55 English Language and Composition Rhetorical Analysis Terms

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Analogy

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55 Terms

1

Analogy

Explaining something complex by comparing it to something more simple.

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2

Argument

The combination of reasons, evidence, etc that an author uses to convince an audience of their position.

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3

Aristotelian appeals

Three different methods of appealing to an audience to convince them—ethos, logos, and pathos.

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4

Attitude

The writer's personal views or feelings about the subject at hand.

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5

Audience

Who the author is directing his or her message towards

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6

Compare and contrast

Discussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose.

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7

Connotation

The implied meaning of a word; words can broadly have positive, negative, or neutral connotations.

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8

Context

The extra-textual environment in which the text is being delivered.

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9

Counterargument

The argument(s) against the author's position.

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10

Deductive reasoning

A form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case.

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11

Denotation

The literal, dictionary-definition meaning of a word.

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12

Diction

The style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation.

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13

Ethos

Setting up a source as credible and trustworthy.

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14

Evidence

The information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author's position.

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15

Figurative language

The use of language in a non-literal way; i.e. metaphor, simile, etc.

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16

Genre

The specific type of work being presented.

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17

Imagery

Any descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something; includes figurative language.

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18

Implication

When something is suggested without being concretely stated.

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19

Inductive reasoning

Making a generalization based on specific evidence at hand.

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20

Irony

At the most basic sense, saying the opposite of what you mean; also used to describe situations in which the results of an action are dramatically different than intended.

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21

Juxtaposition

Placing two very different things together for effect.

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22

Logos

Appealing to someone's sense of concrete facts and logic.

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23

Occasion

The reason or moment for writing or speaking.

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24

Organization

How the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech.

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25

Pathos

An Aristotelian appeal. Involves appealing to someone's emotions.

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26

Purpose

The author's persuasive intention.

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27

Repetition

Re-using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphasis.

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28

Rhetoric

The use of spoken or written word (or a visual medium) to convey your ideas and convince an audience.

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29

Rhetorical triangle

The relationship between the author, the audience, the text/message, and the context.

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30

Speaker

The persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author.

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31

Style

The author's own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece; similar to voice.

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32

Symbolism

Using a symbol to refer to an idea or concept.

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33

Syntax

The way sentences are grammatically constructed.

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34

Synthesis

Combining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point.

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35

Themes

Overarching ideas or driving premises of a work.

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36

Tone

The use of stylistic devices to reveal an author's attitude toward a subject.

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37

Voice

An author's unique sound. Similar to style.

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38

Alliteration

Using words with the same first letter repeatedly close together in a phrase or sentence.

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39

Allusion

Making a brief reference to the cultural canon—e.g. the Bible, Shakespeare, classical mythology, etc.

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40

Anecdote

Offering a brief narrative episode. This device can serve many functions in a text—for example, introducing an issue, serving as evidence, to illustrate a point, and so on.

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41

Concession

Agreeing with the opposing viewpoint on a certain smaller point (but not in the larger argument).

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42

Didactic

A text with an instructive purpose, often moral.

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43

Euphemism

Referring to something with a veiled phrase instead of saying it directly

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44

Exemplification

Providing examples in service of a point.

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45

Hyperbole

Overstating a situation for humorous or dramatic effect.

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46

Idiom

A commonly used phrase that signifies something very different than its literal meaning.

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47

Onomatopoeia

Using "sound-effect" words (e.g. "clap," "buzz).

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48

Paradox

A phrase or assertion that appears to contradict itself (but the contradiction itself may have its own meaning).

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49

Parallelism

Repeated structural elements in a sentence.

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50

Parody

Using the form of something to mimic and make fun of it.

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51

Personification

Giving human characteristics to a nonhuman object or idea.

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52

Sarcasm

Mockingly stating the opposite of what you mean. Easier to convey in the spoken word than via writing.

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53

Satire

A genre of humorous and mocking criticism to expose the ignorance and/or ills of society.

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54

Synecdoche

Referring to one part of something as a way to refer to the whole.

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55

Understatement

Deliberately minimizing something, usually for humorous effect.

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