Literary Elements and Techniques as Rhetorical Choices

Vocabulary flashcards covering literary elements, rhetorical choices, sentence structures, credibility appeals, narrative techniques, sound devices, and types of reasoning from the lecture notes.

Word Choice / Diction

Choosing formal, casual, emotional, or descriptive words to shape tone or meaning.

Elevated Formal Language

Using serious, respectful, or refined language to show importance.

Colloquial/Informal Language

Using everyday speech or casual phrases to connect with the audience.

Jargon / Technical Language

Using field-specific terms to show expertise or precision.

Slang/Dialect

Using regional or cultural speech to add realism or authenticity.

Loaded Words

Choosing emotionally charged words to provoke a reaction.

Humor/Irony

Using wit or sarcasm to entertain or critique ideas.

Patriotic / Inspirational Language

Using uplifting or nationalistic language to evoke pride or hope.

Heroic / Legendary Language

Using grand or mythic language to elevate people or events.

Short Sentences

Using brief statements for emphasis, urgency, or clarity.

Long Sentences

Using extended sentences to build detail, rhythm, or reflection.

Varied Sentence Length

Mixing short and long sentences to control rhythm and pacing.

Parallel Structure

Repeating grammatical patterns to emphasize or unify ideas.

Tone Shifts

Changing mood or attitude to highlight contrast or growth.

Emotion/Pathos

Appealing to the audience's feelings such as grief, pride, fear, or joy.

Personal Anecdote / Story

Sharing real or imagined personal experiences to build connection.

Compare and Contrast

Comparing and contrasting two things.

Classification / Division

Organizing ideas by grouping or breaking them into categories.

Definition / Explanation

Clarifying meaning or concept for the audience.

Examples/Illustration

Supporting ideas with concrete instances or evidence.

Ethos/Credibility

Establishing the author's reliability, morality, or authority.

Citing Experts / Authorities

Referencing credible sources to build trust.

Historical Reference

Referring to past events or figures to add context or credibility.

Rhetorical Question

Asking a question that does not require an answer to prompt thought.

Hypophora

Asking a question and immediately answering it for emphasis or structure.

Direct Address

Speaking directly to the reader or audience.

Call to Action

Urging the audience to think, feel, or act in a certain way.

First-Person / Personal Voice

Using "I" or "we" to share perspective or experience.

Third-Person / Objective Voice

Using "he," "she," or "they" to remain neutral or detached.

Flashback/Backstory

Including earlier events to give context or meaning.

Foreshadowing

Hinting at future events to build suspense or meaning.

Repetition Across Paragraphs

Returning to key ideas or phrases throughout a text.

Alliteration

Repeating consonant sounds at the beginning of words for emphasis or flow.

Assonance

Repeating vowel sounds in nearby words to create mood or musicality.

Consonance

Repeating consonant sounds within or at the end of words for texture.

Onomatopoeia

Using words that imitate natural sounds to create immediacy.

Rhyme / Rhythm

Using sound patterns to build flow, emphasis, or memorability.

Repetition of Words

Repeating key words or phrases for emphasis or rhythm.

Repetition of Ideas

Restating main concepts to make them memorable or persuasive.

Anaphora

Deliberately uses repeating words at the beginning of consecutive sentences or clauses.

Epistrophe

Repeating words at the end of sentences or clauses for impact.

Symploce

Repeating words at both the beginning and end of sentences for balance.

Metaphor

Comparing two unlike things without using "like" or "as."

Simile

Comparing two things using "like" or "as."

Personification

Giving human traits to nonhuman things or ideas.

Symbolism

Using objects, colors, or events to represent broader concepts.

Allegory

Using a story or extended metaphor to represent a larger idea.

Hyperbole

Exaggerating to emphasize emotion or importance.

Understatement / Litotes

Downplaying or minimizing for effect or irony.

Analogy

Explaining an unfamiliar idea by comparing it to something familiar.

Cause and Effect

Showing how one event or condition leads to another.