AP Language Rhetorical Terms: List 2

ad hominem argument

argument that attacks the integrity or character of an opponent rather than the merits of an issue

analogy

a comparison that attempts to explain one idea or thing by likening it to another

begging the question

the situation that results when a writer or speaker constructs an argument on an assumption that the audience does not accept

casual relationship (cause-and-effect relationship)

The relationship expressing “if X is the cause, then Y is the effect“ or “if Y is the effect, then X caused it“

colloquialism

a word or expression acceptable in informal usage but inappropriate in formal discourse

connotation

the implication of emotional overtones of a word rather than its literal meaning

essay

short prose discussion of a single topic (can be formal or informal)

euphemism

more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept

logical fallacy

errors in reasoning used by speakers or writers, sometimes in order to dupe their audiences

most logical fallacies are based on insufficient evidence

red herring

a side issue introduced into an argument in order to distract from the main argument

sarcasm

involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something

satire

often an attack on a person

use of wit and humor to ridicule society’s weaknesses so as to correct them

tone

reflection of the writer’s attitude toward subject and audience

understatement

a way of deliberately representing something as less than it is in order to stress its magnitude

voice

the presence or sound of self, chosen by author