ANALYSIS OF NONFICTION

Question 1

What is the purpose of an Argumentative essay?

Answer 1

To convince of the validity of the writer’s thesis through logic and order of importance.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a Descriptive essay?

Answer 2

To describe a person, place, or event using sensory details for visualization.

Question 3

What is the goal of an Expository essay?

Answer 3

To explain a subject, theory, or phenomenon to inform the audience.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a Narrative essay?

Answer 4

To narrate a sequence of events or tell a story, often chronologically.

Question 5

What is the goal of a Persuasive essay?

Answer 5

To change the reader’s attitude or motivate action through emotional appeals.

Question 6

What does a Literary essay focus on?

Answer 6

Exploring the meaning and construction of literary work, such as theme or style.

Question 7

What is a thesis in nonfiction writing?

Answer 7

The main point or concept + the argument

Question 8

How is tone defined in nonfiction?

Answer 8

The writer’s attitude toward the subject and reader, varying from sincere to sarcastic.

Question 9

What does “LAAVISH” stand for in methods of proof?

Answer 9

Literary Reference, Appeal to Authority, Attempt to Draw in Reader, Verifiable Fact, Illustration using Contrast, Statement of Opinion, Historical Reference.

Question 10

Literary Reference

Answer 10

to a piece of literary/written work (i.e., Bible, great novel, play, poem, myth, etc.)

Question 11

Appeal to Authority Figure

Answer 11

reference to an expert in the field

Question 12

Attempt to Draw in Reader

Answer 12

use of the pronoun “you” to grab the reader’s attention

Question 13

Verifiable Fact

Answer 13

any statistic, number, fact, etc. that can be looked up and confirmed

Question 14

Illustrations using contrast

Answer 14

use of two successive contrasting examples (i.e., natural teas are nutritious, however coffee is superior because of its taste).

Question 15

Statement of author’s opinion

Answer 15

personal belief; strong, yet biased opinion

Question 16

Historical reference

Answer 16

to an actual persona/event (dates)

Question 17

Rhetorical Devices

Answer 17

include techniques that help persuade the reader to agree with the view presented

Question 18

Balance

Answer 18

Expresses two or more equal and parallel ideas.
ex: The baby screamed and the dog barked.

Question 19

Antithesis

Answer 19

Establishes a clear, contrasting relationship between two ideas by joining them together, often in parallel structure.
Ex; The cost of living rose; the stock prices fell.

Question 20

Parallelism

Answer 20

Repeats specific words, phrases, or clauses in a series, giving emphasis to key words and making them memorable.
ex; When they won the lottery, the father jumped with delight, the mother fainted in shock, and the children danced in excitement.

Question 21

Climax

Answer 21

Presents several facts in order from least to most important.
ex; Finishing this course will get you this credit, get you to grade 12 and get you out of high school.

Question 22

Anti-Climax

Answer 22

A device of humor which depends for its effects upon the sudden descent in a sentence from the apparently serious to the unexpected or ridiculous.
ex; Sgt. Lt. Ron Smith III put on his black cotton jacket and placed his shiny brass buttons in order. He patted down his crisp wool pants, shined his black leather shoes, placed his authority hat on his head, saluted himself in the mirror and drove off to his post as Walmart’s mall cop.

Question 23

Repetition

Answer 23

The use of repeated words and phrases for producing emphasis, clarity, rhythm or emotional effect.
ex; It was a hope for the world, but that hope quickly ended.

Question 24

Anaphora

Answer 24

the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses or lines.
ex; We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end.

Question 25

Anadiplosis

Answer 25

Repetition of a word that ends one clause and is repeated at the beginning of the next one or more clauses.
ex: Men in great places are thrice servants: servants of the sovereign or state; servants of fame; and servants of business. Francis Bacon.

Question 26

Antistrophe

Answer 26

repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses.
ex; In 1931, ten years ago, Japan invaded Manchuria—without warning. In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia—without warning.

Question 27

Periodicity

Answer 27

usually used to emphasize, create a shock or create suspense. It is structured to put the main point at the end.
ex; When I was shopping at Yorkdale mall yesterday, I saw Jason!

Question 28

Personification

Answer 28

assigning human qualities to something that is not human
ex; “The stars danced through the moonlit sky.”

Question 29

Euphemism

Answer 29

A mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive
ex; “Let go” instead of “fired”

Question 30

Juxtaposition

Answer 30

Putting two contrasting elements together that are so unlike that the effect is surprising, witty, or even startling
ex; “That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.”

Question 31

Figures of Speech

Answer 31

specific linguistic techniques used to convey meaning in a more vivid or imaginative way.

Question 32

Allusion

Answer 32

Indirect reference to a well-known event, person, thing, place or literature. Authors assume the readers will recognize the original sources and relate their meaning to the new context.
ex; He was just a love-struck Romeo.

Question 33

Analogy

Answer 33

Helps the reader understand something unfamiliar by comparing it to something well-known.
ex; People in urban centers today resemble anthills as crowded, constantly moving and fast-paced creatures.

Question 34

Cliché

Answer 34

A phrase, expression or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its intended force or novelty.
ex; That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

Question 35

Hyperbole

Answer 35

Exaggerates conditions for emphasis or impact.
ex; I died after he noticed me!

Question 36

Metaphor

Answer 36

Compares two things without the use of like or as; it is more subtle than the simile and thus requires more interpretation.
ex; America is a melting pot.

Question 37

Oxymoron

Answer 37

Place words that mean the opposite of one another side by side so that they create new meanings.
ex; Wise fool.

Question 38

Rhetorical Question

Answer 38

The question is not answered by the writer because the answer is already known or implied. Also used as an attempt to draw in readers (MOP).
ex; If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?

Question 39

Simile

Answer 39

Points out a similarity between two unlike things using like or as.
ex; A good cappuccino is like friendship; it’s comforting, warm and strong.

Question 40

Understatement

Answer 40

Creates the reverse effect (and adds a touch of irony) by making the fact seem less significant.
ex; Charlie Sheen slips up from time to time.

Question 41

Wit

Answer 41

A form of intellectual humor.

Question 42

Ethos

Answer 42

Greek word for character convince your audience by giving the speaker or author credibility and authority.
ex; ”Dentists all around the world recommend this toothpaste to their patients.”

Question 43

Pathos

Answer 43

Greek word for suffering. convince your audience by using language or images that provoke an emotional reaction (fear, love, pity, anger etc.).
ex; “Do you have trouble making friends? This product will make you the most popular student in school!”

Question 44

Logos

Answer 44

Greek word for reason. convince your audience by using arguments that appeal to reason and logic.
ex; “This course has been shown to improve student grades by nearly 20%.”