(EN) Rhetorical Techniques and Devices Used in Essays

Question 1

anecdote

Answer 1

An essayist can share personal experience or life events.

Question 2

appeal to authority

Answer 2

An essayist can refer to the opinions of experts (the WHO, government officials, a famous critic, the Pope, a rabbi, a coach, a CEO, a teacher) to support certain views.

Question 3

definition

Answer 3

An essayist can explain key terms to help the reader understand the topic.

Question 4

emotional appeal

Answer 4

An essayist can try to make the reader feel specific emotions to persuade the reader to accept their ideas.

Question 5

empirical evidence

Answer 5

An essayist presents scientific findings from the physical or social sciences to support a position.

Question 6

enumeration

Answer 6

An essayist can use numbering to establish a sequence of points. (e.g., First, Second, Third; a), b), c))

Question 7

example

Answer 7

An essayist can refer to people, items, concepts, experiences or events to illustrate a point.

Question 8

methods of argumentation

Answer 8

An essayist can use clear reasoning — establishing points and drawing conclusions in an organized way; you can mention this as a ‘logical argument.’ If you are familiar with specific patterns of formal reasoning (deductive, inductive, etc.), you may comment on them.

Question 9

refutation of opposing views

Answer 9

An essayist can support their own opinion by pointing out faults in opposing views.