English Essay Analysis MODs and MOOs

Analogy

Comparison between two things – using an easy concept to explain a difficult one.

Anecdote

A personal story or personal example.

Anaphora

When a series of phrases begin with the same word or words.

Repetition

When a word or phrase is used over and over again.

Antithesis

2 clauses (phrases) equal in form and structure but they are opposite in meaning.

Balanced Structure

2 clauses (phrases) equal in form and structure.

Parallel Structure

3 clauses (phrases) or more, equal in form and structure.

Comparison

Similarities.

Contrast

Differences.

Juxtaposition

Two things placed side by side for contrasting effect.

Fact

A truth – indisputable.

Statistic

Data – in the form of numbers, ratios or percentages.

Cited Authority

Quoting an expert.

Situational Irony

When the opposite of what’s expected happens.

Verbal Irony

When the opposite of what’s intended is said.

Paradox

The opposite of what’s expected yet there’s an element of truth to it.

Rhetorical Question

Posing a question without getting an answer.

Hypophora

Rhetorical questions that are asked then immediately answered.

Idiom

Common saying – cliché.

Satire

Making fun of human flaws.

Motif

A word or concept threaded throughout a text.

Definition

The meaning of a term or phrase.

Example

A word or phrase used to highlight or exemplify a topic.

Allusion

A reference to a person, place, or thing.

Alliteration

An occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

Hyperbole

Over exaggeration.

Imagery (sensory)

Phrases used that entice one of the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).

Simile

Comparison between things using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

Metaphor

Comparison between things without using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

Personification

Giving objects human or animal qualities.

Symbol

An object used to represent a feeling or concept.

Oxymoron

Two opposite words, side by side.

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate a sound.

Compare & Contrast

This essay type examines the similarities and differences between two or more subjects, ideas, or concepts.

Cause & Effect

This essay explores the reasons (causes) behind an event or phenomenon and the outcomes (effects) that result from it.

Narrative Reflection

This essay uses vivid language to paint a picture of a person, place, object, or event. This could be from the author’s personal experience or a true story.

Argumentative/Persuasive

This essay presents a claim or position on a controversial issue and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and statistics.

Classification/Division

This essay organizes a topic into categories or divides it into parts to better understand it.

Definition

This essay explains the meaning of a term, concept, or idea, often going beyond the dictionary definition.

Process Analysis

This essay explains how something works or how to do something, step by step, in second person.