Literary and Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
What is the definition of Active Voice?
When the subject of the sentence performs an action
What is an example of Active Voice?
Beethoven composed the symphony
What is the effect of Active Voice?
Makes the writing easier to follow
What is the definition of Allusion?
An indirect reference to something that should be familiar to the reader
What is an example of Allusion?
Leon referring to his professor as Einstein
What is the effect of Allusion?
To make a concept easier to understand
What is the definition of Alter-Ego?
When an author uses a character to communicate their own thoughts to the reader
What is an example of Alter-Ego?
An author using the character of Simon to voice their opinions on a certain matter though the character’s words or actions
What is the effect of a Alter-Ego?
It gives authors an opportunity to express their message with a character
What is the definition of an Anecdote?
A short story that is relevant to a current situation
What is an example of an Anecdote?
When at the airport with his class, Davis tells them about a time when his family waited at the airport for over 8 hours
What is the effect of an Ancedote?
They are usually utilized to make a point or to inject humor
What is the definition of an Antecedent?
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
What is an example of an Antecedent?
John was regretting the choice to procrastinate on “his” essay. The word “his” would be an example
What is the effect of an Antecedent?
It makes writing more clear by not having to refer to a subject by name constantly
What is the definition of Classicism?
Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world. Sticks to mostly traditional themes
What is an example of Classicism?
Andromaque, a work by Jean Racine talked about the Trojan War
What is the effect of Classicism?
Helps the reader understand the author’s message by showcasing their viewpoint
What is the definition of Comic Relief?
A humorous scene inserted into a serious story
What is an example of Comic Relief?
A character cracking a joke during a tense moment
What is the effect of Comic Relief?
To make sure the story doesn’t get too dark.
What is the definition of Diction?
An author’s word choice
What is an example of Diction?
The author’s word choice reflects the formal tone
What is the effect of Diction?
Effects the style of the writing
What is the definition of Colloquial?
An ordinary or familiar type of conversation
What is an example of Colloquial?
Greeting your teacher when you join class
What is the effect of Colloquial?
To give the writing a casual mood
What is the definition of Connotation?
The implied meaning of a word rather than its literal meaning
What is an example of a Connotation?
The term “The Man” has the same meaning as “Boss”
What is the effect of a Connotation?
It can change the way a reader interprets a passage
What is the definition of a Denotation?
The literal, explicit meaning of a word, with no connotations
What is an example of a Denotation?
Using the word “Boss” to refer to your boss
What is the effect of a Denotation?
To influence the way a reader interprets a passage.
What is the definition of Jargon?
The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession
What is an example of Jargon?
Members of a fan club use a certain diction to communicate with each other
What is the effect of Jargon?
To give the impression that the author is a part of a certain group
What is the definition of Venacular?
The language or dialect of a particular country
What is an example of Venacular?
Common language such as “What’s up?”
What is the effect of Venacular?
Used to diversify word choice
What is the definition of Didactic?
A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or
provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.
What is an example of Didactic?
An instruction book
What is the effect of Didactic?
To inform the reader about something
What is the definition of Adage?
A folk saying with a lesson
What is an example of Adage?
A rolling stone gathers no moss
What is the effect of Adage?
To let the reader know the author’s message
What is the definition of Allegory?
A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent qualities or concepts.
What is an example of Allegory?
Animal Farm, by George Orwell
What is the effect of Allegory?
Meant to reveal an abstraction of Truth
What is the definition of Aphorism?
A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle.
What is an example of Aphorism?
A watched pot never boils
What is the effect of Aphorism?
Used to summarize the author’s main point
What is the definition of Ellipsis?
The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author.
What is an example of Ellipsis?
The shop was bursting with excitement…the customers seemed to be looking forward to the evening.
What is the effect of an Ellipsis?
To omit unnecessary information
What is the definition of Euphemism?
A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts.
What is an example of Euphemism?
Using the term “vertically challenged” instead of short
What is the effect of Euphemism?
To remain politically correct
What is the definition of Figurative Language?
Language that is not meant to be taken literally
What is an example of Figurative Language?
Mountains were being moved next door
What is the effect of Figurative Language?
To add more emphasis on a phrase
What is the definition of Analogy?
A comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables
What is an example of an Analogy?
You took this like a duck to water
What is the effect of an Analogy?
To imply the relationship between the first pair of variables is the same as the relationship between the second pair of variables.
What is the definition of a Hyperbole?
An exaggeration
What is an example of a Hyperbole?
I will die if I don’t have my morning coffee
What is the effect of a Hyperbole?
To over-emphasize a phrase
What is the definition of an Idiom?
A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally.
What is an example of an Idiom?
I am drowning in homework
What is the effect of an Idiom?
To put emphasis on a phrase
What is the definition of a Metaphor?
Making an implied comparison
What is an example of a Metaphor?
My brain is a turtle today
What is the effect of a Metaphor?
To make a passage easier to understand
What is the definition of Metonymy?
Replacing an actual word or idea, with a related word or concept.
What is an example of Metonymy?
I could not understand his tongue
What is the effect of Metonymy?
To simplify a concept
What is the definition of Synecdoche?
A type of Metonymy that talks about a part of something greater.
What is an example of Synecdoche?
This company makes superior sticks, referring to arcade sticks that is a part of the controller
What is the effect of Synecdoche?
To simplify a concept
What is the definition of a Simile?
A comparison that uses “like” or “as”
What is an example of a Simile?
He was a cunning as a fox
What is the effect of a Simile?
To emphasize a point that the author has
What is the definition of Synthesia?
a description involving a crossing of the senses.
What is an example of Synthesia?
The Sonic energy drink tasted blue.
What is the effect of Synthesia?
To provide a new perspective of a familiar concept.
What is the definition of Personification?
Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human
What is an example of Personification?
The stubborn stain refused to come off of the shirt
What is the effect of Personification?
To emphasize a statement
What is the definition of Foreshadowing?
When an author gives hints about what will occur later in a story.
What is an example of Foreshadowing?
Dark clouds forming on a cloudless day
What is the effect of Foreshadowing?
To make the reader curious as to what will happen next
What is the definition of Genre?
The major category into which a literary work fits
What is an example of a Genre?
Prose, poetry, autobiography, and prose
What is the effect of a Genre?
To introduce the reader to the overall mood of the passage
What is the definition of Gothic?
Writing characterized by gloom, mystery, fear and/or death.
What is an example of Gothic?
Dracula by Bram Stoker
What is the effect of Gothic?
It gives the reader an idea of things such as the setting and the overall mood of the passage
What is definition of Imagery?
Word or words that create a picture in the reader’s mind. Usually this involves the five senses.
Authors often use imagery in conjunction with metaphors, similes, or figures of speech.
What is an example of Imagery?
The bakery reminded the boy of his old home. It was always warm and smelled like chocolate.
What is the effect of Imagery?
It helps to further develop the setting
What is the definition of Invective?
A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language
What is an example of an Invective?
Four months of pent up aggression was released in a strongly worded email to her co-worker about their incompetence with projects.
What is the effect of an Invective?
To put extremely strong emphasis on a certain message
What is the definition of Irony?
When the opposite of what you expect to happen does.
What is an example of Irony?
An archaeologist that is afraid of the unknown
What is the effect of Irony?
To add humor to a situation
What is the definition of Verbal Irony?
When you say something and mean the opposite/something different.
What is an example of Verbal Irony?
When your friend plans to run a marathon in 3 hours or less and claims that it will be a cakewalk
What is the effect of Verbal Irony?
To add humor to the author’s message
What is the definition of Dramatic irony?
When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something that the character doesn’t and would be surprised to find out.
What is an example of Dramatic irony?
When the audience knows about certain misfortune (such as the death of someone) that the character(s) do not know about
What is the effect of Dramatic irony?
To put an emphasis on the perspective of the passage
What is the definition of Situational irony?
Found in the plot (or story line) of a book, story, or movie. Sometimes it makes you laugh because it’s funny how things turn out.
What is an example of Situational irony?
In order to test the security of a convenience store, Nico steals candy from a box labeled “Free Candy”
What is the effect of Situational irony?
To add humor to a situation
What is the definition of Juxtaposition?
Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison.
What is an example of Juxtaposition?
Juxtaposing the average day of a typical American with that of someone in a third world country in order to make a point of social commentary
What is the effect of Juxtaposition?
Used by authors to make a point
What is the definition of Mood?
The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice
What is an example of Mood?
Using a certain diction that describes the dark undertones of a town
What is the effect of Mood?
Used to describe what tone or the severity the author has put the message in.
What is the definition of Motif?
A recurring idea in a piece of literature
What is an example of a Motif?
A constant reference to something, such as seeing broken glass representing a broken person
What is the effect of a Motif?
To show the reader a key point that pertains to the main idea of the passage.
What is the definition of an Oxymoron?
When apparently contradictory terms are grouped together and suggest a paradox
What is an example of an Oxymoron?
A bright darkness
What is the effect of an Oxymoron?
To make the reader think twice about the message that is being presented
What is the definition of Pacing?
The speed or tempo of an author’s writing.
What is an example of Pacing?
An author’s speed can be brisk, sluggish, stabbing, even vibrato or staccato.
What is the effect of Pacing?
It determines the speed at which the plot moves.
What is the definition of a Paradox?
A seemingly contradictory situation which is actually true.
What is an example of a Paradox?
If I know one thing, it’s that I know nothing.
What is the effect of a Paradox?
To make the reader think twice about the message that is being presented
What is the definition of Parallelism?
Sentence construction which places equal grammatical constructions near each other, or repeats identical grammatical patterns.
What is an example of Parallelism?
“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
What is the effect of Parallelism?
Used to add emphasis, organization, or sometimes pacing to writing
What is the definition of Anaphora?
The repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or clauses in a row.
What is an example of Anaphora?
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
What is the effect of Anaphora?
Helps make the writer’s point more coherent
What is the definition of Chiasmus?
When the same words are used twice in succession, but the second time, the order of the words is reversed.
What is an example of Chiasmus?
When the going gets tough, the tough get
going.
What is the effect of Chiasmus?
Used to add organization to the text
What is the definition of Antithesis?
Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas, with parallel structure.
What is an example of an Antithesis?
Was the new job opportunity a blessing or a curse?
What is the effect of an Antithesis?
To give an additional meaning to a certain idea
What is the definition of Syllepsis?
When a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, and the meaning of the first word must change for each of the other words it governs or modifies.
What is an example of Syllepsis?
He ran four miles around the track, and then for class president
What is the effect of Syllepsis?
To add a faster pace to writing
What is the definition of a Parenthetical Idea?
Parentheses that are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence.
What is an example of a Parenthetical Idea?
After the speech (which was less of a speech and more of a quick statement), we went across the street for lunch.
What is the effect of a Parenthetical Idea?
Used as a what to “whisper” in a text, and should be used sparingly
What is the definition of Parody?
An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes. It borrows words or phrases
from an original, and pokes fun at the source material
What is an example of a Parody?
Saturday Night Live skits
What is the effect of a parody?
It give the passage a humorous mood
What is the definition of Persona?
The fictional mask or narrator that tells a story, a personality
What is an example of a Persona?
Creating a hard working mindset in certain scenarios that call for it
What is the effect of a Persona?
It ensures that the author is not directly involved in the passage
What is the definition of a Poetic Device?
A device used in poetry to manipulate the sound of words, sentences or lines
What is an example of a Poetic Device?
Alliteration or Onomatopoeia
What is the effect of a Poetic Device?
It can be used to add a description
What is the definition of Aliteration?
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.
What is an example of Aliteration?
Sally is sick of seeing the same sight every sunset.
What is the effect of Aliteration?
It influences the pacing of the text
What is the definition of Assonance?
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds
What is an example of Assonance?
High five the sky
What is the effect of Assonance?
To add emphasis on a certain concept
What is the definition of Consonance?
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the end of words or within words
What is an example of Consonance?
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door
What is the effect of Consonance?
To add emphasis on a certain concept
What is the definition of Onomatopoeia?
The use of a word which imitates or suggests the sound that the thing makes
What is an example of Onomatopeia?
Kaboom, whack, crackle, snap, pop
What is the effect of Onomatopeia?
To make a scenario stand out in a passage
What is the definition of Internal Rhyme?
When a line of poetry contains a rhyme within a single line.
What is an example of Internal Rhyme?
To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells!
What is the effect of Internal Rhyme?
To add emphasis on a certain thing or idea
What is the definition of Slant Rhyme?
When a poet creates a rhyme, but the two words do not rhyme exactly – they are merely similar.
What is an example of Slant Rhyme?
I sat upon a stone, / And found my life has gone.
What is the effect of Slant Rhyme?
To make the reader think about the connection between the words that do not rhyme
What is the definition of End Rhyme?
When the last word of two different lines of poetry rhyme
What is an example of End Rhyme?
Roses are red, violets are blue, Sugar is sweet, and so are you.
What is the effect of end rhyme?
It helps the author connect two similar ideas
What is the definition of Rhyme Scheme?
The pattern of a poem’s end rhymes
What is an example of a Rhyme Scheme?
Usually notated with letters such as aabb
What is the effect of a Rhyme Scheme?
It determines the pacing for a poem
What is the definition of Stressed and Unstressed Syllables?
In every word of more than one syllable, one of the syllables is stressed, or said with more force
than the other syllable(s).
What is an example of Stressed and Unstressed Syllables?
In the word “unhappiness,” the second of the four syllables is stressed.
What is the effect of Stressed and Unstressed Syllables?
It lets the reader know what syllables are emphasized
What is the definition of Meter?
A regular pattern to the syllables in lines of poetry
What is an example of Meter?
Some combination of stressed and unstressed syllables.
What is the effect of Meter?
It helps determine the pace of the poem.
What is the definition of Free Verse?
Poetry that doesn’t have much meter or rhyme
What is an example of Free Verse?
“City of Potholes” by Kelly Roper
What is the effect of Free Verse?
It gives the author more creative freedom to work with.
What is the definition of Iambic pentameter?
Poetry that is written in lines of 10 syllables, alternating stressed and unstressed syllables.
What is an example of Iambic pentameter?
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
What is the effect of Iambic pentameter?
It gives the reader an idea of the pacing
What is the definition of Sonnet?
A 14 line poem written in iambic pentameter. Usually divided into three quatrains and a couplet.
What is an example of Sonnet?
“Death be not proud.” —John Donne
What is the effect of Sonnet?
It allows the author to express their own problems
What is the definition of Polysyndeton?
When a writer creates a list of items which are all separated by conjunctions.
What is an example of a Polysyndenton?
“I walked the dog, and fed the cat, and milked the cows.”
What is the effect of a Polysyndenton?
Used by authors to slow down the pace of the writing
What is the definition of a pun?
When a word that has two or more meanings is used in a humorous way.
What is an example of a pun?
I was stirred by his cooking lesson.
What is the effect of a pun?
It adds humor to a situation
What is the definition of Rhetoric?
The art of effective communication
What is an example of Rhetoric?
Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
What is the effect of Rhetoric?
To effectively inform the message to the reader
What is the definition of Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle?
The relationships, in any piece of writing,
between the writer, the audience, and the
subject.
What is an example of Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle?
A triangle that reflects the relationship between the author, reader, and the intended message
What is the effect of Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle?
It shows an analysis of the relationship that pertains to the author, reader, and the intended message
What is the definition of Rhetorical Question?
Question not asked for information but for effect.
What is an example of a Rhetorical Question?
Do you want to be a failure for the rest of your life?
What is the effect of a Rhetorical Question?
It emphasizes a point through a question.
What is the definition of Romanticism?
Art or literature characterized by an idealistic, perhaps unrealistic view of people and the world, and an emphasis on nature.
What is an example of Romanticism?
Andromaque, a work by Jean Racine talked about the Trojan War
What is the effect of Romanticism?
Helps the reader understand the author’s message by showcasing their viewpoint
What is the definition of Sarcasm?
A generally bitter comment that is ironically or satirically worded. However, not all satire and irony are sarcastic. It is the bitter, mocking tone that separates sarcasm from mere verbal irony or satire.
What is an example of Sarcasm?
Writing “This is the best essay that I have seen all day” as a comment on an essay that had scored 0 out of 6 points
What is the effect of Sarcasm?
To poke fun at a certain situation
What is the definition of Satire?
A work that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of life to a humorous effect. It targets
human vices and follies, or social institutions and conventions.
What is an example of Satire?
The Onion
What is the effect of Satire?
To use humor as a mask for an underlying claim or point
What is the definition of Sentence?
A group of words (including subject and verb) that expresses a complete thought.
What is an example of a Sentence.
Miles walked to the store.
What is the effect of a Sentence?
To showcase a subject performing an action.
What is the definition of Appositive?
A word or group of words placed beside a noun or noun substitute to supplement its meaning.
What is an example of an Appositive?
Stanida, a Violinist, spoke with Davis, a composer.
What is the effect of an Appositive?
To explain the aspects of a certain character.
What is the definition of Clause?
A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause.
What is an example of a Clause?
Other than playing Viola, playing rhythm games is my favorite hobby.
What is the effect of a Clause?
It creates a qualifier within the statement.
What is the definition of a Balanced Sentence?
A sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale.
What is an example of a Balanced Sentence?
If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
What is the effect of a Balanced Sentence?
It helps emphasize the author’s message
What is the definition of a Compound Sentence?
Contains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.
What is an example of a Compound Sentence?
He ran out of money, so he had to stop playing poker.
What is the effect of a Compound Sentence?
It labels the cause and effect in a sentence.
What is the definition of a Complex Sentence?
Contains only one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
What is an example of a Complex Sentence?
Although he was wealthy, he was still unhappy.
What is the effect of a Complex Sentence?
It makes it easier to add layers of information and detail when writing.
What is the definition of a Cumulative sentence?
When the writer begins with an independent clause, then adds subordinate elements.
What is an example of a Cumulative Sentence?
He doubted whether he could ever again appear before an audience, his confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet with perspiration.
What is the effect of a Cumulative Sentence?
Used to refine the main idea of a sentence.
What is the definition of a Periodic sentence?
When the main idea is not completed until the end of the sentence. The writer begins with subordinate elements and postpones the main clause.
What is an example of a Periodic Sentence?
His confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet with perspiration, he doubted whether he could ever again appear before an audience.
What is the effect of a Periodic Sentence?
It can be used to invoke interest in the reader.
What is the definition of a Simple sentence?
A sentence that contains only one independent clause.
What is an example of a Simple sentence?
I fell asleep.
What is the effect of a Simple Sentence?
To convey information in the simplest way possible
What is the definition of a Declarative Sentence?
States an idea. It does not give a command or request, nor does it ask a question.
What is an example of a Declarative Sentence?
The rock is solid
What is the effect of a Declarative sentence?
Used to state a claim.
What is the definition of Imperative Sentence?
A sentence that issues a command
What is an example of an Imperative Sentence?
Open the door.
What is the effect of an Imperative Sentence?
It calls for action
What is the definition of Interrogative sentence?
Sentences incorporating interrogative pronouns
What is an example of an Interrogative sentence?
What theater are you in?
What is the effect of an Interrogative Sentence?
It asks a more specific question
What is the definition of Style?
The choices in diction, tone, and syntax that a writer makes. Style may be conscious or unconscious.
What is an example of style?
Using a large amount of imagery to describe someone walking
What is the effect of style?
It can help dictate the mood and pacing of the text
What is the definition of Symbol?
Anything that represents or stands for something else.
What is an example of a Symbol?
The river and the jungle in Heart of Darkness
What is the effect of a Symbol?
They are used to represent more abstract ideas
What is the definition of Syntax?
The grammatical arrangement of words.
What is an example of Syntax?
The grouping of certain words
What is the effect of Syntax?
Determines the structure of sentences
What is the definition of Theme?
The central idea or message of a work
What is an example of Theme?
Counting your blessings
What is the effect of Theme?
It tells you the main motif that is used in the text
What is the definition of Tone?
A writer’s attitude toward his subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language and
organization
What is an example of Tone?
Playful, serious, somber, melancholy, indignant
What is the effect of tone?
It tells your how the author feels towards a subject matter
What is the definition of Understatement?
The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is.
What is an example of Understatement?
“Our defense played valiantly, and held the other team to merely eight touchdowns in the first quarter.”
What is the effect of an Understatement?
It is usually used for comedic value
What is the definition of Litotes?
A particular form of understatement, generated by denying the opposite of the statement
which otherwise would be used.
What is an example of Litotes?
Hitting that telephone pole certainly didn’t do your car any good
What is the effect of Litotes?
Like an understatement, it can be used for comedic value
What is the definition of Argument?
A piece of reasoning with one or more premises and a conclusion
What is an example of an Argument?
Classical music should be as valued as sports
What is the effect of an Argument?
It presents a claim to the reader
What is the definition of Premises?
Statements offered as reasons to support a conclusion
What is an example of Premises?
All spam is pink
What is the effect of a premise?
Used to support a conclusion
What is the definition of Conclusion?
The end result of the argument – the main point being made.
What is an example of a Conclusion?
We should prioritize teaching mental heath to students so they can be more prepared on how to deal with it when it comes to themselves and others
What is the effect of a Conclusion?
It showcases the final result of an argument
What is the definition of Aristotle’s appeals?
The goal of argumentative writing is to persuade an audience that one’s ideas are valid, or more
valid than someone else’s. Divided into three categories, Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
What is an example of Aristotle’s appeals?
Using facts and the appeal to someone’s pride in order to win an argument
What is the effect of Aristotle’s Appeals?
It defines the main ways that writers appeal to their audience.
What is the definition of Ethos?
being convinced by the credibility of the author
What is an example of Ethos?
Telling a story to your audience to establish credibility.
What is the effect of Ethos?
It gives writers a way to appeal to an audience that values credibility.
What is the definition of Logos?
Persuading by the use of reasoning, using true premises and valid arguments.
What is an example of Logos?
Telling your audience that eating pomegranate prevents arthritis.
What is the effect of Logos?
It gives writers a way to appeal to an audience that values facts.
What is the definition of Pathos?
Persuading by appealing to the reader’s emotions
What is an example of Pathos?
Showing a picture of cute puppies in an adoption advertisement
What is the effect of Pathos?
It gives writers a way to appeal to an audience that have exploitable emotions.
What is the definition of Concession?
Accepting at least part or all of an opposing viewpoint
What is an example of a Concession?
Admitting that your audience doesn’t consider you to be a crowd-favorite
What is the effect of a Concession?
Often used to make one’s own argument stronger by demonstrating that one is willing to accept what is obviously true and reasonable, even if it is presented by the opposition.
What is the definition of a Conditional Statement?
An if-then statement and consists of two parts, an antecedent and a consequent.
What is an example of a Conditional Statement?
If you studied hard, then you will pass the test.
What is the effect of a Conditional Statement?
Often used as premises in an argument
What is the definition of Contradiction?
Occurs when one asserts two mutually exclusive propositions
What is an example of a Contradiction?
Abortion is wrong and abortion is not wrong
What is the effect of a Contradiction?
Makes it so that one claim is true and the other claim is false
What is the definition of Counterexample?
an example that runs counter to (opposes) a generalization
What is an example of a Counterexample?
Example: All instruments that are played on the shoulder is a Violin
Counterexample: The Viola, is an instrument that is also played on the shoulder
Conclusion: Not all instruments that are played on the shoulder can be called a Violin
What is the effect of a Counterexample?
To falsify an example
What is the definition of a Deductive argument?
An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide a guarantee of the truth of the conclusion.
What is an example of a Deductive argument?
Bachelors are unmarried men. Bill is unmarried. Therefore, Bill is a bachelor.
What is the effect of a Deductive Argument?
To make certain arguments impossible to contest
What is the definition of Fallacy?
An attractive but unreliable piece of reasoning
What is an example of a Fallacy?
Ad homoniem, Straw man, and appeal to authority
What is the effect of a Fallacy?
Makes your argument generally less reliable
What is the definition of Ad hominem?
Personally attacking your opponents instead of their
arguments.
What is an example of Ad hominem?
Claiming that someone’s argument is weak because they wear jeans
What is the effect of Ad hominem?
Appeals to emotion rather than reason, feeling rather than intellect
What is the definition Appeal to authority?
The claim that because somebody famous supports an idea, the idea must be right.
What is an example of Appeal to authority?
Superman supports a coca-cola theme park, so you should too
What is the effect of Appeal to authority?
Makes people more reliant on public figures to make decisions
What is the definition of Appeal to the bandwagon?
The claim, as evidence for an idea, that many people believe it, or used to believe it, or do it.
What is an example of Appeal to the Bandwagon?
During the 1930s to 50s doctors recommend smoking cigarettes as they were considered to be healthy
What is the effect of Appeal to the Bandwagon?
Making people believe that the popularity of an idea is an guarantee that it’s right.
What is the definition of Appeal to emotion?
An attempt to replace a logical argument with an appeal to the audience’s emotions.
What is an example of Appeal to emotion?
Appealing to one’s patriotism
What is the effect of Appeal to emotion?
Works with audiences who highly value Pathos
What is the definition of Bad analogy?
Claiming that two situations are highly similar, when they aren’t
What is an example of a Bad analogy?
“We have pure food and drug laws regulating what we put in our bodies; why can’t we have laws to keep
musicians from giving us filth for the mind?”
What is the effect of a Bad analogy?
It makes your claim much more inefficient.
What is the definition of Cliche Thinking?
Using as evidence a well-known saying, as if it is proven, or as if it has no exceptions.
What is an example of Cliche Thinking?
I say: ‘America: love it or leave it.’ Anyone who disagrees with anything our country does must hate America. So maybe they should just move somewhere else.
What is the effect of Cliche Thinking?
It makes an assumption without proving it to br true
What is the definition of False cause?
Assuming that because two things happened, the first one caused the second one.
What is an example of a False cause?
Nico ate a bowl of ice cream an hour before the power went out which must mean that Nico eating ice cream caused the power outage
What is the effect of a False cause?
Wrongly assuming that sequence = causation.
What is the definition of Hasty generalization?
A generalization based on too little or unrepresentative data.
What is an example of Hasty generalization?
My uncle didn’t go to college, and he makes a lot of money. So, people who don’t go to college do just as
well as those who do.
What is the effect of Hasty Generalization?
It falsely assumes your generalization to be true,
What is the definition of Non Sequitur?
A conclusion that does not follow from its premises; an invalid argument
What is an example of Non Sequitur?
Hinduism is one of the world’s largest religious groups. It is also one of the world’s oldest religions. Hinduism helps millions of people lead happier, more productive lives. Therefore the principles of Hinduism must be true.
What is the effect of Non Sequitur?
It automatically invalidates your argument
What is the definition of Slippery Slope?
The assumption that once started, a situation will continue to its most extreme possible outcome.
What is an example of Slippery Slope?
If you play video games, then you will soon become obsessed with them and your grades will falter
What is the effect of a Slippery Slope?
It takes into the account the worst possible scenario, which appeals to Pathos
What is the definition of Inductive Argument?
An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide reasons supporting the probable truth
of the conclusion.
What is an example of an Inductive Argument?
A feather is light, what is light cannot be dark. Therefore, a feather cannot be dark
What is the effect of an Inductive Argument?
To make certain arguments impossible to contest reasonably
What is the definition of Sound Argument?
An argument that meets two conditions: conditions: First, that the line of reasoning from the premises to the conclusion is valid. Second, that the premises are true.
What is an example of a Sound Argument?
Sometimes, concert bands have a double bass. A double bass is a string instrument. Therefore, sometimes, concert bands use a string instrument
What is the effect of a Sound Argument?
It makes your argument easy to follow and can be proven true
What is the definition of Unstated premises?
Not every argument is fully expressed. Sometimes premises or even conclusions are left unexpressed.
What is an example of Unstated Premises?
Jake is creative because all pianists are creative. It is not implied that Jake is a pianist
What is the effect of Unstated Premises?
It leaves out an important piece of information that is needed to make your argument concise.
What is the definition of Valid Argument?
An argument is valid if the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
What is an example of a Valid Argument?
Miles plays either Violin or Viola. Miles does not play the Violin, which means that he plays the Viola
What is the effect of a Valid Argument?
It ensures that your premises are correct.
