Rhetorical Devices
What figure of speech compares two things using “like” or “as”?
Simile
Which rhetorical appeal targets the audience’s logic and reasoning?
Logos
What word describes the author’s attitude toward the subject?
Tone
What is the central claim of a rhetorical analysis called?
Thesis statement
What term refers to an author’s word choice?
diction
What is a direct comparison between two things without using “like” or “as”?
metaphor
What appeal relies on the speaker’s credibility or character?
ethos
What is the term for an author’s distinct way of expressing ideas through diction, syntax, and figurative language?
style
What structure should you use in your paragraphs? What three things do you need?
Claim, evidence, reasoning/commentary
What is the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences?
syntax
What is the term for exaggeration used for emphasis or humor?
Hyperbole
How does pathos work in a text?
By appealing to emotions
How would you describe a tone that is humorous, yet critical?
Satire
Name the essential parts of the Rhetorical Analysis Thesis.
Author, text title, purpose, appeals/choices
What is the effect of short, simple sentences in a text?v
They can create tension and a sense of imagery
What is it called when human qualities are given to non-human objects?
Personification
“We have waited more than 340 years for our constitutional and God-given rights.”
Logos
What type of diction should you use when emailing an advisor from a college?
formal
T/F you should focus on at LEAST two appeals or choices per paragraph.
False, you should focus on one appeal/choice per paragraph.
What effect does repetition have?
It emphasizes an idea or motif in the piece.
What is the term for an author using the same word over and over for emphasis?
repetition
“I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference…”
ethos
What type of diction would you use when texting your friends?
informal/casual
What are the components of the rhetorical situation?
Speaker, purpose, audience, context, exigence, choices, appeals, tone (SPACE CAT)
How does the use of parallelism enhance clarity and style in writing?
It emphasizes ideas and improves flow through structural similarity.