Literary Devices
Literary Devices Examples
Rhetorical Appeals/Examples
Puritanism
Weak or Strong Thesis Statements
100

A comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." It states that one thing is another.

What is metaphor?

100

She sells seashells by the seashore.

What is alliteration?

100

The appeal to the speaker's or writer's character and credibility.

What is ethos?

100

This religious movement sought to "purify" the Church of England and emphasized strict adherence to Biblical teachings and predestination. 

What is Puritanism?

100

Native American oral traditions were an important way to pass down stories and cultural values before European colonization.

What is weak? It's too broad and factual. It doesn’t make a strong argument or analyze the impact of traditions

200

A flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument.

What is logical fallacy?

200

Her smile was as bright as the sun.

What is simile?

200

The appeal to the audience's emotions.

What is pathos?

200

This concept, central to Puritan belief, held that God had already chosen who would be saved and who would be damned, and nothing individuals did could change their fate.

What is predestination?

200

The Puritans had a strict religious system that influenced their writing and how they viewed the world.

What is weak? It's true, but too general and has no specific examples to analyze or expand on.

300

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.

What is tone?

300

The wind whispered through the trees.

What is personification?

300

The appeal to logic and reason.

What is logos?

300

This is the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620.

What is the Mayflower?

300

Native American oral traditions function as historical records that challenge European colonial narratives and preserve Indigenous identity.


What is strong? Takes a clear stance, identifies a specific role of oral tradition, and connects to colonial narratives.

400

The atmosphere or emotional tone created by a work, influencing how the reader feels

What is mood?

400

He was a real Romeo with the ladies.

What is an allusion?

400

Ex/ Your donation can help a family stay in their home during a time of crisis, ensuring they have food and warmth.

What is pathos?

400

The year the Puritans arrived in the 'New World'.

What is 1620?

400

Mary Rowlandson’s captivity narrative is about a woman who is taken by Native Americans and later returned to her family.

What is weak? It's purely a summary, does not make an argument or explain text’s significance

500

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

What is anaphora?

500

The bright, cheerful sun and the dark, gloomy storm clouds.

What is juxtaposition?

500

Ex/ Our charity has been serving the community for over 30 years, helping thousands of families.

What is ethos?

500

Puritans rejected this holiday, believing it was too festive and not aligned with their religious beliefs.

What is Christmas?

500

Mary Rowlandson’s captivity narrative reveals the complexities of Puritan views of Native Americans, shifting between fear, admiration, and a struggle for survival.

What is strong? It makes an argument rather than summarizing.