English Unit 3 Test

Rhetoric

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

Rhetorical question

A question asked to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.

Argument

A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.

Aphorism

A pithy observation that contains a general truth.

Precedent

An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.

Distortion

The action of giving a misleading account or impression.

Pun

A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or similar-sounding words.

Anaphora

The use of a word referring to or replacing a word used earlier in a sentence, to avoid repetition.

Epanalepsis

A rhetorical device in which the same word or phrase is repeated at the beginning and the end of a sentence or clause.

Euphemism

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt.

Parallelism

The state of being parallel or of corresponding in some way.

Historical context

The social, political, cultural, and economic conditions that existed at a particular time and place influencing events, ideas, and works of art or literature.

Rhetorical Triangle

A model consisting of the Speaker, Audience, and Message/Purpose.

Ethos

An appeal to ethics, establishing credibility.

Pathos

An appeal to emotion or pity.

Logos

An appeal to logic, reason, and facts.

Theme

An idea that recurs in or pervades a work of art or literature.

Diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

Syntax

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

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Tone

The general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc.

Mood

A temporary state of mind or feeling.

Denotation

The literal or primary meaning of a word.

Connotation

An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal meaning.

Dialogue

Conversation between two or more people in a book, play, or movie.

Imagery

Descriptive language that engages the senses.

Figurative language

The use of words in a way that deviates from the conventional order and meaning.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing one thing with another of a different kind.

Metaphor

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

Personification

The attribution of human characteristics to something nonhuman.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Understatement

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

The Enlightenment

A period emphasizing the importance of reason over religion and emotion, advocating for logical thought.

Letters From an American Farmer

A compilation of fictional letters describing life in America, written by J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur.

Speech at the Virginia Convention

A speech by Patrick Henry aimed at persuading assembly members to go to war with Great Britain.

The Declaration of Independence

A document drafted by Thomas Jefferson asserting American independence and the right to self-govern.

In Praise of the F Word

An essay by Mary Sherry arguing for the benefits of failing and the necessity of failure as a motivator.