Rhetoric Test

Parallelism

Parts of a sentence or multiple sentences that are grammatically similar or identical in structure, sound, meaning, or meter.

Hypophora

A rhetorical device where a speaker poses a question and then immediately answers it themselves.

Repetition

The act of repeating words, phrases, sounds, or ideas for emphasis and effect.

Figurative speech

Non-literal expressions used to convey meanings, create effects, or enhance writing.

Tricolon

A series of three parallel elements—such as words, phrases, or clauses—in a sentence or passage.

Polysyndeton

The deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses in a series.

Juxtaposition

Placing two or more contrasting elements close together to highlight their differences or create a complex understanding.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a person, place, event, work of literature, or other cultural element.

Incongruity

A mismatch between what is expected and what actually occurs.

Reversal

Turning the usual order or expected outcome upside down.

Parody

A humorous imitation or exaggeration of the style, tone, or content of another work.

Satire

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals or societal norms.

Sarcasm

A statement where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning of the words used.

Ambiguity

A statement or phrase with multiple meanings or interpretations, often intentionally.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows more about a situation than the characters within the story.

Situational Irony

A discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs.

Verbal Irony

When a speaker says something but means the opposite or something different from what is literally expressed.

Understatement

Deliberately downplaying or minimizing the significance of something to create a subtle effect.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Persuasion

The act of convincing someone to adopt a particular belief or course of action.

Rhetorical Question

A question posed not to elicit an actual response, but to make a point or provoke thought.

Pedantic

Describing a tone that is overly scholarly or academic, using big words unnecessarily.

Aphorism

A concise, clever statement expressing a general truth or observation about life.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction.

Caricature

A depiction that exaggerates certain features or traits for comedic or critical effect.

Chiasmus

Two or more clauses or phrases balanced against each other by reversing their structure.

Didactic

Intended to instruct or provide guidance on moral, ethical, or educational matters.

Euphemism

A mild or indirect word used in place of a more direct or harsh one.

Homily

A discourse typically delivered as part of a religious service or sermon.

Metonymy

Substituting one word or phrase for another closely associated with it.

Zeugma

A single word governing or modifying two or more words with different meanings or contexts.

Litotes

An understatement using double negatives or negating the opposite to emphasize a point.

Diction

The choice of words and style of expression used by a writer or speaker.

Syntax

The grammatical construction of sentences.

Anadiplosis

Repeating the last word or phrase of one clause at the beginning of the next.

Synecdoche

Using a part of something to represent the whole or vice versa.

Syllogism

A form of logical reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two premises.

Loose sentence

A sentence where the main clause comes first, followed by subordinate clauses.

Periodic sentence

A sentence structure where the main clause is delayed until the end.

Asyndeton

Deliberately omitting conjunctions from a series of related clauses or phrases.

Tropes

The use of language in non-literal ways to convey meaning or create an effect.

Rhetoric

The art of using language effectively and persuasively.

Propaganda

Communication aimed at influencing attitudes or beliefs, often biased or misleading.

Polemical

A style of writing that is strongly critical or argumentative.

Apologists

Individuals who defend their beliefs against criticism.

Colloquialism

A local or regional dialect not used in formal speech.

Dialect

A regional or social variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation or vocabulary.

Vernacular

The spoken language of a particular group or region.

Antimetabole

1.  (a type of chiasmus but using exact words) A verbal pattern in which the second half of an expression is balanced against the first but with the words in reverse grammatical order. 

Archaic Diction

1. archaism – the use of older, outdated words and expressions.

Ethos

1. refers to the credibility or ethical appeal of the speaker or writer.

Hortative

1. a sentence meant to encourage, to cheer someone on, or a call to action “Keep going!” “ You can do anything.”.

imperative

a sentence that gives instruction or advice or command.

interrogative

1. a sentence that asks a question.

inversion

1. the different arrangement (syntax) of words from the normal subject-verb arrangement.

Synesthesia

1. describing a sensual impression using a different sense or transferring one sensory function on to another. 

Anecdote

1. A personal story or brief narrative often used to illustrate an idea or make a point.

Logos

1.  relies on logic and reason to persuade an audience. 

Pathos

to appeal to the audience's emotions.