Extra Rhetoric and Literary Terms Lecture Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key rhetorical and literary terms from the lecture notes.

Deduction

Reasoning from general principles to reach a specific conclusion.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word.

Diction

The author’s choice of words and style of expression.

Either-Or Reasoning

Presenting only two options when more exist.

Ellipsis

Omission of words, sometimes indicated by "…".

Elliptical Sentence

A sentence missing some elements but still understandable.

Emotional Appeal (Pathos)

Persuading by evoking emotions.

Ethical Appeal (Ethos)

Persuasion by establishing credibility or moral character.

Euphemism

A mild or polite expression substituting for a harsh one.

Exposition

Writing that explains or informs.

Figurative Language

Use of metaphor, simile, personification, etc., to enhance meaning.

Generalization

A broad statement based on limited examples.

Hyperbole

A deliberate exaggeration for effect.

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality; includes verbal, dramatic, and situational forms.

Logic

The principles of valid reasoning and inference.

Logical Appeal (Logos)

Persuading through reasoning and facts.

Logical Fallacy

A flawed argument that undermines logic.

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things.

Mood

The atmosphere or emotional effect created by a text.

Narrative

A story or account of events.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates a sound (e.g., buzz, sizzle).

Oversimplification

Ignoring complexities in an argument or explanation.

Oxymoron

Two contradictory terms placed together (e.g., "deafening silence").

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals truth.

Parallelism

Repetition of similar grammatical structure for effect.

Periodic Sentence

A sentence that delays its main clause until the end.

Personification

Attributing human traits to non-human entities.

Persuasion

Writing designed to convince or influence.

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is told (first person, third person limited, or omniscient).

Red Herring

A distraction that diverts attention from the main issue.

Refutation

Arguing against a point to disprove it.

Repetition

Reusing words or phrases for emphasis.

Rhetoric

The art of persuasive communication.

Rhetorical Modes

Exposition, Argumentation, Description, and Narration.

Sentence Structure

The arrangement of clauses into simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex sentences.

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as."

Straw Man

Misrepresenting an argument to refute it more easily.

Style

The author’s unique voice and choices in writing.

Symbolism

Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Syntax

The arrangement of words to form sentences.

Theme

The central message or underlying idea in a text.

Thesis

A statement of argument or position, especially in essays.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject.

Transition

A word or phrase that connects ideas or paragraphs.

Understatement

Presenting something as less significant than it is.

Voice

The active or passive relationship between subject and verb (e.g., "She kicked the ball" vs. "The ball was kicked by her").