain emotion (in this case: fear)
Explain why this is an example of ethos:
“Dentists all over the world are telling their patients the same things. You must floss regularly.”
Dentists all over the world = credible source
Explain why this is an example of pathos:
“Just eat and don’t complain. Children in Africa are starving and would give anything to have that plate of food.”
Children in Africa are starving = sad/guilty emotion
Explain why this is an example of logos:
“You don’t need to jump in front of a train to know it’s a bad idea; so why do you need to try drugs to know if they’re damaging?”
You don't need to jump in front of a train = logical argument that can't be argued against
What is imagery?
Visually descriptive or figurative language.
What is the difference between imagery and sensory language?
Sensory language is a type of imagery. Imagery is a larger literary device that includes any descriptive language (ex: using literary devices, punctuation, etc).
Persuade your teacher not to give you homework using ETHOS.
Answers may vary but must include a reference to a credible source (it can be made up for now but in a real-life scenario, should be a real, credible source that is evidence based)
Convince a friend to join your sports team using PATHOS.
Answers may vary but should include using emotion in some way (if you really are my best friend, ...)
Persuade an audience that they should exercise more often using LOGOS.
Answers may vary but should include a logical reason/argument that can't be easily argued against