AP lang rhetorical devices

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

Counterargument

A challenge to a position; an opposing argument

Irony

expressing something other than/opposite of the literal meaning

Allusion

An implied or indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, or event.

Diction

the choice of words and phrases in speech or writing

Hyperbole

Exaggeration employed for rhetorical effect

Figurative language

the use of words in a non literal way to create a vivid or imaginative effect

connotation

a suggestion made by the use of a particular word

Claim

What you are trying to prove, stated without evidence

concession

acknowledging the validity of an opponents point

Imagery

Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)

Rhetorical Question

A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.

Juxtaposition

Placement of two things closely together to emphasize their differences

Satire

The use of humor, irony, or sarcasm to criticize someone/thing

Repetition

Repeated use of sounds, words, or ideas for effect and emphasis

understatement

the presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.

Voice

the distinctive style or manner of expression of an author or narrator

Tone

Attitude a writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character

Ethos

argument by character

Metaphor

a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

logos

argument by logic

pathos

argument by emotion

anecdote

a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

appositive

A noun or noun phrase that follows another noun immediately or defines or amplifies its meaning

exigence

an issue, problem, or situation that causes or prompts someone to write or speak

Asyndeton

a literary device where conjunctions are used to change a sentence's tone

Anaphora

the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases

Aphorism

a short statement offering instruction, truth, or opinion

Antithesis

a pair of statements in which one reverses the other

Parallelism

Phrases or sentences of a similar construction/meaning placed side by side, balancing each other