Rhetorical terms

Allusion
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Terms in this set (20)
Allusion
An indirect reference to something with which the reader is expected to be familiar. They are usually literary, historical, biblical, or mythological
Analogy
A comparison to a directly parallel case between two seemingly different things
Anaphora
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. This device is a form of repetition and helps make the writer's point more coherent
Anecdote
A brief recounting of a relevant episode. They are often a way of introducing a subject to inject humor or a developing point
Antithesis
Opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction. Also a balancing of two opposites or contrasting words, phrases or clauses.
Asyndeton
A series of words separated by commas (with no conjunctions) the parts of the sentence are emphasized equally; in addition, the use of commas with no intervening conjuction speeds up the flow of sentence
Chiasmus
Arrangement of repeated thoughts, sounds, concepts or structures are repeated back in a reversed or repeated pattern. "Fair is foul and foul is fair"
Context
The circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.
Counterargument
The opposing side to the one a writer holds
Ethos
The way a text is seen to be effective because it emphasizes the character and credibility of the writer or speaker
(Logical) FallacyA mistake or weakness in reasoning that renders an argument ineffective or invalid that typically arise when supporting evidence does not fit the claim. Student writers should beware so that they do not claim too much; they do not oversimplify complex issues; and they should support the argument with concrete evidence and specific proposals.Figurative LanguageA word or words that are inaccurate literally, but describe by calling to mind sensations or responses that the thing described evokes. Figurative language may be in the form of metaphors or similes, both non-literal comparison.Juxtapositionplacement of two things closely together to emphasize similarities or differencesLogosThe way a text is seen to be effective because of the logical structure of its central argument- this has JUST AS MUCH TO DO WITH STRUCTURE as with facts and figuresParallelismSimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clausesPathosQualities the way a text is seen to be effective because it draws on the emotions of the audiencePersonathe face or character that a speaker shows to the audiencePolysyndetonSentence that uses and or another conjunction with no commas to separate the items in a series usually appearing in an x and y pattern stressing equally each member of the series. It makes the sentence more emphatic.PurposeThe reasoning for an author to do somethingRhetoricThe art of finding all the available means of persuasion in a given case. The art of writing or speaking well