AP English Rhetorical Devices

abstract

not related to concrete properties of an object; idea, concept, or qualities

active voice

the subject of the sentence performs the action; no "by"

allusion

a figure of speech which makes a brief reference to a historical or literary figure or object

ambiguity

the use of language in which multiple meanings are possible. Can be an unintentional mistake or an intentional device.

anecdote

a brief recounting of a relevant episode

asyndeton

the omission of conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. Suggests an incomplete list. Opposite of polysyndeton.

devices

a particular word pattern in a literary work to evoke a desired effect

diction

word choice, style

colloquial

commonplace, ordinary, familiar language

connotation

implied meaning rather than definition

denotation

dictionary definition

deductive

a conclusion is drawn from a set of premises and contains no more facts than premises

didactic

teaches a specific lesson or moral

epigraph

quote at the beginning of a work to set a tone, suggest a theme, provide context

euphemism

a more agreeable substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts

analogy

comparison of two things that are alike in some respects. metaphors and similes

hyperbole

overstatement characterized by exaggerated language

idiom

a common often used expression that doesn't make sense taken literally

metaphor

A comparison without using "like" or "as"

simile

A comparison using "like" or "as"

Personification

the giving of human qualities to an animal, object, or idea

formal language

Language that is lofty, dignified, or impersonal

genre

a major category or type of literature

imagery

Sensory details in a work; the use of figurative language to evoke a feeling

inductive

conclusion or type of reasoning where an observation or information about a part of a class is applied to the class as a whole

irony

the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning

verbal irony

when you say something but mean the opposite

situational irony

an incongruity in the plot between what the audience expects and what actually happens

juxtaposition

placing things side by side for comparison

motif

recurring idea

oxymoron

a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (ex. jumbo shrimp)

paradox

a seemingly contradictory situation or statement that is true

parallelism

recurrent symmetry of syntax, looks the same on each side

anaphora

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

antithesis

juxtaposition of sharply contrasting ideas or words in balanced

chiasmus

A statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed (ex. fair is foul and foul is fair)

zeugma

correct linkage of one subject with multiple verbs or one verb and multiple objects

Polysyndeton

the use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural, emphasize how many things are listed

rhetorical question

A question asked for effect, not in expectation of a reply

sentence

A group of words that expresses a complete thought

balanced sentence

a sentence consisting of two or more clauses that are parallel in structure

cumulative sentence

a sentence which begins with an independent clause and then adds on subordinate clauses

periodic sentence

sentence which withholds the main idea until the end

style

the choices in tone, diction, and syntax the writer makes

syntax

grammatical ordering of words

thesis

focus statement of the literary work

tone

attitude of the work, revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization

understatement

way of writing which minimizes the significance of something

voice

The acknowledged or unacknowledged source of words of the story; the speaker.

depict

(v.) to portray; to represent or show in the form of a picture

contradict

to speak against; to say the opposite

assert

(v.) to declare or state as truth, maintain or defend, put forward forcefully

divisive

(adj.) causing conflict, opposition

denounce

to condemn openly

embellish

to decorate, to make beautiful with ornamentation

imply

to indicate or suggest without being explicitly stated

substantiate

(v.) to establish by evidence, prove; to give concrete or substantial form to

sentiment

a feeling about something

rhetoric

the art of using language effectively and persuasively

bolster

support; prop up

contend

(v.) to fight, struggle; to compete; to argue

discern

to perceive or recognize

persuade

to convince

exemplify

To illustrate by being an example of

integrate

To bring together and make whole

inconsistent

not staying the same throughout

convey

to communicate

objective

unbiased; not subjective

Paradox

contradiction, puzzle, inconsistency

refute

to prove false

sustain

(v.) to support, nourish, keep up; to suffer, undergo; to bear up under, withstand; to affirm the validity of

contrast

to compare in order to show differences

arouse

to stir up; to excite

articlate

express clearly

commonplace

ordinary; undistinguished or uninteresting; without individuality

(v)anecdote

short account of event

idiosyncrasy

a peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify

Irony

the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning

evoke

bring or recall to the conscious mind

tyrannical

exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way; having absolute authority

arbitrary

(adj.) unreasonable; based on one's wishes or whims without regard for reason or fairness

disposition

mental outlook; characteristic attitude

demagogue

(n.) a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power