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10316717277PathosA Greek term that refers to suffering but has come to be associated with broader appeals to emotion; one of Aristotle's three rhetorical appeals0
10316717278LogosA Greek term that means "word"; an appeal to logic; one of Aristotle's three rhetorical appeals1
10316717279ConcessionA reluctant acknowledgment or yielding2
10316717280SyllogismA form of deductive reasoning in which the conclusion is supported by a major and minor premise.3
10316717281Premisemajor, minor. Two parts of a syllogism. The concluding sentence of a syllogism takes its predicate from the major premise and its subject from the minor premise.4
10316717283Inductiona logical process wherein you reason from particulars to universal, using specific cases in order to draw a conclusion, which is also called a generalization.5
10316717284Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).6
10316717287Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.7
10316717288Similea figure of speech used to explain or clarify an idea by comparing it explicitly to something else, using words like, as, or as though.8
10316717289MetaphorA figure of speech or trope through which one thing is spoken of as thought it were something else, thus making an implicit comparison.9
10316717290AnaphoraThe repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses.10
10316717291RhetoricThe study of effective, persuasive language use; according to Aristotle, use of the "available means of persuasion."11
10316717292Rhetorical TriangleA diagram that represents a rhetorical situation as the relationship among the speaker, the subject, and the audience (Aristotelian triangle).12
10316717293AllusionAn indirect reference, often to another text or an historic event.13
10316717294HyperboleExaggeration for the purpose of emphasis.14
10316717295Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.15
10316717296Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.16
10316717297Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.17
10316717298ParallelismThe repetition of similar grammatical or syntactical patterns.18
10316717299AntithesisParallel structure that juxtaposes contrasting ideas.19
10316717301Rhetorical QuestionA question asked more to produce an effect than to summon an answer.20
10316717302Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.21
10316717303RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.22
10316717304Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.23
10316717305Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.24
10316717306Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.25
10316717307Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.26
10316717308Modes of DisclosureExposition- illustrates a point Narration- tells a story Description- creates a sensory image Argumentation- takes a position on an issue and defends it.27
10316717309Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.28
10316717310Contrast/ Comparisona method of presenting similarities and differences between or among at least two persons, places, things, ideas, etc. may be organized by: Subject by subject Point by point Combination29
10316717311Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.30
10316717312Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.31
10316717313Processsimply "how to" do something is done. It can have one of two purposes. It can either give instructions or inform the reader about how something is done.32
10316717314Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.33
10316717315Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.34
10316717316Descriptionwriting that appeals to the senses. It can be objective, which is scientific or clinical, or it can be impressionistic, which tries to involve the reader's emotions or feelings.35
10316717317Dogmatism`a fallacy of argument in which a claim is supported on the grounds that it's the only conclusion acceptable within a given community.36
10316717318False Dilemma or Dichotomya fallacy of argument in which a complicated issue is misrepresented as offering only two possible alternatives, one of which is often made to seem vastly preferable to the other.37
10316717319False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.38
10316717320Faulty causalitya fallacy of argument making the unwarranted assumption that because one event follows another, the first event causes the second. Also called post hoc, ergo propter hoc, this forms the basis of many superstitions.39
10316717321Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.40
10316717322Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.41
10316717342AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").42
10316717341AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. A story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.43
10316717344AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.44
10316717345AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.45
10316717346AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.46
10316717348AphorismA terse statement of known 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.)47
10316717349ApostropheA prayer like 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.48
10316717350AtmosphereThe 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.49
10316717351Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.50
10316717352ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.51
10316717353Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.52
10316717354Literary ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects; displays intellectual cleverness through unusual comparisons that make good sense53
10316717355ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.54
10316717272Cumulative (Loose) Sentencebegins with a main clause that is followed by phrases and/or clauses that modify the main clause. These phrases or clauses add information to the main or independent clause.55
10316717356DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.56
10316717357DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.57
10316717358DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."58
10316717359EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT59
10316717360Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.60
10316717361Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid61
10316717362Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Figures of speech include apotrophe hyperbole irony metaphor oxymoron paradox personification simile syneddoche understatement62
10316717363GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.63
10316717364HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.64
10316717366ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.65
10316717367Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.66
10316717368Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.67
10316717369Irony/ironicThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.68
10316717370Loose sentence/non-periodic sentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses.69
10316717372MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.70
10316717373MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.71
10316717374NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.72
10316717375onomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.73
10316717376OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.74
10316717377ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.75
10316717379ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.76
10316717273Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.77
10316717381Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.78
10316717380PedanticAn 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).79
10316717383Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.80
10316717384Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.81
10316717385RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.82
10316717387SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.83
10316717388SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.84
10316717389Subordinate clauseLike all clauses, this word group contains both a subject and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but unlike the independent clause, this clause cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought.85
10316717392SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.86
10316717394ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.87
10316717395ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.88
10316717396TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas. Used especially, although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, effectively signal a shift from one idea to another.89
10316717397Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.90
10316717398Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.91
10316717399Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.92
10316717400straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.93
10316717401EthosA Greek term referring to the character of a person; one of Aristotle's three rhetorical appeals (see logos and pathos)94
10316717402JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.95
10316717407rhetorical appealthe persuasive devices by which a writer tries to sway an audience's attention and response to any given work. See logos, ethos, and pathos.96
10316717408descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.97
10316717409devicesThe figures of speech, syntax, diction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect.98
10316717410narrative devicesThis term describes the tools of the storyteller (also used in nonfiction), such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic moment or withholding information until a crucial or appropriate moment when revealing it creates a desired effect. On the essay portion of the exam, this term may also apply to biographical and autobiographical writing.99
10316717411narrative techniquesThe style of telling the "story," even if the passage is nonfiction. Concentrate on the order of events and on their detail in evaluating a writer's technique.100
10316717412Ad hominem argumentAn argument attacking an individual's character rather than his or her position on an issue101
10316717414AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point102
10316717415Appeal to authorityA fallacy in which a speaker or writer seeks to persuade not by giving evidence but by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or institution.103
10316717416Argumentationone of the four forms of discourse which uses logic, ethics, and emotional appeals (logos, ethos, pathos) to develop an effective means to convince the reader to think or act in a certain way.104
10316717417AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity105
10316717419toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.106
10316717420audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.107
10316717421Balanced sentenceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast108
10316717422Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.109
10316717323understatement"I have to have this operation. It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain." Holden Caulfield, Catcher in the Rye110
10316717324parallelism"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy111
10316717325allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.112
10316717326hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"113
10316717327aphorism"Having nothing, nothing can he lose."114
10316717328metonymy"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I115
10316717329invective"I cannot but conclude the bulk of your natives to be the most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth." Jonathan Swift Gulliver's Travels116
10316717330antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"117
10316717331euphemism"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs." William Shakespeare Othello118
10316717332periodic sentenceIn spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.119
10316717333paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi120
10316717334alliteration"His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead."121
10316717335chiasmus"he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling"122
10316717336oxymoron"Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. / Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, / That I shall say good night till it be morrow."123
10316717337personification"Pearl Button swung on the little gate in front of the House of Boxes. It was the early afternoon of a sunshiny day with little winds playing hide-and-seek in it."124
10316717338onomatopoeia"He saw nothing and heard nothing but he could feel his heart pounding and then he heard the clack on stone and the leaping, dropping clicks of a small rock falling."125
10316717339inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."126
10316717340spatial description"In my pantry, coffee, tea powder, and sugar have been kept in the top shelf. Flour, canned food, and dry pasta are on the second shelf."127

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