Rhetorical Terms #1 Flashcards
Allusion
A reference to some famous literary work, historical figure, or event.
Argumentation
The writer’s attempt to convince the reader to agree with them. Based upon appeals to reason, evidence proving the argument, and sometimes emotion to persuade. At the heart is a DEBATABLE ISSUE.
Diction
The choice of words a writer uses in an essay or other writing. Diction is determined by the audience and occasion of the writing.
Exposition
A form of writing whose chief aim is to explain. Conveys information, gives background, tells how events occured or processes work.
Hyperbole
A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Often produces irony at the same time.
Irony
The use of language in a way that apparent meaning contrasts sharply with the real meaning.
Verbal Irony
When words literally state the opposite of the writer or speaker’s true meaning.
Situational Irony
When events turn out the opposite of what was expected. What the characters and readers think ought to happen is what does happen.
Dramatic Irony
When facts or events are unknown to a character but are known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work.
Metaphor
A figurative image that implies the similarity between things otherwise dissimilar.
Mood
The overall impression made on the feelings of the reader. Can be gloomy, sad, joyful, bitter, frightening, etc.
Oxymoron
A figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.
Paradox
A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.
Parody
A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. Distorts or exaggerates distinctive features of the original, mimics the work by repeating or borrowing words, phrases, or characteristics in order to illuminate weaknesses about the original.
Personification
Attributing human qualities to objects, abstractions, or animals.
Rhetoric
The art of using persuasive language and of analyzing all the choices involving language that a writer, speaker, reader, or listener might make in a situation. The specific features of texts, written or spoken, that cause them to connect to listeners in a situation.
Simile
A figure of speech which, like the metaphor, implies a similarity between things otherwise dissimilar, but using like or as.
Slanting
The characteristic of selecting facts, words, or emphasis to achieve a preconceived intent. Can be favorable or unfavorable intent.
Style
The way a writer writes or the expression of an author’s individuality through the use of words, sentence patterns, and selection of details.
