Rhetorical Terms List 2

Question 1

An argument that attacks the integrity of an opponent rather than the issue.

Answer 1

ad hominem argument

Question 2

Comparison to explain one thing by likening it to another.

Answer 2

Analogy

Question 3

A brief narrative offered in a text to capture attention or support a claim.

Answer 3

Anecdote

Question 4

Appeal to ethics

Answer 4

Appeal to ethos

Question 5

Appeal to logic

Answer 5

Appeal to logos

Question 6

Appeal to emotion rather than strict reason

Answer 6

Appeal to pathos

Question 7

Situation that results when a writer or speaker constructs an argument on an unaccepted assumption

Answer 7

Begging the question

Question 8

Relationship express big that if X is the cause, then Y is the effect

Answer 8

Causal relationship

Question 9

Word or expression only acceptable for informal use

Answer 9

Colloquialism

Question 10

The final paragraph or paragraphs that sum up and wrap up an essay

Answer 10

Conclusion

Question 11

The implication of emotion of a word not the literal definition

Answer 11

Connotation

Question 12

Rhetorical principle that requires stress given to important elements in an essay

Answer 12

Emphasis

Question 13

A short prose discussion of a single topic

Answer 13

Essay

Question 14

Less offensive substitute for an unpleasant concept

Answer 14

Euphemism

Question 15

Instance representative of an idea that illustrates it

Answer 15

Example

Question 16

Statement that asserts a broad truth based upon a knowledge of specific cases

Answer 16

Generalization

Question 17

Errors in reasoning used by speakers or writers

Answer 17

Logical fallacy

Question 18

Two different attitudes towards writing. Objective has no bias. Subjective has bias.

Answer 18

Objective and subjective writing

Question 19

Side issue introduced into an argument to distract from the main argument

Answer 19

Red herring

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Sarcasm

Question 21

The use of wit and humor to ridicule societal problems and to inspire change

Answer 21

Satire

Question 22

Expressing in an independent clause, phrase, or single word any idea that is not significant enough to be expressed in a main clause or an independent sentence

Answer 22

Subordination

Question 23

Reflection of the writer’s attitude towards the subject

Answer 23

Tone

Question 24

Deliberately represent something as less than what it is to stress its magnitude

Answer 24

Understatement

Question 25

Presence or sound of self chosen by the author

Answer 25

Voice