Rhetorical Choices, Devices, and Appeals

Vocabulary flashcards covering key rhetorical devices, choices, and persuasive appeals for exam preparation.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject, audience, or both (e.g., playful, somber, sardonic).

Diction

An author’s deliberate word choice; creates tone and can be formal, informal, scholarly, derogatory, etc.

Imagery

Highly descriptive language that appeals to the five senses and often evokes emotion (pathos).

Simile

A comparison using the words “like” or “as” (e.g., “She is like a flower”).

Metaphor

A direct comparison that does NOT use “like” or “as” (e.g., “She is a flower”).

Analogy

An extended comparison that explains how two things are alike in order to clarify an idea.

Comparison (Rhetorical Choice)

Any strategy that highlights similarities between two subjects to make a point (includes similes, metaphors, analogies).

Contrast

A technique that shows how two ideas or images differ in order to emphasize those differences.

Amplification

Intensifying or expanding on an idea for emphasis or clarity.

Irony

Using words to convey a meaning opposite of their literal sense, often for humor or emphasis.

Repetition

The intentional reuse of words, phrases, images, or structures for emphasis or effect.

Juxtaposition

Placing two words, images, or ideas side by side for contrast (e.g., “best of times, worst of times”).

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis (e.g., “I’ve told you a million times”).

Enumeration

Listing parts, causes, effects, or details to break down and emphasize a subject.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words (e.g., “lead the land we love”).

Parallel Structure

Using the same grammatical pattern in a series of words, phrases, or clauses.

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word(s) at the beginnings of successive lines or clauses; a form of parallelism.

Hypophora

Posing a question and then immediately answering it to guide the reader’s thinking.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect with an implied answer, not meant to be answered aloud.

Allusion

A brief reference to a well-known event, work, myth, or figure to enrich meaning.

Anecdote

A short, interesting or amusing story about a real incident or person, used as evidence.

Hypothetical Example

An invented scenario that illustrates a claim or concept that could plausibly occur.

Personification

Attributing human characteristics to nonhuman entities or abstract ideas.

Ethos

Appeal based on the author’s credibility, character, or shared values with the audience.

Logos

Appeal to logic through facts, data, expert testimony, and sound reasoning.

Pathos

Appeal to the audience’s emotions to persuade or influence.