Rhetorical Devices

Ap Language and Composition

Archaic Language

using language that is antiquated (old-fashion)

Archaic Language

ex. beliefs for which our forebears fought

Alliteration

use of words with same consonant sound close together

Colloquialism

using language that reflects the way people actually speak (slang)

Jargon

using language that is specific to a place, period, position, or occupation

Repetition

repeating words, phrases, causes in order to emphasize or reiterate

Cumulative Sentence

sentence where main clause is at the beginning and then more is added on

Cumulative Sentence

ex. But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course — both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind’s final war

Hortative Sentence

sentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action

Hortative Sentence

ex. Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us

Imperative Sentence

sentence that commands or demands

Imperative Sentence

ex. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man

Periodic Sentence

sentence where main clause is withheld until the end

Periodic Sentence

ex. To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in a new age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support

Anaphora

repetition of words/phrases at beginning of successive phrases, clauses, lines

Anaphora

ex. not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need — not as a call to battle, though embattled we are

Antimetabole / Chiasmus

repetition of words in reverse order

Antimetabole / Chiasmus

Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country

Antithesis

opposition or contrast of ideas/words in parallel construction

Antithesis

ex. We shall…support any friend, oppose any foe…

Asyndeton

omission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, causes, words (speed up)

Asyndeton

ex. He eats, drinks, sleeps.

Juxtaposition

placements of two things closely together to emphasize differences

Juxtaposition

ex. We are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth…that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—-born in this century…

Parallelism

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

Parallelism

ex. Let both sides explore…Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals…let both sides seek to invoke…Let both sides unite to heed….