10 Argumentative Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Accismus
Accismus is a form of irony in which the speaker pretends not to desire something that they actually desire.
Ex. When offered the crown, Julius says no (Although he intends to take it eventually).
Anecdote
An anecdote is a short, pithy story, utilized to demonstrate a key point in an argument.
Ex. Smart phones distract the youth, back in my day we didn’t have those gadgets.
Antanagoge
An antanagoge refers to a deflection in which, instead of answering a question or defending a point, the speaker makes a counter allegation.
Ex. “You stole my legos!” “Well you stole my lunchbox!”
Aporia
An aporia occurs when the writer expresses uncertainty or doubt, with the intention of raising a certain argument and exploring it.
Ex. I don’t know what I’m talking about, I’m only a 5 time Grammy Award winning artist
Bdelygmia
Bdelygmia is a litany of insults directed towards an opponent or someone with opposing ideas.
Ex. “You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch”
Enthymeme
An enthymeme uses deductive reasoning without stating one of the premises.
Premise is obvious to the reader.
Ex. Amplification is a rhetorical device.
Amplification uses language to persuade the audience.
Hypophora
Hypophora is when the writer asks a question and immediately answers it.
Ex. What is this you ask? This is a marimba!
Procatalepsis
Procatalepsis is the act of raising a possible rebuttal to your argument, in order to address it right away.
Ex. “I know what you’re going to say. Rhetorical devices? Who needs those?”
Reductio ad Absurdum
Reductio ad Absurdum a means of arguing that a certain position is actually absurd.
“Reducing to the point of absurdity.”
Syllogism
A syllogism is the base structure of deductive reasoning—the means by which specific claims are drawn from general knowledge.
“If A equals B, and B equals C, then A must equal C.”
Wood burns. Things that burn are flammable. Wood is flammable.
