Rhetorical Choices and Devices

TEST October 3rd

Alliteration

Repetition of the same beginning consonant sound in nearby words. “She sells seashells.”

Allusion

A reference to a well known story, event, person, or work of art. “He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”

Analogy

A comparison between two things to explain or clarify an idea. “Finding a good friend is like finding a needle in a haystack.”

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of lines or sentences. “We shall fight… We shall fight… We shall fight…”

Anecdote

A short, personal story used to make a point.

Antithesis

Placing two opposite ideas side by side for effect. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration for effect. “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).

Irony

When the opposite of what’s expected happens or is said. A fire station burns down.

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting ideas or images side by side. “Darkness and Light”

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things. “Time is a thief.”

Metonymy

Using something closely related to represent an idea. “The crown” = the king/queen.

Oxymoron

Two opposite words joined together. “Bittersweet”

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a truth. “Less is more.”

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things. “The wind whispered.”

Simile

A comparison using like or as. “Her smile is like sunshine.”

Zeugma

One word applies to two others in different ways. “She broke his car and his heart.”

Argument

A reasoned case made to persuade others of a point of view.

Assertion

A strong statement of belief or opinion. “School uniforms improve learning.”

Concession

When a writer or speaker acknowledges the other side of an argument.

Confirmation

The evidence and reasoning used to back up an argument.

Ethos

Appeal to credibility or trust (showing the speaker is reliable).

Logos

Appeal to logic and reason (facts, data, evidence).

Pathos

Appeal to emotions (making the audience feel something).

Connotation

The emotional or cultural meaning of a word beyond its dictionary definition. “Home” = warmth, safety.

Diction

The author’s word choice.

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere created for the reader. Creepy, joyful, tense

Parallelism

Repeating a grammatical structure for rhythm or emphasis. “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

Syntax

The arrangement of words in a sentence. Short, choppy vs. long, flowing sentences

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject. Sarcastic, admiring, critical