AN EPIC LIST OF RHETORICAL TERMS

Rhetoric

The study and practice of effective communication.

Mode of Discourse

The way in which information is presented in a text. The four traditional modes are narration, description, exposition, and argument

Ethos

A persuasive appeal based on the projected character of the speaker or narrator. It is established by both who you are (automatic ethos) and what you say

Logos

a persuasive appeal that employs logical reasoning, combining a clear idea (or multiple ideas) with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details. These supports are logically presented and rationally reach the writer’s conclusion.

Pathos

The means of persuasion that appeals to the audience’s emotions

Subject

the topic of a text; what the text is explicitly about. Be careful not to confuse subject with purpose–purpose is the objective of the text; subject is the content the author chooses as a vehicle for accomplishing that purpose. Example: Jonathan Kozol’s book focuses on the inequalities in the educational system.

Argument

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

Claim

An arguable statement, which may be of fact, value, or policy

Fallacy

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.

Style

Narrowly interpreted as those figures that ornament speech or writing; broadly, as representing a manifestation of the person speaking or writing

Voice

(1) The quality of a verb that indicates whether its subject acts (active voice) or is acted upon (passive voice). (2) The distinctive style or manner of expression of an author or narrator.

Exigence

the situation, the problem, the imperfection, that moves writers to respond through language and rhetoric; essentially, why did the writer feel compelled to compose this work?

Structure

the way communication is organized and arranged, taking into account the sequencing of ideas/elements and the juxtaposition of elements to highlight their relationship.

○ Some methods of organization to note: cause-and-effect, description, compare-contrast, narration, problem-solution, division/analysis, pointing to instances/examples

Diction

a speaker’s choice of words

Syntax

the arrangement of words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. This includes word order (ie: SVO v. inverted structure), clause structure (ie: simple v. complex), length, and even the breaking of standard grammatical rules (ie: intentional run-ons

Semantics

the study of the meaning of words

Imagery & Figurative Language

use of language in a pattern of related symbols and sensory images to provide vivid, detailed descriptions and create a unified tone or mood.