Terms to Know! Rhetorical Devices and Sentence Structures from Online

Question 1

Allegory

Answer 1

The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal

meaning. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or
freedom. The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence.

Question 2

Alliteration

Answer 2

Repetition of the same sound beginning several words or syllables in sequence

Question 3

Allusion

Answer 3

Brief and familiar reference to a person, place, or event (real or fictitious) work within another work

Question 4

Ambiguity

Answer 4

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

Question 5

Analogy

Answer 5

A comparison between two seemingly dissimilar things. Often uses something simple or familiar to explain something unfamiliar or complex.

Question 6

Antecedent

Answer 6

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun

Question 7

Antithesis

Answer 7

Opposition or contrast of ideas or words in a parallel construction
EX- We shall support any friend, oppose any foe

Question 8

Aphorism

Answer 8

A terse statement of know authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the
authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) An aphorism can be a
memorable summation of the author’s point.

Question 9

Apostrophe

Answer 9

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty
or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer.

Question 10

Atmosphere

Answer 10

The emotional nod created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the
author’s choice of objects that are described. Frequently atmosphere foreshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood.

Question 11

Caricature

Answer 11

a verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person’s distinctive physical
features or other characteristics.

Question 12

Clause

Answer 12

A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main, clause expresses a complete
thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must
be accompanied by an independent clause

Question 13

Colloquial

Answer 13

The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.

Question 14

Conciett

Answer 14

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar
objects. A conceit displays intellectual cleverness as a result of the unusual comparison being made.

Question 15

Connotation

Answer 15

The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas,
emotions, or attitudes.

Question 16

Denotation

Answer 16

he strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.

Question 17

Didactic

Answer 17

idactic words have the primary aim of teaching or instructing,
especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.

Question 18

Euphemism

Answer 18

more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally

unpleasant word or concept.

Question 19

Extended Metaphor

Answer 19

A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.

Question 20

Figurative Language

Answer 20

Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and
vivid.

Question 21

Figure of Speech

Answer 21

A device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Figures of speech include
apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, and understatement.

Question 22

Generic Conventions

Answer 22

This term describes traditions for each genre.

Question 23

Genre

Answer 23

The major category into which a literary work fits.

Question 24

Homily

Answer 24

This term literally means “sermon,” but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving
moral or spiritual advice.

Question 25

Hyperbole

Answer 25

Deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point

Question 26

Imagery

Answer 26

A description of how something looks, feels, tastes, smells, or sounds. Used literally and figuratively

Question 27

Inference

Answer 27

To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.

Question 28

Invective

Answer 28

an emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.

Question 29

Irony

Answer 29

A figure of speech that occurs when a speaker or character says one thing, but means something else. Incongruity.

Question 30

Litote

Answer 30

form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite. Litote is the opposite of hyperbole. Examples: “Not a bad idea,” “Not many,” “It isn’t very serious.

Question 31

Loose/non-periodic sentence

Answer 31

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, or conversational.

Question 32

Metaphor

Answer 32

Figure of speech that compares two things without using like or as

Question 33

Metonymy

Answer 33

Figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it EX- The pen is mightier than the sword

Question 34

Mood

Answer 34

The feeling or atmosphere created by a text

Question 35

Narrative

Answer 35

The telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.

Question 36

Onomatopeia

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

Oxymoron

Answer 37

A paradox made up of two seemingly contradictory words | EX- But this PEACEFUL REVOLUTION...

Question 38

Paradox

Answer 38

A statement or situation that is seemingly contradictory on the surface, but delivers an ironic truth EX- Pinnochio's nose grows

Question 39

Parallelism

Answer 39

Similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses

Question 40

Parody

Answer 40

A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect

Question 41

Pedantic

Answer 41

An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish (language that might be described as “show-offy”; using big words for the sake of using big words).

Question 42

Periodic Sentence

Answer 42

The opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. The effect of a periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety.

Question 43

Personification

Answer 43

A figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions. Personification is used to make these abstractions, animals, or objects appear more vivid to the reader.

Question 44

Point of View

Answer 44

In literature, the perspective from which a story is told.

Question 45

Prose

Answer 45

one of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms. In prose the printer determines the length of the line; in poetry, the poet determines the length of the line.

Question 46

Repetition

Answer 46

The duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.

Question 47

Rhetoric

Answer 47

From the Greek for “orator,” this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.

Question 48

Rhetorical Modes

Answer 48

This flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing. The four most common rhetorical modes (often referred to as “modes of discourse”) are as follows: (1) The purpose of exposition (or expository writing) is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. The AP language exam essay questions are frequently expository topics. (2) The purpose of argumentation is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation having an additional aim of urging some form of action. (3) The purpose of description is to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five senses in description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional an subjective. (4) The purpose of narration is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing.

Question 49

Sarcasm

Answer 49

sarcasm involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something. It may use irony as a device, but not all ironic statements are sarcastic (that is, intended to ridicule). When well done, sarcasm can be witty and insightful; when poorly done, it is simply cruel.

Question 50

Satire

Answer 50

The use of irony or sarcasm to critique society or an individual; An imitation with the intent to impose change

Question 51

Semantics

Answer 51

The branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.

Question 52

Style

Answer 52

The manner of expression; It describes how the author uses language to get his or her point across

Question 53

Subject Complement

Answer 53

The word (with any accompanying phrases) or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes, the subject of the sentence by either (1) renaming it (the predicate nominative) or (2) describing it (the predicate adjective).

Question 54

Subordinate Clause

Answer 54

he subordinate clause cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought. Also called a dependent clause, the subordinate clause depends on a main clause (or independent clause) to complete its meaning.

Question 55

Syllogysm

Answer 55

A logical structure that uses major and minor premise to reach a conclusion

Question 56

Symbolism

Answer 56

anything that represents itself and stands for something else

Question 57

Synedoche

Answer 57

Figure of speech that uses a part to represent a whole

Question 58

Sythensia

Answer 58

when one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another. Ex: The sight of red ants makes you itchy. In literature, synesthesia refers to the practice of associating two or more different senses in the same image. Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song title,“Taste the Pain,” is an example.

Question 59

Syntax

Answer 59

The arrangement of words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.

Question 60

Theme

Answer 60

The central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life. Usually theme is unstated in fictional works, but in nonfiction, the theme may be directly state, especially in expository or argumentative writing.

Question 61

Thesis

Answer 61

In expository writing, the thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author’s opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.

Question 62

Tone

Answer 62

The speaker's attitude toward the subject conveyed by stylistic and rhetorical choices

Question 63

Transition

Answer 63

A word or phrase that links different idea

Question 64

UNderstatement

Answer 64

A figure of speech in which something is resented as less important than it actually is. This is usually used for satirical or comical affect and is also called a litote.

Question 65

Wit

Answer 65

The use of laughter, humor, irony, and satire in confirmation or refutation of an argument

Question 66

Zeugma

Answer 66

Use of two different words in a gramatically similar way that produces different, often incongruous meanings. Ex- When you open a book, you open your mind

Question 67

Anaphora

Answer 67

Repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines

Question 68

Anecdote

Answer 68

A brief story used to illustrate a point or claim

Question 69

Antimetabole

Answer 69

Repetition of words in reverse order | EX- Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country

Question 70

Asyndeton

Answer 70

Omission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words

Question 71

Complex Sentence

Answer 71

One independent clause and at least one other dependent clause

Question 72

Compound Sentence

Answer 72

Sentence that includes at least two independent clauses

Question 73

Cumulative Sentence

Answer 73

Completes the main idea at the beginning and then builds and adds on

Question 74

Diction

Answer 74

A speaker's choice of words and how they affect the speaker's message

Question 75

Hortative Sentence

Answer 75

Sentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action

Question 76

Imperative Sentence

Answer 76

USed to command or enjoin

Question 77

Juxtaposition

Answer 77

Placement of two things close together to emphasize similarities or differences

Question 78

Persona

Answer 78

The face or character a speaker assumes for the audience

Question 79

Polemic

Answer 79

An aggressive argument that attempts to establish superiority of one opinion or side. No concessions.

Question 80

Polysyndeton

Answer 80

The deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between phrases, clauses, or words

Question 81

Scheme

Answer 81

Artful Syntax; Deviation from the normal of words- Parallelism, juxtaposition, antithesis, and antimetabole

Question 82

Trope

Answer 82

Artful diction; metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, synedoche

Question 83

Bombast

Answer 83

Overly-rhetorical language

Question 84

Adage/Proverb

Answer 84

Recognizable lesson or moral statement

Question 85

Aphorism

Answer 85

Short, pithy statement of general truth

Question 86

What are two m words similar to proverb, adage, and aphorism?

Answer 86

Maxim and Motto

Question 87

Malapropism

Answer 87

The unintentional use of a word that resembles the word intended but has a very different meaning

Question 88

Circumlocution

Answer 88

"Talking around the subject"

Question 89

Lampoon

Answer 89

Sharp ridicule of the character of a person or institution

Question 90

Epiphany

Answer 90

A sudden or intuitive insight or perception into the reality or essential meaning of something usually brought on by a simple or common occurrence or experience

Question 91

Inductive

Answer 91

``` Inductive Conclusion or type of reasoning whereby observation or information about a part of a class is applied to the class as a whole. Contrast with deductive. ```

Question 92

Deductive

Answer 92

The reasoning process by which a conclusion is drawn from set of premises and contains no more facts than these premises