ELA Speech Terminology Study Guide

Allusion

A reference within a text to another work of literature

Argument

A genre of writing where the writer conveys their position on a topic and uses research, evidence, and reasoning to persuade others

Audience

The group of people that a piece of writing, media, or art is intended for

Cadence

A speaker’s rhythm or flow that is created through the words they choose to emphasize, their pace, and the up and down movement of their pitch

Central Idea

The main point an author makes in a nonfiction text (or a section of a nonfiction text)

Claim

An opinion or idea supported by evidence throughout the body of an essay or paragraph; sometimes called the thesis

Context

Information that clarifies what is happening in a moment or situation

Ethos

When a speaker establishes their authority to speak on the subject to get their audience to trust them

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor that extends throughout a piece of literature

Figurative Language

Phrasing that goes beyond the literal meaning of words to convey a message

• Examples: metaphor, simile, symbolism, personification, hyperbole

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration used to emphasize a point or convey an emotion

• Example: That train ride took forever.

Juxtaposition

A literary technique where two ideas are placed next to each other to reveal a contrast

• Examples: good and evil, war and peace, justice and revenge

Logos

When a speaker uses reasons and facts to get their audience to think logically

Message

A central idea communicated to an audience

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two things to suggest a likeness

• Example: “Juliet is the sun.” — William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Pathos

When a speaker tries to get their audience to feel a particular emotion to connect with them

Personal Anecdote

A brief story about a personal experience

Relevant Evidence

Evidence that supports a claim

Repetition

When an author repeats a word, phrase, or idea for effect

• Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness” — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Rhetoric

The art of effective speaking or writing

Rhetorical Question

A question posed by a writer or speaker that they don’t really expect the audience or reader to answer

Thesis

The big answer to the prompt at an essay level; comprised of claims

Tone

The speaker's attitude toward a topic; in nonfiction, this may be the author's attitude