Rhetorical Terms #2

Question 1

ad hominem argument

Answer 1

an argument that attacks the integrity or character of an opponent rather than the merits of an issue

Question 2

analogy

Answer 2

a comparison that attempts to explain one idea or thing by likening it to another

Question 3

begging the question

Answer 3

the situation that results when a writer or speaker constructs an argument on an assumption that the audience does not accept

Question 4

casual relationship

Answer 4

AKA cause-and-effect-relationship; the relationship expressing, “If X is the cause, then Y is the effect,” or “If Y is the effect, then X caused it”.

Question 5

colloquialism

Answer 5

a word or expression acceptable in informal usage but inappropriate in formal discourse

Question 6

connotation

Answer 6

the implication of emotional overtones of a word rather than its literal meaning

Question 7

essay

Answer 7

a short prose discussion of a single topic

Question 8

euphemism

Answer 8

a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept

Question 9

logical fallacy

Answer 9

errors in reasoning used by speakers or writers, sometimes in order to dupe their audiences

Question 10

red herring

Answer 10

a side issue introduced into an argument in order to distract from the main argument

Question 11

sarcasm

Answer 11

involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something

Question 12

satire

Answer 12

often an attack on a person, also the use of wit and humor in order to ridicule society’s weaknesses so as to correct them

Question 13

tone

Answer 13

the reflection of the writer’s attitude toward subject and audience

Question 14

voice

Answer 14

the presence or the sound of self, chosen by the author