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9447709093SSpeaker0
9447709094OOccasion1
9447709095AAudience2
9447709096PPurpose3
9447709097S (2nd)Subject4
9447709098ToneTone5
9447709099Speaker DefinitionIs the author the speaker of the piece? What can we tell about the person who is the speaker? What does the identity of the speaker mean for the rest of the passage?6
9447709100Occasion DefinitionWhat is the time and place of the piece? What is the context or event that prompted the author to write the piece? Larger occasion: all writers are influenced by time, place, attitudes, and emotions. Immediate occasion: one event or situation that prompts the writer to create the price.7
9447709101Audience DefinitionWho is the audience of this piece? Which group of readers is the author trying to target? Who does he/she want to appeal to? The audience affects how a writer crafts his argument and writes the text.8
9447709102Purpose DefinitionWhat is the reason behind the passage? The purpose of the writer determines the author's thesis. The purpose of the piece determines the logic and the reasoning the writer will use. What does the author want the readers to think and do as a result of reading the text?9
9447709103Subject DefinitionTry to state the piece's subject in a few words or phrases. This helps focus on the author's argument.10
9447709104Tone DefinitionWhat is the attitude of the author towards the subject? What is the attitude displayed in the author's argument? How does the tone impact the meaning of the argument?11
9447709105dictionword choice12
9447709106syntaxhow the sentences are put together13
9447709107imageryappeals to the five senses14
9447709108metaphorscomparisons between items to make a point15
9447709109figurative languageliterary devices that create meaning16
9447709110poetic deviceswriting that conveys style and can illuminate meaning17
9447709111EthosEthical/Image Appeal Aristotle says that if we believe that the writer has good judgement, good intentions, and good moral sense, then we are more likely to believe what he or she is writing.18
9447709112LogosLogical Appeal Logic and Rationality are powerful tools of persuasion for the writer. Methods for LOGOS: - Cause and effect - analogies and comparisons - examples with data - Syllogism (example: All mammals are vertebrates. Cats are mammals. Cats are therefore vertebrates.)19
9447709113PathosEmotional Appeal We often make decisions based on anger, fear, sadness, love or other emotions. Fear, sadness, and anger can be powerful motivators for action. Advertisements can make us feel insecure about ourselves. Pathos is powerful but too much of it exposes the writer's ideas as shallow.20
9447709114AnadiplosisConcluding word of clause becomes first word of next clause21
9447709115EpanalepsisOpening and closing a sentence w the same word or phrase for surprise and emphasis22
9447709116AnaphoraRepetition of one or more words at the head of consecutive phrases, clauses, or sentences23
9447709117EpistropheRepetition of a word at the end of each phrase or clause24
9447709118AntistropheRepetition of same word OR PHRASE at the close of successive clauses (very close to epistrophe)25
9447709119Chiasmus(Similar to antimetabole) but reverses grammatical elements rather than just words for emphasis26
9447709120SyllepsisDivergent use of a word in two phrases (same words, different meanings)27
9447709121DiacopeRepetition of one or more words after the interval of one or more words28
9447709122CommoratioRepetition of a point with different meaning29
9447709123EpizeuxisRepetition of the same word for emphasis30
9447709124PleonasmRedundancy for ephmasis31
9447709125PolyptotonRepetition of two or more forms of a word (paregmenon)32
9447709126TricolonA series of three parallel words, phrases, clauses, or statements33
9447709127SynathroesmusA series of adjectives piled up often in the service of criticism34
9447709128EllipsisOmission of one or more words for conciseness or drama35
9447709129AsyndetonOmission of conjunctions from a series, particularly at the end of a series36
9447709130PolysyndetonInsertion of conjunctions before each word in a list37
9447709131AntimetaboleReversal of repeated words or phrases for effect38
9447709132AnastropheInversion of word order for emphasis (Yoda)39
9447709133HyperbatonExcursion for natural word order in various words (not just inverted for anastrophe)40
9447709134AnacoluthonA sudden break in a sentence's grammatical structure41
9447709135Periodic SentenceOne in which the writer builds suspense by beginning with subordinate elements and postpones the main clause42
9447709136Cumulative or Loose SentenceOne in which the subordinate elements come at the end to call attention43
9447709137Interrupted SentenceOne in which the subordinate elements come in the middle, often set off by dashes44
9447709138Balanced SentenceOne in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale. Both parts of the sentence have the same form; that is, they are parallel grammatically45
9447709139AntithesisContrast within parallel phrases46
9447709140ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses and absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer. Many apostrophes imply a personification of the object addressed.47
9447709141CacophonyDeliberate use of harsh letter sounds48
9447709142EuphemismReferring to something with a veiled phrase instead of saying it directly49
9447709143EuphonyThe quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through a harmonious combination of words50
9447709144LitotesUnderstatement often employed to provide subtle emphasis, frequently for ironic effect or to underline a passionate opinion51
9447709145SyndocheSubstitution of a part or a substance for a whole, one thing or another, or a specific name used do a generic.52
9447709146Balanced SentenceA sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale. Both parts are parallel grammatically53
9447709147Compound SentenceContains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses54
9447709148Complex SentenceContains only one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.55
9447709149Simple SentenceOne independent clause56
9447709150Argumentum ad HominemDiscrediting an argument by attacking the person who makes it rather than the argument itself57
9447709151Argumentum ad Baculum/ Appeal to ForceAudience is issued a threat or some other negative repercussion if the audience doesn't accept/ agree with the argument presented.58
9447709152Argumentum ad Verecundiam/ Appeal to (Improper) AuthorityAudience is expected to accept argument from a source that may not be reliable (source's authority is in an unrelated field) but that may be well-known or popular59
9447709153Argumentum ad Traditio / Appeal to TraditionThis line of thought asserts that premise must be true because people have always believed in it or have done it. Also could suggest that since it worked in the past, it will work now.60
9447709154Argumentum ad Populum / Appeal to Popular Opinion - (Bandwagon)Claiming that a position is true because most people believe it is.61
9447709155Argumentum ad Ignorantium/ Appeal to Lack of EvidenceAppealing to a lack of information to prove a point or arguing that since the opposition cannot disprove a claim, the opposite stance must be true.62
9447709156Begging the QuestionUsing a premise to prove a conclusion when the premise itself assumes the conclusion is true; The first claim is initially loaded with the very conclusion one has yet to prove.63
9447709157Circular ReasoningOften writers using this fallacy take one idea and phrase it into two statements. The assertions differ sufficiently to obscure the fact that the same proposition occurs as both a premise and a conclusion. The writer then tries to "prove" his or her assertion by merely repeating it in different words.64
9447709158False Dilemma - (Either/Or)Suggesting only two solutions when other options could also available.65
9447709159Faulty AnalogyRelying on comparisons rather than facts to prove a point66
9447709160Hasty GeneralizationArriving at a conclusion based on an inadequate evidence or a sample that is too small67
9447709161Loaded (Complex) QuestionCombining two questions as if they were one, when really they should be answered or discussed separately68
9447709162Misleading StatisticStatistics that are not gathered by a large majority or that are portrayed as more drastic than they really are.69
9447709163Non SequiturUsing a premise to prove an unrelated point. The conclusion doesn't logically follow the explanation.70
9447709164Poisoning the WellPresenting negative information about a person before he/she speaks so as to discredit the person's argument71
9447709165Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc - ("After this, therefore because of this")Occurs when the writer/speaker mistakenly assumes that, because the first event preceded the second event, it must mean that the first event caused the later one.72
9447709166Red HerringIntroducing an unrelated or invalid point to distract the reader/ audience from the actual argument73
9447709167Slippery SlopeSuggesting that one step will inevitably lead to more, eventually negative steps74
9447709168Stacking the DeckWhen a writer/speaker tries to prove a point by focusing on only one side of the argument while ignoring the other; speaker stacks evidence in his/her favor by listing only those elements that support his/her case.75
9447709169Straw ManAttacking one of the opposition's unimportant or small arguments, while ignoring the opposition's best argument; oversimplifying an argument to attack the more simplified version instead of addressing the entire complex argument provided by the opponent76
9447709170allegoryThe rhetorical strategy of extending a metaphor through an entire narrative so that objects, persons, and actions in the text are equated with meanings that lie outside the text. "There is an obvious allegory in Avatar, the Navi stand for Native Americans."77
9447709171alliterationThe repetition of an initial consonant sound, as in "a peck of pickled peppers."78
9447709172allusionA brief, usually indirect reference to a person, place, or event--real or fictional.79
9447709173analogyA type of composition (or, more commonly, a part of a composition or speech) in which one idea, process, or thing is explained by comparing it to something else.80
9447709174anaphora (also called epanaphora)A scheme in which the same word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. Example: "I will fight for you. I will fight to save Social Security. I will fight to raise the minimum wage."81
9447709175anastropheA scheme in which normal word order is changed for emphasis. Example: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.82
9447709176anecdoteA short account (or narrative) of an interesting or amusing incident, often intended to illustrate or support some point.83
9447709177annotationA concise statement of the key idea(s) in a text or a portion of a text. Annotations are commonly used in reading instruction and in research.84
9447709178antagonistCharacter in a story or poem who opposes the main character (protagonist). Sometimes the antagonist is an animal, an idea, or a thing. Examples of such antagonists might include illness, oppression, or the serpent in the biblical story of Adam and Eve.85
9447709179antecedentThe noun or noun phrase that a pronoun refers to. "When giving treats to ~friends~ or ~children~, give them what they like, emphatically not what is good for them."86
9447709180antimetaboleHalf of expression is balanced, other half is backwards. ABC-CBA. It's a type of chiasmus. "I know what I like, and I like what I know"87
9447709181antithesisPlacement of contrasting or opposing words, phrases, clauses, or sentences side by side. Following are examples:"The more acute the experience, the less articulate its expression." (Harold Pinter, "Writing for the Theatre," 1962)88
9447709182anthropomorphismAttribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena89
9447709183antithesisA rhetorical term for the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses. "You're easy on the eyes Hard on the heart." - (Terri Clark)90
9447709184aphorismA brief statement of a principle that makes a wise observation about life. "Haste makes waste." "The first rule of Fight Club is--you do not talk about Fight Club." (Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden, Fight Club)91
9447709185aporiaintentionally express unsureness92
9447709186apostropheA scheme in which a person or an abstract quality is directly addressed, whether present or not. Example: "Freedom! You are a beguiling mistress."93
9447709187appositionThe placement side-by-side of two coordinate elements (noun phrases), the second of which serves to identify or rename the first. "Miniver Cheevy, ~child of scorn~, grew lean while he assailed the seasons." "Gussie, ~a glutton for punishment~, stared at himself in the mirror."94
9447709188archaic dictionthe use of words that are old-fashioned or no longer commonly used.95
9447709189Aristotelian triangleRelation between audience, subject, and writer/speaker96
9447709190arrangementThe parts of a speech or, more broadly, the structure of a text. Arrangement is one of the five traditional canons or subdivisions of classical rhetorical training.97
9447709191asideIn conversation or drama, a short passage spoken in an undertone or addressed to an audience. In writing, an aside may be set off by parentheses.98
9447709192assertiona positive statement or declaration, often without support or reason99
9447709193assumptiona statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn. Little proof is given.100
9447709194asyndetonOmitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses "Anyway, like I was saying, shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo."101
9447709195attitudeCreated by a speaker or writer in order to invent materials, the manner in which an action is carried out.102
9447709196audiencethe receiving end. Always important to write and speak with the audience in mind. Clarity, brevity, interest, reaction, etc...103
9447709197biasPrejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.104
9447709198blank verseis any verse comprised of unrhymed lines all in the same meter, usually iambic pentameter. An iambic pair is pronounced as da-DUM, accentuating the stress on the second syllable. Hence, an iambic pentameter would have the form,da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM105
9447709199bombastA pejorative term for pompous and inflated speech or writing that sounds important but is generally nonsense. "empty rhetoric". Padding to something without meaning.106
9447709200cacophonyA mix of harsh, displeasing, or clashing sounds. It is commonly used to describe poetry, but can also be found in musical composition. Sometimes it is accidental, and sometimes it is used intentionally for artistic effect.107
9447709201catharsisIn literature and art, a purification of emotions. The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) used the term to describe the effect on the audience of a tragedy acted out on a theater stage. This effect consists in cleansing the audience of disturbing emotions, such as fear and pity, thereby releasing tension. In modern usage, ____ may refer to any experience, real or imagined, that purges a person of negative emotions.108
9447709202characterThe distinctive nature of something.109
9447709203chiasmusInversion in the second of two parallel phrases Example: "It's not the men in my life, it's the life in my men."110
9447709204circumlocution (or periphrasis)The use of unnecessarily wordy and indirect language to avoid getting to the point. Contrast with conciseness. Adjective: circumlocutory. (such as "a tool used for cutting things such as paper and hair") as opposed to scissors.111
9447709205claimAn assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt.112
9447709206classical modelintroduction, introduces the subject and piques the reader's interest narration, provides factual information and background material confirmation, major part of text, includes the development of the proof needed to make the writer's case refutation, addresses counterargument, bridge between proof and conclusion conclusion, brings essay to a close, "So what does it all mean?"113
9447709207climaxThe most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex.114
9447709208close readingWhen you ______, you observe facts and details about the text. You may focus on a particular passage, or on the text as a whole. Your aim may be to notice all striking features of the text, including rhetorical features, structural elements, cultural references; or, your aim may be to notice only selected features of the text—for instance, oppositions and correspondences, or particular historical references.115
9447709209colloquialismAn informal expression that is more often used in casual conversation than in formal speech or writing. "Latinas are in oppressive structures. We can fool ourselves, but we'd still be getting ~dumped on.~"116
9447709210comic reliefComic episodes in a dramatic or literary work that offset more serious sections. A character or characters providing this.117
9447709211concedeAdmit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it.118
9447709212conclusionbrings essay to a close, "So what does it all mean" or a reasoned deduction or inference.119
9447709213confirmationmajor part of text, includes the development of the proof needed to make the writer's case120
9447709214confirmation biasTendency of people to favor information that confirms their beliefs or hypotheses.121
9447709215conflictThe conflict of a story is a problem in the story. It can be internal or external.122
9447709216connotationThe emotional implications and associations that a word may carry, in contrast to its denotative (literal) meanings. An idea that is implied or suggested "The name reservation has a negative connotation among Native Americans--an intern camp of sorts." (John Russell)123
9447709217contextThe words and sentences that surround any part of a discourse and that help to determine its meaning.124
9447709218conventiona rule, method, or practice established by usage; custom125
9447709219counterargumenta contrasting, opposing, or refuting argument.126
9447709220cumulative sentencesentence that completes the main idea at the beginning of the sentence and then builds and adds on127
9447709221deductive reasoningA method of reasoning from the general to the specific. In a deductive argument, a conclusion follows necessarily from the stated premises. (Contrast with induction.) In logic, a deductive argument is called a syllogism. In rhetoric, the equivalent of the syllogism is the enthymeme.128
9447709222denotationThe direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings129
9447709223denouementIn a narrative (within an essay, short story, novel, play, or film), the event or events following the climax; the resolution or clarification of the plot.130
9447709224deus ex machina____:(god from the machine) is a term describing the sudden appearance of an unexpected way out of a difficult situation.131
9447709225dictionChoice and use of words in speech or writing132
9447709226discursive1.passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling. 2. proceeding by reasoning or argument rather than intuition.133
9447709227dramatic ironydrama, audience knows something that the characters don't know. ex.Lincoln134
9447709228dynamic charactera literary or dramatic character who undergoes an important inner change, as a change in personality or attitude: Ebeneezer Scrooge is a dynamic character.135
9447709229effectsomething that is produced by an agency or cause; result; consequence136
9447709230elegya mournful, melancholy, or plaintive poem, especially a funeral song or a lament for the dead.137
9447709231epanadiplosisA figure by which the same word is used both at the beginning and at the end of a sentence; as, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." --Phil. iv. 4.138
9447709232epicLong poem in a lofty style about the exploits of heroic figures. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, as well as the Old English poem Beowulf, are examples of epics.139
9447709233epigramany witty, ingenious, or pointed saying tersely expressed; a short, often satirical poem dealing concisely with a single subject and usually ending with a witty or ingenious turn of thought.140
9447709234epistrophe (also called epiphora)A scheme in which the same word is repeated at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. Example: "I believe we should fight for justice. You believe we should fight for justice. How can we not, then, fight for justice?"141
9447709235ethosCredibility. We tend to believe people whom we respect.142
9447709236euphemismThe substitution of an inoffensive term (such as "passed away") for one considered offensively explicit ("died"). Contrast with dysphemism. Adjective: euphemistic.143
9447709237euphonyagreeableness of sound; pleasing effect to the ear, especially a pleasant sounding or harmonious combination or succession of words144
9447709238explicationthe act of making clear or removing obscurity from the meaning of a word or symbol or expression etc..145
9447709239expositionwriting or speech primarily intended to convey information or to explain; a detailed statement or explanation; explanatory treatise146
9447709240fablea short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters; apologue147
9447709241figurative languagerefers to words, and groups of words, that exaggerate or alter the usual meanings of the component words.148
9447709242figure of speechis the use of a word or words diverging from its usual meaning. It can also be a special repetition, arrangement or omission of words with literal meaning, as in idiom, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, or personification.149
9447709243flashbacka device in the narrative of a motion picture, novel, etc., by which an event or scene taking place before the present time in the narrative is inserted into the chronological structure of the work.150
9447709244foreshadowingto show or indicate beforehand; prefigure of events that are to come151
9447709245formtypes of writing152
9447709246functionthe kind of action or activity proper to a person, thing, or institution; the purpose for which something is designed or exists; role.153
9447709247heteroclite dictionDeviating from ordinary forms or rules; irregular; anomalous; abnormal.154
9447709248hortative sentencesentence that exhorts, advices, calls to action "Go! Go! Go!" "Great job keep going!"155
9447709249hyperboleA trope composed of exaggerated words or ideals used for emphasis and not to be taken literally. Example: "I've told you a million times not to call me a liar!"156
9447709250imageform; appearance; semblance157
9447709251imageryVivid descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste).158
9447709252imperative sentenceA type of sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or command. "Leave the gun, take the cannoli"159
9447709253Impressionismuse imagism and symbolism to convey their impressions, rather than interpreting their experiences.160
9447709254inductive reasoningA method of reasoning that moves from specific instances to a generalization. Specific to general.161
9447709255inversionreversal of the usual or natural order of words; anastrophe.162
9447709256ironyA trope in which a word or phrase is used to mean the opposite of its literal meaning. Example: "I just love scrubbing the floor."163
9447709257juxtapositionan act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.164
9447709258laconicusing few words; expressing much in few words; concise: a laconic reply.165
9447709259litotesA trope in which one makes a deliberate understatement for emphasis. Example: Young lovers are kissing and an observer says: "I think they like each other."166
9447709260logoslogic means persuading by the use of reasoning.167
9447709261MachiavellianNiccolo Machiavelli helped to begin a revolution in political philosophy. His ideas were not necessarily original but still considered extremely radical at the time he published his book.168
9447709262magic realismis a genre where magic elements are a natural part in an otherwise mundane, realistic environment.[1] Although it is most commonly used as a literary genre, magic realism also applies to film and the visual arts.169
9447709263malapropAbsurd or humorous misuse of a word, especially by confusion with one of similar sound. An example is Yogi Berra's statement: "Texas has a lot of electrical votes," rather than "electoral votes".170
9447709264metaphorA trope in which a word or phrase is transferred from its literal meaning to stand for something else. Unlike a simile, in which something is said to be "like" something else, a metaphor says something is something else. Example: "Debt is a bottomless sea."171
9447709265metonymySubstitution where a word or phrase is used in place of another word or phrase (such as "crown" for "royalty"). "The pen is mightier than the sword,"172
9447709266modifierIn grammar, a modifier is an optional element in phrase structure or clause structure. A modifier is so called because it is said to modify (change the meaning of) another element in the structure, on which it is dependent. ex: "This is a red ball" vs. "This is a ball". Red modifies the noun ball.173
9447709267monologuea prolonged talk or discourse by a single speaker174
9447709268motifa recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work175
9447709269narrationprovides factual information and background material or something narrated; an account, story, or narrative176
9447709270nominalizationto convert (another part of speech) into a noun, as in changing the adjective lowly into the lowly177
9447709271occasiona special or important time178
9447709272onomatopoeiause of words that imitate sounds-CRASH, BANG, HISS179
9447709273oxymoronA trope that connects two contradictory terms. Example: "Bill is a cheerful pessimist." "Jumbo shrimp"180
9447709274pacinga rate of movement181
9447709275parableA story, usually short and simple, that illustrates a lesson.182
9447709276paradoxan assertion seemingly opposed to common sense, but that may yet have some truth in it. [What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young] "War is peace." "Freedom is slavery."183
9447709277parallel plotPlots in which each main character has a separate but related story line that merges in the end.184
9447709278parallelismThe use of identical or equivalent syntactic constructions in corresponding clauses or phrases185
9447709279parodya humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing186
9447709280pathosemotional appeal and persuasion187
9447709281periodic sentencesentence whose main clause is withheld until the end188
9447709282periphrasisA trope in which one substitutes a descriptive word or phrase for a proper noun. Example: "The big man upstairs hears your prayers."189
9447709283personathe narrator of or a character in a literary work, sometimes identified with the author.190
9447709284personificationA trope in which human qualities or abilities are assigned to abstractions or inanimate objects. Example: "Integrity thumbs its nose at pomposity."191
9447709285plotAlso called storyline. the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story.192
9447709286point of viewThe perspective from which a speaker or writer recounts a narrative or presents information. Depending on the topic, purpose, and audience, writers of nonfiction may rely on the first-person point of view (I, we), the second-person (you, your), or the third-person (he, she, it, they).193
9447709287polemica controversial argument, as one against some opinion, doctrine194
9447709288polysyndetonMultiple coordinating conjunctions "Let the whitefolks have their money and power and segregation and sarcasm and big houses and schools and lawns like carpets, and books, and mostly--mostly--let them have their whiteness." (Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969)195
9447709289premisea proposition supporting or helping to support a conclusion196
9447709290propagandistica person involved in producing or spreading propaganda197
9447709291protagonistthe leading character, hero, or heroine of a drama or other literary work.198
9447709292punA play on words in which a homophone is repeated but used in a different sense. Examples: "She was always game for any game."199
9447709293purposethe reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.200
9447709294refutationaddresses counterargument, bridge between proof and conclusion201
9447709295refuteto prove to be false or erroneous, as an opinion or charge.202
9447709296rhetoricThe study and practice of effective communication. The study of the effects of texts on audiences. The art of persuasion. An insincere eloquence intended to win points and manipulate203
9447709297rhetorical appealsethos, pathos, logos204
9447709298rhetorical modesdescribe the variety, conventions, and purposes of the major kinds of writing. Four of the most common rhetorical modes and their purpose are exposition, argumentation, description, and narration.205
9447709299rhetorical questionA trope in which the one asks a leading question. Example: "With all the violence on TV today, is it any wonder kids bring guns to school?"206
9447709300satireA text or performance that uses irony, derision, or wit to expose or attack human vice, foolishness, or stupidity. With intent to improve.207
9447709301sarcasmEmpty irony. Meant for others to feel stupid and does not improve a situation208
9447709302schemeA change in standard word order or pattern.209
9447709303segueto make a transition from one thing to another smoothly and without interruption210
9447709304settingthe surrounding environment of a story211
9447709305simileA trope in which one states a comparison between two things that are not alike but have similarities. Unlike metaphors, similes employ "like" or "as." Example: "Her eyes are as blue as a robin's egg."212
9447709306soliloquyan utterance or discourse by a person who is talking to himself or herself or is disregardful of or oblivious to any hearers present213
9447709307speakerthe person speaking214
9447709308stage directionsAn instruction in the text of a play.215
9447709309static characterCharacter in a literary work who does not change his or her outlook in response to events taking place.216
9447709310structureThe arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.217
9447709311styleRefers to the way you put your writing together. It refers to your choice of sentence patterns, your overall choice of words, and the specific vocabulary you use. (e.g. using lots of dialogue, or poetic language, or lots of description).218
9447709312subjectthat which forms a basic matter of thought, discussion, investigation, etc.: a subject of conversation.219
9447709313subplotsubplot is a secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot220
9447709314subtext_____ or undertone is content of a work which is not announced explicitly by the characters (or author) but is implicit or becomes something understood by the observer of the work as the production unfolds.221
9447709315syllogismis a kind of logical argument in which one proposition (the conclusion) is inferred from two or more others (the premises) of a specific form.222
9447709316symbolsomething used for or regarded as representing something else;223
9447709317synecdocheA trope in which a part stands for the whole or a whole stands for a part. Example: "Tom just bought a fancy new set of wheels."224
9447709318syntaxIs the study of the rules that dictate how the parts of sentences go together.225
9447709319synthesizeCombines parts and elements, focuses on main ideas and details, and achieves new insight. In writing a synthesis, you infer relationships between sources, both written and non-written.226
9447709320themea subject of discourse, discussion, meditation, or composition;227
9447709321thesisa proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections228
9447709322toneThe atmosphere or emotion an author conveys through word choice, etc. Refers to how you say or write something. "The main factor in tone is diction, the words that the writer chooses. For one kind of writing, an author may choose one type of vocabulary, perhaps slang, and for another the same writer may choose an entirely different set of words. Even such small matters as contractions make a difference in tone, the contracted verbs being less formal.229
9447709323topic sentenceterm to describe the sentence in an expository paragraph which summarizes the main idea of that paragraph.230
9447709324tragic heroA tragic hero is the protagonist of a tragedy. The emotion of pity stems not from a person becoming better but when a person receives undeserved misfortune and fear comes when the misfortune befalls a man like us.231
9447709325tropeThe use of a word, phrase, or image in a way not intended by its normal signification.232
9447709326understatementthe act or an instance of understating, or representing in a weak or restrained way that is not borne out by the facts.233
9447709327verbal ironySay one thing, mean the other234
9447709328voicethe individual writing style of an author235
9447709329zeugmaA trope in which one verb governs several words, or clauses, each in a different sense. Example: "He stiffened his drink and his spine." "You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit."236
9447709330maxima short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct237
9447709331relative clausecannot stand alone, conains a subject and a verb; begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, that, or which) or a relative adverb (whre, when, why); functions as an adjective (answers, "What kind?", "How many?", "Which one?"238
9447709332Anadiplosisrepetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause239
9447709333assonanceThe repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds in neighboring words. Adjective: assonant. EX. "If I bleat when I speak it's because I just got . . . fleeced." (Al Swearengen in Deadwood, 2004)240
9447709334ParodyA literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule.241
9447709335active voicethe voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is performing the action or causing the happening denoted by the verb242
9447709336passive voicethe voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is the recipient (not the source) of the action denoted by the verb243

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