Rhetorics Flashcards
Ethos
An appeal to morality (right vs wrong)
“creates ethos”
“appeals to morality”
Pathos
An appeal to emotion. *You must identify WHICH emotion.
“creates pathos”
“appeals to [identify emotion]”
Logos
An appeal to logic or rational thought
“creates logos”
“appeals to logic”
Rhetorical Question
A question posed without an expected response
“questions [describe what is being questioned]”
Tonal Shift
A change in the speaker’s attitude.
“__’s tone shifts from [tone 1] to [tone 2]”
Juxtaposition
Placing things side by side, creating a relationship
“juxtaposes [item 1] and [item 2]”
Repetition
Repeating words or phrases intentionally.
*Not just because it’s the topic of the text
“repeats [word/phrase]”
Cause-Effect
A structural device that poses actions and reactions.
(If-Then Sentences/Format)
“employs cause and effect structure”
Anticipating Objections
The author addresses what the opposition might say before they can say it
“anticipates possible objections”
Allusion
A reference to history or literature
“alludes to [reference]”
Illustration/ Imagery
Using sensory language or detail to create a picture.
(A vivid example).
“illustrates [describe the image]”
Irony
Pointing out disparity in expectation and reality.
“explains the irony of [describe the situation]”
Comparison/ Contrast
Like juxtaposition, but the relationship is similarities or differences.
“[compares/contrasts] [describe what is being compared/contrasted]”
Word Choice/Diction
The selection of words the author uses. *Must have a descriptor to specify diction
“employs [type of] diction”
Anticipating Objections
The author addresses what the opposition might say before they can say it
“anticipates possible objections”
Syntax
Sentence structure and variety. *Look for patterns and intentional breaks in pattern.
“[describe the pattern]”
Ex: “employs short, assertive sentences to__, then uses a long sentence to __”
Ad Hominem
attacks the person making an argument instead of the argument itself to discredit the person rather than addressing their argument.
Appeal to Authority
tries to support their argument by citing a respected authority figure rather than providing evidence or sound reasoning.
False Dilemma
presents only two options as if they are the only possible choices, when in fact there are many other options available.
Hasty Generalization
draws a conclusion based on insufficient evidence or an unrepresentative sample.
Slippery Slope
argues that one event will lead inevitably to a series of negative events, without providing evidence to support this claim.
Straw Man
misrepresents or exaggerates an opponent’s argument in order to make it easier to attack or discredit.
