Rhetorical Terms #1

Question 1

Allusion

Answer 1

A reference to some famous literary work, historical figure, or event.

Question 2

Argumentation

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Diction

Answer 3

The choice of words a writer uses in an essay or other writing. Diction is determined by the audience and occasion of the writing.

Question 4

Exposition

Answer 4

A form of writing whose chief aim is to explain. Conveys information, gives background, tells how events occured or processes work.

Question 5

Hyperbole

Answer 5

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Often produces irony at the same time.

Question 6

Irony

Answer 6

The use of language in a way that apparent meaning contrasts sharply with the real meaning.

Question 7

Verbal Irony

Answer 7

When words literally state the opposite of the writer or speaker’s true meaning.

Question 8

Situational Irony

Answer 8

When events turn out the opposite of what was expected. What the characters and readers think ought to happen is what does happen.

Question 9

Dramatic Irony

Answer 9

When facts or events are unknown to a character but are known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work.

Question 10

Metaphor

Answer 10

A figurative image that implies the similarity between things otherwise dissimilar.

Question 11

Mood

Answer 11

The overall impression made on the feelings of the reader. Can be gloomy, sad, joyful, bitter, frightening, etc.

Question 12

Oxymoron

Answer 12

A figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.

Question 13

Paradox

Answer 13

A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.

Question 14

Parody

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Personification

Answer 15

Attributing human qualities to objects, abstractions, or animals.

Question 16

Rhetoric

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Simile

Answer 17

A figure of speech which, like the metaphor, implies a similarity between things otherwise dissimilar, but using like or as.

Question 18

Slanting

Answer 18

The characteristic of selecting facts, words, or emphasis to achieve a preconceived intent. Can be favorable or unfavorable intent.

Question 19

Style

Answer 19

The way a writer writes or the expression of an author’s individuality through the use of words, sentence patterns, and selection of details.