AP English Language Rhetorical Terms List 1

A reference to something known or famous

Allusion

A reference to something known or famous

Argumentation

A writers attempt to convince readers to agree with an idea or take action using reasoning and evidence

Coherence

The clear and logical flow that makes writing easy to understand and follow

description

Writing that uses details to help readers clearly imagine a person, place, object, or event

diciton

An authors choice of words to express ideas and create effect or meaning

exposition

Writing that explains, informs, or teaches by giving facts, backgrounds, or instructions

figurative language

Words or expressions that have a meaning different form their literal meaning it create a stronger effect

hyperbole

An intentional exaggeration used for emphasis or humor

Image/Imagery

Words or phrases that create a picture or appeal to senses in the readers mind

Irony

When what happens or is said is different form what is expected or meant

Metaphor

A figure of speech that compares tow unlike things by saying one thing is another in the

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere a piece of e writing creates for the reader

Narration

The process of telling a story or describing a sequence of events

Oxymoron

A phrase that combines two opposite or contradictory words in a single phrase

Pacing

The speed at which a story or piece of writing moves from one event or idea to the next

Paradox

A statement that seems to contradict itself but has a deeper meaning

Parallelism

Using the same grammar and words to make ideas clear, balanced, and easier to follow

Paraody

An imitation of a person’s style or another work that exaggerates it for entertainment or to criticize it

Persofinication

Giving human qualities or actions to animals, objects, or ideas

Point of view

A person's personal opinion, attitude, or the specific perspective from which a story is told

Rhetoric

The art of using language effectively and persuasively to inform, motivate, or influence an audience

Rhetorical modes

The main ways writers organize writing to achieve a purpose: includes exposition, argumentation, description, and narration

Simile

A comparison of two unlike things using the words like, as, or so

Slanting

Presenting information in a way that influences the audience towards particular side

Style

A writers unique way of using words, sentences, and literary techniques to express ideas