Rhetorical Devices Quiz

Rhetorical Devices

• Allusion: A reference in a text to another text or body of knowledge to create resonance in the reader.
• Analogy: A comparison of dissimilar things; similes and metaphors are types of analogies.
• Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or phrases, creating parallel structure.
• Anecdote: A brief narrative used in a text to engage the audience or support a point.
• Antithesis: Juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas in parallel structure, often creating emphasis.
• Appeal: A persuasive strategy used in a text.
  • Ethos: Appeal to the credibility or character of the speaker/writer/narrator.
  • Logos: Appeal to logic through data, reasons, definitions, evidence.
  • Pathos: Appeal to the emotions or interests of the audience.
• Chiasmus: A figure of speech where the order of terms in one parallel clause is reversed in the next; a "criss-cross" structure.
• Claim: The point in an argument, supported by evidence (synonymous with thesis).
• Colloquialism: Informal words, phrases, or slang.
• Concession: Acknowledgment of an opposing point.
• Connotation: The implied meaning of a word beyond its literal definition.
• Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word.
• Diction: Purposeful word choices by an author.
• Euphemism: A polite, indirect expression replacing a harsh or unpleasant one.
• Hyperbole: Exaggeration for effect.
• Imagery: Language evoking sensations or emotions.
• Inference: A conclusion drawn from evidence rather than explicitly stated.
• Irony: A contrast between appearance and reality.
  • Dramatic irony: The audience knows something a character doesn't.
  • Situational irony: The outcome is the opposite of what's expected.
  • Verbal irony: Saying one thing but meaning another.
• Juxtaposition: Placing two things side-by-side for emphasis.
• Metaphor: An implied comparison without "like" or "as."
• Metonymy: Referring to an entity through one of its attributes or associations.
• Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds.
• Paradox: A statement seemingly contradictory but possibly true.
• Parallelism: Similar structure in words, phrases, or clauses.
• Persona: The author's voice or character in a text.
• Principle of Charity: Interpreting others' statements in the most reasonable way.
• Rhetoric: The art of effective communication.
• Rhetorical Choices: Specific language choices by a speaker/writer to achieve purpose.
• Rhetorical Question: A question meant for effect rather than answer.