List 4 Flashcards
analogy
comparison where an idea or thing is compared to something that is more familiar; typically more extensive and elaborate than a simile or a metaphor
anecdote
short account of something that happened; usually personal or biographical
anticlimax
disappointing situation; a sudden transition in discourse from an important idea to a ludicrous or trivial one
apostrophe
figure of speech where some absent or nonexistent person or thing is addressed as if present and capable of understanding
cause and effect
examination of the causes and or effects of a certain situation or phenomenon
The structure of an atom is like a solar system. The nucleus is the sun and electrons are the planets revolving around their sun….
analogy example
The TV show How I Met Your Mother has a narrator that recounts his anecdotes of the events that occurred with his friends and future wife.
anecdote example
Everyone was excited to hear Beyonce in concert; she ended up losing her voice the night before the concert and all of it was lip-synced.
anticlimax example
“Oh! Stars and clouds and winds, ye are all about to mock me; if ye really pity me, crush sensation and memory; let me become as nought; but if not, depart, depart, and leave me in darkness.” –Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
apostrophe example
Essay topics such as “How did the incumbent mayor lose the election?” or “What causes obesity?” are well suited to cause and effect exposition.
cause and effect example
colloquial expression
words or phrases used in everyday speech, but avoided in formal writing
expository writing
writing that explains or analyzes
irony
figure of speech where the intended meaning of the words is the opposite of their usual meaning
parody
literary composition that imitates the characteristic style of a serious work or writer and uses its features to treat trivial or nonsensical matters, usually as an attempt at humor or satire
pedantry
display of narrow-minded or trivial scholarship or arbitrary adherence to rules and forms; excessive concern for minor details
Evan’s father insisted that his clothes be hung in his closet all facing the same direction, color-coded, and arranged by shade from dark to light.
* When asked about the meeting, the department chair said it was not a “meeting” but rather a gathering of individuals.
pedantry example
The Scary Movie series parodies all horror, slasher, and mystery genres.
parody example
A psychic fair is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. (Psychics “see” the future so this is situational irony.)
* The mom asked her son to do his chores. He replied, “Sure, I’m SOOO excited.” (Verbal irony as he is actually not enthused….)
* “Go ask his name: if he be married. My grave is like to be my wedding bed.” –William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (This is dramatic irony – the audience knows that Romeo is not married yet and the audience also knows her wedding will be the cause of her untimely death.)
irony example
Analysis papers, letters, press releases, etc.
expository writing example
“Jack was bummed out about his chemistry grade.” vs. “Jack was upset about his chemistry grade.”
colloquial expression
point of view
the way in which something is viewed or considered by a writer or speaker; in fiction it’s the relationship between the teller of the story and the characters in it, demonstrated by author’s use of first or third person
rhetoric
the art of using words in writing or speaking so as to influence or persuade
rhetorical question
question asked for rhetorical effect to emphasize a point with no answer being expected
satire
literary work in which vices, abuses, absurdities are held up to ridicule and contempt; use of ridicule sarcasm irony to expose vices/abuses
tone
attitude of a writer toward to subject or audience usually conveyed through the choice of words or viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject
Omniscient: Barbara was sure there was someone following her. The older man was actually walking to toss his garbage.
* Third-Person Limited: Riley thought to himself, I wonder if Barbara will say yes to my proposal.
* First-Person: I thought to myself, Will Barbara say yes to my proposal?
point of view example
“Robert, is this any way to speak to your mother?”
“Are you kidding me?”
rhetorical question example
“Damn money. It always ends up making you blue as hell.” –J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye (The character’s tone is bitterly sarcastic as he criticizes the nature of things in real life.)
tone example
NBC’s Saturday Night Live critiques politics and the national media through humor.
satire example
Referring to the U.S. White House as the President’s “playground” would be a tactic of rhetoric used by a person in opposition to the President to persuade citizens that the President is incapable or incompetent and uses his power inappropriately.
rhetoric example
