English Essay Analysis MODs and MOOs

TERM

DEFINITION 

Analogy

Comparison between two things – using an easy concept to explain a difficult one

Anecdote

A personal story or personal example

Anaphora

When a series of phrases begin with the same word or words

Repetition

When a word or phrase is used over and over again.

Antithesis

2 clauses (phrases) equal in form and structure but they are opposite in meaning

Balanced Structure

2 clauses (phrases) equal in form and structure

Parallel Structure

3 clauses (phrases) or more, equal in form and structure

Comparison

similarities

Contrast

differences

Juxtaposition 

Two things placed side by side for contrasting effect

Fact

A truth – indisputable

Statistic

Data – in the form of numbers, ratios or percentages

Cited Authority

Quoting an expert

Situational Irony

When the opposite of what’s expected happens

Verbal Irony

When the opposite of what’s intended is said (often comes across as sarcasm)

Paradox

The opposite of what’s expected yet there’s an element of truth to it

Rhetorical Question

Posing a question without getting an answer

Hypophora 

Rhetorical questions that are asked then immediately answered.

Idiom

Common saying – cliché

Satire

Making fun of human flaws

Motif

A word or concept threaded throughout a text 

Definition

The meaning of a term or phrase

Example

A word or phrase used to highlight or exemplify a topic

Allusion

A reference to a person, place, or thing

Alliteration

An occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words

RHETORICAL DEVICE

DEFINITION

Hyperbole

Over exaggeration

Imagery (sensory)

n/a  Phrases used that entice one of the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) 

Simile

Comparison between using things using ‘like’ or ‘as’

Metaphor

Comparison between things WITHOUT using ‘like’ or ‘as’

Personification

Giving objects human or animal qualities

Symbol

An object used to represent a feeling or concept 

Oxymoron

Two opposite words, side by side

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate a sound

Argumentative/Persuasive:

• Meaning: This essay presents a claim or position on a controversial issue and supports it with evidence and reasoning.

• Purpose: To convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.

• Example: Arguing for or against the use of social media in schools.

Classification/
Division:

• Meaning: This essay organizes a topic into categories or divides it into parts to better understand it.

• Purpose: To break down complex subjects into manageable groups or components.

• Example: Classifying types of music genres or dividing a company’s departments.

Definition:

• Meaning: This essay explains the meaning of a term, concept, or idea, often going beyond the dictionary definition.

• Purpose: To provide a deeper understanding of a subject by exploring its nuances.

• Example: Defining "freedom" or "success" in a philosophical context.

Process Analysis:

• Meaning: This essay explains how something works or how to do something, step by step.

• Purpose: To guide the reader through a process or procedure.

• Example: Explaining how to bake a cake or how a bill becomes a law.