Rhetorical Analysis and Persuasive Techniques

Flashcards of Rhetorical Devices, Figurative Language, and Types of Evidence

Anaphora

The repetition of the same word at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences.

Asyndeton

A list without the use of 'and'.

Hypophora

The speaker poses a question then answers the question themselves.

Parallelism

The repetition of a grammatical structure or pattern within a sentence or paragraph.

Polysyndeton

A list with conjunctions (and, but, or) instead of commas.

Repetition

The repeating of words, phrases, or ideas throughout a text to reinforce meaning or theme (not necessarily at the beginning like anaphora).

Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect or to make a point, rather than to get an actual answer. It prompts the audience to think.

Rule of Three

A principle that suggests ideas in groups of three are more effective; a list of three items is called a tricolon.

Tone

The writer’s attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and style.

Hyperbole

Exaggerating for an effect.

Charged word(s)

A word or phrase that has overly positive or negative connotations.

Emotive Language

Words or phrases that stir up strong emotional responses in the audience, such as fear, sympathy, anger, or hope.

Metaphor

Comparison without “like” or “as”.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates the natural sound of something.

Personification

Giving human qualities to something that is not human to create vivid imagery or emotional effect.

Simile

Comparison using “like” or “as”.

Alliteration

Repetition of consonant sounds.

Imagery

Language that appeals to the senses.

Listing

To list facts, ideas, names, etc.

Humor

Something that is intended to be comical or amusing.

Allusion

A brief reference to something well-known—such as a historical event, famous person, work of literature, or pop culture—that helps a speaker connect with the audience or add deeper meaning to the message.

Anecdote

A brief story used as evidence.

Expert Testimony

A quote or paraphrase from a knowledgeable or credible source used to strengthen an argument.

Factual Claim

A statement that can be proven true or false, used to support an argument or assertion.

Statistics

Facts, numbers, percentages used to make an argument more believable or convincing.