The writer uses examples to illustrate an idea. Draw your examples from life, literature, or history. Introduce your examples by using phrases such as for example, for instance, consider the case of.
What is Example or Illustration?
100
brief story or tale told by a character in a piece of literature.
What is Anecdote?
100
A piece of writing in praise of a deceased person.
What is Epitaph?
200
Reason
What is Logos?
200
providing insufficient or selective evidence.
What is Hasty Generalization?
200
The writer sorts, or classifies, information to make it easier to understand.
What is Classification?
200
A figure of speech which makes brief, even casual reference to a historical or literary figure, event, or object to create a resonance in the reader or to apply a symbolic meaning to the character or object of which the allusion consists.
What is Allusion?
200
A speech or writing in praise of a person or thing; an oration in honor of a deceased person.
What is eulogy?
300
Emotions
What is Pathos?
300
“it doesn’t follow.” using a statement that does not relate logically to what comes before it.
What is Non-Sequir?
300
The writer compares (notes similarities) and contrasts (notes differences) things. The writer has classified, or sorted, the information into similarities and differences before writing. It is best to include similarities and differences in each paragraph rather than have a paragraph on likeness and a paragraph on differences.
What is Compare/Contrast?
300
Character or force in a literary work that opposes the main character, or protagonist
What is Antagonist?
300
A sudden or intuitive insight or perception into the reality or essential meaning of something usually brought on by a simple or common occurrence or experience
What is epiphany?
400
Authority/credibility
What is ethos?
400
consideration of only two extremes when there are more possibilities.
What is False dichotomy?
400
The writer uses a comparison in order to explain something. For example, you might explain how a corporation is run by comparing it to a football team.
What is Analogy?
400
A concise statement designed to make a point or illustrate a commonly held belief.
"Early to bed and early to rise/Make a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
What is Aphorism?
400
Substitution of a milder or less direct expression for one that is harsh or blunt. For example, using "passed away" for "dead."
What is euphemism?
500
The author's stance, tone, and narration.
What is point of view?
500
use dire consequences from relatively minor causes.
What is Slippery Slope?
500
The writer defines certain words to ensure that the readers understand what he is saying.
What is Definition?
500
Narrative form in which characters and actions have meanings outside themselves; characters are usually personifications of abstract qualities.
What is allegory?
500
Quote set at the beginning of a literary work or at its divisions to set the tone or suggest a theme.