What's the author doing?
The author is breaking down something to understand it better.
Analyze
The author uses vivid sensory details to describe a protest scene.
Depicts
The author disagrees with another argument.
Refute
An author brings together ideas from multiple sources, they do this.
Synthesize
Explains, Clarifies, Confuses, Outlines
Confuses (not a rhetorical strategy)
The author does this to show how one idea relates to another.
Connect
A story uses humor, exaggeration, or irony to criticize serious issues.
Satirizes
If an author makes fun of or mocks a flaw in logic, they do this.
Ridicule
An author expresses uncertainty or challenges an idea instead of accepting it, they do this.
Question(s)
Portrays, Conveys, Refutes, Depicts
Refutes (others are descriptive)
When the author wraps up or finishes an argument, they do this.
Conclude(s)
Two contrasting scenes—a peaceful meadow and a war zone—are shown back to back.
Juxtaposes
The speaker shows another argument is not valid or trustworthy.
Discredit
The speaker is making an educated guess based on clues.
Infer
Criticizes, Condemns, Defends, Ridicules
Defends (others are attacks)
The author says something directly but hopes the reader will pick up on a hidden meaning.
Implies
The writer uses strong emotional language to spark sympathy.
Evokes
When a writer highlights unfairness or wrongdoings, they do this.
Condemn
A writer adds nuance, complexity, or makes something less black-and-white, they do this.
Complicate
Infers, Suggests, Parallels, Implies
Parallels (others express "indirect" sentiment)
If an author makes a firm claim or belief, they do this.
Assert
This verb means to suggest something indirectly by pointing out a difference.
Contrast (Compare)
If an author shows that someone is trying to influence unfairly, they do this.
Manipulate
When a speaker wishes a different outcome had resulted than the one that actually occurred.
Regret
Elevates, Highlights, Emphasizes, Minimizes
Minimizes (others are positive)