Rhetorical Terms Test #3 Flashcards
Inference/infer
To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. When a multiple-choice question
asks for an inference to be drawn from a passage, the most direct, most reasonable inference is the safest
answer choice. If an inference is implausible, it’s unlikely to be the correct answer. Note that if the answer
choice is directly stated, it is not inferred and is wrong. You must be careful to note the connotation –
negative or positive – of the choices.
Invective
an emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attach using strong, abusive language.
Irony/ironic
The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant. The difference between what
appears to be and what actually is true. In general, there are three major types of irony used in language;
(1) In a verbal irony, the words literally state the opposite of the writer’s (or speaker’s) true meaning. (2) In
situational irony, events turn out the opposite of what was expected. What the characters and the readers
think ought to happen. (3) In dramatic irony, facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece
of fiction, but know to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work. Irony is used for many reasons,
but frequently, it’s used to create poignancy or humor.
Juxtaposition
When two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed close together or
side by side for comparison or contrast.
Litotes
From the Greek word “simple” or “plain.” Litotes is a figure of thought in which a point is
affirmed by negating its opposite. It is a special form of understatement, where the surface denial serves,
through ironic contrast, to reinforce the underlying assertion.
Ex. He’s no fool (which implies he is wise).
Not uncommon (which implies that the act is frequent)
Loose sentence
a type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by
dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses. If a period were placed at the end of the
independent clause, the clause would be a complete sentence. A work containing many loose sentences
often seems informal, relaxed, and conversational. Generally loose sentences create loose style.
Metaphor
A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the
other, suggesting some similarity. Metaphorical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought
provoking, and meaningful.
Metonymy
A term from the Greek meaning “changed label” or “substitute name.” Metonymy is a
figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.
A news release that claims “the White House declared” rather that “the President declared” is using metonymy. The substituted term generally carries a more potent emotional response.
Mood
This term has two distinct technical meanings in English writing. The first meaning is grammatical and eals with verbal units and a speaker’s attitude. The indicative mood is used only for factual sentences. For example, “Joe eats too quickly.” The subjective mood is used to express conditions contrary to fact. For example, “If I were you, I’d get another job.” The imperative mood is used for commands. For example, “Shut the door!” The second meaning of mood is literary, meaning the prevailing atmosphere or emotional
aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect the mood. In this usage, mood is similar to tone and atmosphere.
Narrative
The telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.
Onomatopoeia
A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur. If you not
examples of onomatopoeia in an essay passage, note the effect.
Oxymoron
From the Greek for “pointedly foolish,” an oxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups
apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include “jumbo shrimp” and “cruel
kindness.” This term does not usually appear in the multiple-choice questions, but there is a chance that
you might find it in an essay. Take note of the effect which the author achieves with this term.
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.
Parallelism
Also referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning “beside one another.” It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases,
sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase. A famous example of parallelism begins
Charles Dickens’s novel A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity . . .” The effects of parallelism are numerous, but frequently they act as an organizing force to attract the reader’s attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical rhythm.
