AP Lang Summer Studying - Rhetorical Terms Flashcards
Rhetoric
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques
Rhetorical Question
A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected
Logos
An appeal based on logic or reason
Pathos
An appeal to emotion
Ethos
Credibility; argument by reliability of character
Appeals
Ethos, Logos, Pathos
Anaphora
the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses . ex “we shall go north, we shall go west, and we shall go east.”
Syntax
Sentence Structure
Diction
A writer or speaker’s choice of words
Allusion
A reference to another work of literature, person, or event
Jargon
Special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or a group and are difficult for others to understand
Personification
the giving of human qualities to an animal, object, or idea
Simile
A comparison using “like” or “as”
Metaphor
A comparison without using “like” or “as”
Motif
A recurring theme, subject, or idea
Antithesis
a direct opposite, a sharp contrast
Thesis
A primary position taken by a writer or speaker
Hyperbole
exaggeration for effect
Litotes
A figure of speech consisting of an understatement for effect. Ex: “Well, he’s certainly not a pauper” no explain that he’s rich
Satire
A literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies. Often humorous, but not always. Seeks to initiate change. `ex. The Boys
Irony
The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.
Situational Irony
irony involving a situation where actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome was contrary to what was expected. Ex: A fire station burns down. A person tweets that social media is a waste of time.
dramatic irony
The reader is aware of something that a character isn’t
Anecdote
A brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event. Ex: Pong’s childhood in My Year Abroad