Rhetorical Terms Quiz #3

Closed thesis

A statement of the main idea of the argument that also previews the major points the writer intends to make.

Complex Sentence(example)

Because it was raining hard, the game was cancelled

Compound sentence(example)

I waited for the train, but the train was late.

Concession

acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable

Connotation

the meaning readers associate with a word, outside of the dictionary; usually positive or negative

Context

the circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text

Counter argument

an opposing argument to the one being put forth; used to make writing stronger through concession and refutation

Counter argument thesis

thesis that includes brief counter argument, usually using although or but.

Cumulative sentences(example)

Bryley waited in the doorway, computer in one arm, watching us leave the classroom

Deduction

top-down logic; goes from general hypothesis to a specific conclusion

Denotation

literal meaning, objective from dictionary; without emotion, cultural, or associated feelings.

Diction

a speaker’s choice of words

Either/or false dilemma

two extreme options as only possible choices

Equivocation

uses a term with two or more meaning in an attempt to misrepresent or deceive

Ethos

demonstrate why they’re credible and trustworthy to speak on a give topic.