RA Terms #3

Made by yours truly.

Metaphor

A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity. It makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought-provoking, and meaningful.

Metonymy

A figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.

Mood

the atmosphere of the narrative, which is established to affect the reader emotionally and psychologically and to provide a feeling for the narrative. It is created by means of setting, diction, tone or attitude (of the narrator and of the characters), and descriptions (imagery, figurative language, vivid language, etc.).

Onomatopoeia

A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur.

Oxymoron

From the Greek for 'pointedly foolish,' a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.

Paradox

A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity. It is used to point out an apparent contradiction.

Parallelism

It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase.

Parody

A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.

Pedantic

An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.

Periodic sentence

A sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone.

Personification

A figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.

Polysyndeton

Figure of addition and emphasis which employs a series of conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) not normally found in successive words, phrases or clauses; the deliberate use of excessive conjunctions in successive words or clauses.

First person POV

Tells the story with the first person pronoun, 'I.' This narrator can be the protagonist, a participant (character in a secondary role), or an observer (a character who merely watches the action).

Second person POV

Addresses the reader with the second person pronoun, 'you,' as part of the text.

Third person omniscient

The narrator, with godlike knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters. This all-knowing narrator can reveal what each character feels and thinks at any given moment.

Third person limited omniscient

Presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character, presenting only the actions of all remaining characters.

Prose

it refers to fiction and non-fiction texts that are not verse/poetry. The printer determines the length of the line, as opposed to poetry, in which the poet determines the length of the line.

Repetition

The duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.

Rhetoric

The art or skill of speaking or writing formally and effectively, especially as a way to persuade or influence people.

Rhetorical modes

This flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and purposes of the major kinds of writing.

Exposition

To explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion.

Argumentation

Is to prove the validity of an idea or point of view by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of it by having an additional aim of urging some form of action.

Description

Is to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event, or action so that the reader can picture it. Sometimes an author engages all five senses in description. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional and subjective.

Narration

Is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing.