8/13 ap lang rhetorical terms

alliteration

the repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of closely connected words

analogy

the comparison between 2 things that are otherwise dissimilar

anecdote

a brief, revealing story used to illustrate a point or engage an audience

antithesis

a rhetorical device that presents two directly opposite ideas in parallel construction

cliche

a phrase, idea, or plot element that was overused and is now boring, predictable, and empty of real meaning

colloquialism

a construction or expression of language that is characteristic of ordinary or familiar conversation

connotation

the emotional and cultural associations surrounding a word

cumulative sentence

a loose sentence that begins with its main clause then adding modifying phrases, clauses, and details afterward

denotation

the literal or dictionary definition. it is the objective meaning, stripped of any emotional coloring

diction

the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing

epistrophe

the repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences

ethos

an appeal to credibility making the audience more likely to believe their message

euphemism

a mild or indirect term substituted for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive

expository

a writing style that means to explain, inform, or describe a topic using facts

extended metaphor

a comparison that is developed by several lines, stanzas, or an entire work

fallacy

a flaw in reasoning

figurative language

the language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from its literal interpretation

hyperbole

a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration for the sake of emphasis or effect

imagery

the language that appeals to one or more of the 5 senses

induction

a process where a writer starts with specific details and observation and then leads the reader to a broader generalization or understanding

invective

a form of abusive or vitriolic language used to attack an opponent or express disapproval

irony

a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words

juxtaposition

the placement of two or more contrasting elements or ideas near each other for special effect

logos

a literary device that uses logic, facts, and evidence to persuade an audience. it's about appealing to the intellect, building a strong rational argument

metaphor

a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using like or as

parallelism

the use of similar grammatical structures to express related ideas

pathos

the appeal of emotions to the audience

periodic sentence

a sentence that places its main idea or independent clause at the very end

periodic paragraph

a paragraph built using periodic sentences

rhetoric

the use of language effectively and persuasively

rhetorical question

a question asked for effect, rather than requiring an answer

sarcasm

the use of irony to mock or convey contempt

satire

the use of humor, irony, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or values

simile

a comparison between two different things using the words like or as

syntax

the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language

theme

the central idea or message of a story. not the plot, but rather what the author is trying to say

thesis

a statement or claim that encapsulates the central argument of a piece of writing

tone

the author’s attitude toward the subject, the audience, or even themselves