English terms quiz

Rhetoric

The art of using language effectively to inform, persuade, or motivate an audience

Rhetorical situation

The context in which communication takes place, including the relationship between the author, audience, purpose, and message

Rhetorical diamond

A model that shows the key elements of a rhetorical situation

Context

the circumstances or background influencing the message

Purpose

The goal or reason for communicating

Message

the main idea or argument conveyed

Exigence

The event or problem that calls for a response

Ethos

appeal to credibility or ethics

pathos

appeal to emotions

logos

appealing to logic or reason

Tone

the authors attitude towards the subject or audience

Mood

The overall feeling or atmosphere a text creates for the reader

Diction

The author’s choice of words and their effect on meaning or tone.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural meaning associated with a word beyond its literal definition.

Rhetorical question

A question asked for effect, not meant to be answered.

Understatement

Intentionally making something seem less important than it is.

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth.

Anecdote

A short, personal story used to illustrate a point or engage the audience.