Untitled Flashcards Set

Alliteration

Repetition of the same sound beginning several words or syllables in sequence.

Allusion

Brief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) or to a work of art.

Ambiguity

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence or passage.

Analogy

A comparison between two seemingly dissimilar things. Often, uses something simple or familiar to explain something unfamiliar or complex. 

Anecdote

A brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.

Aphorism

A terse statement of known authorship expressing a general truth or moral principle.

Argument

A process of reasoned inquiry; a persuasive discourse resulting in a coherent movement from a claim to a conclusion.

Audience

The listener, viewer, or reader of a text.

Claim

A statement that states the argument’s main idea or position.

Colloquialism

Words or phrases that have a conversational feel and are not generally used in formal written English.

Connotation

Meanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition.

Context

The circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.

Denotation

The strict, literal dictionary definition of a word.

Diction

A speaker’s choice of words.

Emphasis

The importance placed on a particular idea or word.

Ethos

Character appeal; establishing credibility and trustworthiness.

Euphemism

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for unpleasant words or concepts.

Figurative Language

Nonliteral language often evoking strong imagery.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or comic effect.

Imagery

A description appealing to the senses.

Irony

A figure of speech where what is said is the opposite of what is meant.

Jargon

Specialized terminology used by a particular group.

Juxtaposition

Placement of two things closely together to emphasize similarities or differences.

Logos

Appeal to reason by offering clear, rational ideas and supporting details.

Metaphor

Figure of speech comparing two things without using like or as.

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere created by a text.

Narration

Factual and background information establishing the need to address a subject.

Oxymoron

A paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words.

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but delivers an ironic truth.

Parallelism

Similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.

Pathos

Emotional appeal to motivate the audience.

Persona

The face or character a speaker shows to their audience.

Personification

Attribution of lifelike qualities to inanimate objects or ideas.

Purpose

The goal the speaker wants to achieve.

Rhetoric

The art of finding ways to persuade an audience.

Rhetorical Appeals

Techniques used to persuade an audience.

Rhetorical Question

A question posed for rhetorical effect rather than for an answer.

Satire

The use of irony or sarcasm to critique society or an individual.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing something explicitly using like or as.

Style

A writer’s specific way of expressing thoughts.

Syntax

The arrangement of words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.

Theme

A writer’s thoughts on a topic.

Tone

A speaker’s attitude toward the subject conveyed through style.

Understatement

Presenting something as less important than it is.

Vernacular

The speech patterns of a particular group of people or region.

Voice

The unique flavor of a piece based on the author's style.