RA Terms #2

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Diction

Refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.

Didactic

Works that primarily aim to teach or instruct, especially moral or ethical principles.

Euphemism

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.

Exposition

A chief type of composition whose purpose is to explain something.

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently throughout a work.

Figurative Language

Language that uses non-literal words or phrases to create meaning and engage the reader.

Generic Conventions

Traditions that help define each literary genre.

Genre

The major category into which a literary work fits, such as prose, poetry, and drama.

Homily

A serious talk or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice, often synonymous with "sermon."

Hyperbole

A figure of speech that uses deliberate exaggeration or overstatement, often producing irony.

Hypophora

A figure of reasoning where questions are asked and then answered by the same speaker.

Imagery

Sensory details or figurative language used to evoke emotion or represent abstractions.

Inference/Infer

To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.

Invective

An emotionally violent verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.

Irony/Ironic

The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant.

Juxtaposition

Placing two words, phrases, images, or ideas close together for comparison or contrast.

Litotes

A figure of thought affirming a point by negating its opposite, often used as an understatement.

Loose Sentence

A sentence type where the main idea comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units.