IB ENGLISH Flashcards
Ethos
When a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect and believe them based on a presentation of image of self through the test. Reputation is sometimes a factor in ethical appeal, but it all cases the aim is to gain the audiences confidence (credibility)
Pathos/Humerous
When a writer tries to persuade the audience by appealing to their emotions. The aspects of a literary work that elicit sorrow or pity from the audience. An appeal to emotion that can be used as a means to persuade. Over-emotionalism can be the result of an excess of pathos (emotion)
Logos
When a writer tries to persuade the audience based on statistics, facts, and reasons. The process of reasoning (logic)
Evidence
Writers use evidence to make their argument stronger and bolster their credibility. There are three main types of evidence: Anecdotal; Expert Opinion and Statistical
Expert opinion
To make a writer’s position seem more credible, they may quote the opinions of experts that correspond with their own. As in a court case, experts are often called on to make one side seem stronger and more believable
Statistical evidence
Like any form of evidence, statistics can be used to make an argument seem more conclusive, a writers opinion more valid. Often statistics are used that are out of context, or from unreliable sources. As the saying goes, ‘‘There are lies, demand lies, and statistics”.
Anecdotal evidence
An anecdote is a tale involving real life events, a true story. Such stories can be used by writers as evidence to back their claims. To support a contention, and to make themselves appear more credible, writers often use personal anecdotes
Syntax
The way words are put together to form phrases, clauses, and sentences. It is a sentence structure and how it influences the way a reader perceives a piece of writing
Repetition
When used sparingly for effect, it can reinforce the writer’s message and/or entertain the reader. Writers may repeat a word, a phrase, or an entire sentence for emphasis
Cumulation
Using many similar words in a short space to give weight to the idea being expressed
Alliteration
This refers to the repetition of the first sound in consecutive words, an effect which draws attention to the words in question
Anaphora
the use of a word referring to or replacing a word used earlier in a sentence, to avoid repetition
Epistrophe
A word or phrase repeated at the end of consecutive lines
Parallelism
The technique of arranging words, phrases, clauses, or larger structures by pacing them side by side and making them similar in form
Understatement
The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and empathetic
Expletive
Figure of emphasis in which a single word or short phrase, usually interrupting normal speech, is used to lend emphasis to the words on either side of the expletive (ex: in fact, of course, to be sure)
Invective
An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language
Tone
Similar to mood,but describes the author’s attitude toward his material, the audience, or both
Undertone
An attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece
Colloquial Language
Refers to the usage of informal or everyday language. This slang can be used in different days. It can set the writer up as knowledgeable, on the inside of a social group
Inclusive Language
Aims to directly address the reader, either personally or as a member of a shared group. This involves words as us, we, you, our
Synthetic Personalization
The process of addressing mass audiences as though they were individuals through inclusive language use. This is often done through second person in advertisements
Diction
Writers reinforce arguments by choosing words. Choice of vocab words to express a certain idea
Connotation
An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning
Denotation
The actual meaning of a word
Euphemism
A more acceptable way of saying something uncomfortable (collateral damage instead of civilian death)
Lexical Cluster
Words pertaining to a particular group or idea. For example words relating to water or nature
Ambiguity
Use of language in which multiple meanings are possible; can be understood in two or more possible meanings
Analogy
Comparing one situation to another. For example, comparing the game of football to war
Imagery
Sensory details in a work; the use of figurative language to evoke a feeling, call to a mind an idea, or describe n object. Imagery involves any or all of the five senses
Hyperbole
Completely overstating and exaggerating your point for effect
Metaphor
A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, though provoking and meaningful
Metonymy
A figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. The substituted term carries a more potent emotional response
Symbol/Symbolism
Anything that represents itself and stands for something else. Usually a symbol is something concrete - such as object, action, character or scene - that represents something for abstract
Synecdouche
Is the type of metaphor in which the part of something is used to refer to the whole, or visa versa
Concession
Acknowledging the opposition’s main idea
Appeal to authority
A writer may mention an important event or person in an essay to lend importance or credibility to his/her argument
Facts
Using statistics or data to support an argument
Rhetorical Question
Sometimes a writer or speaker will ask a question to which no answer is required. The answer is obvious so the reader has no choice but to agree with the writers point
Irony
When the writers words contain more than one meaning. This may be a form of sarcasm, gently irony, or a pun (play on words). It can be used to add humor or to emphasize an implied meaning under the surface
Testimonial
Using words of an expert, a famous or regular ‘‘JOE’’ to persuade others
Bandwagon
Persuade people to do something by letting them know others are all doing it as well
Name Calling
Describing poor aspects of a competitor’s argument/product so that your argument/product seems better
Card Stacking
Telling the facts for one side only
Hypophora
Figure of reasoning in which one or more questions is/are asked and then answered by length, by one and the speaker; raising and responding to one’s own questions
Chiasmus
A figure of speech in which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse the order of analogous words
Antithesis
The presentation of two contrasting ideas. The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clauses, or paragraph
Asyndeton
Refers to the omission of a conjunction such as ‘‘and’’ or ‘‘as’’ from a series of related clauses. Its function is usually to accelerate a passage and emphasize the significance of the relation between these clauses (ex: I came, I saw, I conquered’’
Polysyndeton
A figure of speech in which several conjunctions are used to join connected clauses in places where they are not contextually necessary (ex: The dinner was so good; I ate the chicken, and the salad, and the turkey)
Juxtaposition
To place two concepts, characters, ideas or places near or next to each other so that the reader will compare and contrast them
Epistrophe
A figure of speech that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. It is the opposite of anaphora, which is the repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences
Tricolon
A rhetorical term for a series of three parallel words, phrases or clauses
Verbal Irony
Saying the opposite of what one means (often sarcastically)
Puns
Jokes the exploit the different possible meanings of a word
Euphemism
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing
Types of comparisons:
Analogies, metaphors and similes – purpose is for explanation or clarification
Loaded language
Language that has strong emotional implications and involves strongly positive or negative reactions beyond their literal meaning
Sensationalism
The use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest or excitement
Biased/stereotypical language
Contains words or phrases that are offensive, prejudiced, excluding, or hurtful. It makes certain people or groups feel misunderstood, cast out, or misrepresented.
Direct address
’’ You’’.. Any construct in which a speaker is talking directly to an individual or group. It enhances the interest of the reader as it directly talks with them; it makes the reader care about the subject matter; it establishes a relationship between the reader and the writer.
Extrinsic Ethos
Identifies the credentials of the writer or other experts featured in the text
Intrinsic Ethos
How the writers portrays themselves through solely the text. The way the text is written and how it conveys the main message builds the authors character, therefore establishing credibility
Jargon
The specific type of language used by a particular group or profession. Readers can interpret whom it belongs to based on its sense of individuality
Inductive Reasoning
From a set of ‘‘particular’’ instance, we can derives a more general or universal claim. Ability to recognize meaningful patterns and connections
Deductive Reasoning
From one universal ‘‘truth’’, specific claims are derived
Levels of Diction: Formal, Semi-formal, Informal
Formal: Written to an unknown audience – eliminates any misunderstandings and sounds polite and professional.
Informal: Written to a well-known individual
Informal: Conversational Colloquial – used for personal or casual purpose to develop and comf. relationship with reader
Assertive
Having or showing a confident and forceful personality.
Authoritative
Commanding and confident tone builds trust .. makes info seem accurate or true; reliable.
Candid
Truthful and straightforward; frank
Dramatic
Talking or behaving in a way that makes something seem much worse, more serious, more frightening, etc. (more entertaining)
Humble
Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance.
Informative
Providing useful or interesting knwoledge.
Objective
Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts; non biased
Pretentious
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed
Target Audiences
The specific group (intended audience) that is the focus for communications, media, entertainment, info, advertising. A well defined TA can be used to tailor messages to your audience and to find avenues where they can be reached.
Commercial, environmental, advocacy and philanthropic websites purpose?
Attract consumers, donors/activists (more formal, semi-formal diction, short/medium paragraphs, logo, tagline, photos)
Blogs
Inform, persuade, and/or entertain, can be commercial or related to other services (less formal, informal, headlines/sub headlines, paragraph length and structure varies)
