Rhetorical Devices and Techniques Quiz

Rhetorical Devices and Techniques

• Anadiplosis: A repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next. Example: "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."

• Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Example: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up... I have a dream that my four little children will one day live..."

• Antithesis: A contrast between two opposing ideas, often expressed in parallel structure. Example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."

• Diction: The choice of words and style of expression used by the speaker or writer to convey a particular meaning or effect. Example: Choosing formal language vs. colloquial language for a speech.

• Ethos: Establishing credibility or ethical appeal through the speaker's character or qualifications. Example: A doctor discussing health issues based on their medical background.

• Fallacy: An error in reasoning or mistaken belief, often misleading the audience. Example: "If we allow students to redo their exams, next they will expect to redo every assignment."

• Hypophora: Asking a question and immediately answering it. Example: "What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!"

• Irony: A rhetorical device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning:

  • Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows something the characters do not.
  • Situational Irony: A discrepancy between expected and actual outcomes.
  • Verbal Irony: When a speaker says one thing but means another.

• Juxtaposition: Placing two contrasting ideas next to each other to highlight their differences. Example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

• Logos: An appeal to logic and reason through facts, statistics, or logical arguments. Example: "Studies show that smoking increases the risk of heart disease by 70%."

• Mood: The atmosphere or emotional setting created by a piece of writing, influencing how the audience feels. Example: A dark, gloomy description setting a melancholic mood.

• Pathos: An appeal to emotion, designed to evoke feelings in the audience. Example: A commercial that features a sad animal in need of a home to inspire empathy.

• Rhetoric: The art of persuasion through effective speaking or writing, often utilizing various techniques to influence an audience.

• Rhetorical Questions: Questions posed for effect, not meant to be answered directly. Example: "Isn't it time we did something about this issue?"

• Satire: The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms or behaviors. Example: A political cartoon that exaggerates a politician's behavior to highlight flaws.