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definition + examples
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Diction
The specific words an author uses to shape tone or meaning
Ex: We request the honor of your presence (formal)
Ex: Come hang out with us! (informal)
Syntax
The arrangement of words or sentences structure (long/short, simple/complex, repetition)
Ex Short: He was alone
Ex Complete: Although she was tired, she stayed up to study for her AP exam.
Tone
The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience
Ex: “Oh great, another pop quiz” (sarcastic)
Ex: “The future gleams with promise” (optimistic)
Imagery
descriptive language that appeals to the sense
Ex: The warm cinnamon scent of the cookies drifted through the kitchen, wrapping me in a blank of comfort.
Juxtaposition
Placing two contrasting ideas or images close together for effect
Ex: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times to highlight the extremes of the situation.
Anaphora
Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
Ex: We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds..
Allusion
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or text
Ex: She felt like she had just opened Pandora’s box by asking one simple questionthat suggests deeper implications.
Parallelism
Using similar grammatical structures in related phrases or clauses
Ex: She likes running, swimming, and biking.
Antithesis
A contrast of ideas in a balanced or parallel structure
Ex: “Give me liberty, or give me death”
Rhetorical Questions
Questions asked for effect, not meant to be answered
Ex: Isn’t it time we stood up for what’s right?
Metaphor
Comparing two things - direct
Ex: Time is a theifSi
Simile
comparing two things using like or as
Ex: Her smile was as bright as the sun.
Ethos
A rhetorical appeal to credibility and character that establishes trust in the speaker.
Ex: As a doctor, I can assure you this treatment is safe
Pathos
A rhetorical appeal to emotions that aims to persuade an audience by invoking feelings such as sympathy, anger, or happiness.
Ex: Thousands of animals suffer each day - will you help them?
Logos
A rhetorical appeal to logic and reason, used to persuade an audience through facts, statistics, and logical arguments.
Ex: Research shows that regular exercise boosts mental health.
Connotation
The implied or emotional meaning of a word
Ex: Childlike vs Childish - similar literal meanings, different connotations
Irony
A contrast between expectation and reality
Ex: A fire station burns down
Hyperbole
Exaggeration for emphasis
Ex: I’ve told you a million times.
Understatement
Downplaying something for effect
Ex: After a tornado; “We had a bit of wind”
Polysyndeton
Using many conjunctions
Ex: We ran and jumped and laughed and danced.
Asyndeton
Omitting conjunctions
Ex: I came, I saw, I conquered.