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13981177235Cumulative (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.0
13981177236Periodic Sentencea sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.1
13981177237Litotes/Understatementa figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive statement.2
13981177238Warrantexpresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience.3
13981177239Ethosan appeal to ethics and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.4
13981177240Pathosan appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.5
13981177241Logosan appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.6
13981177242Concessionan acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.7
13981177243SyllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.8
13981177244Major premisecontains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion.9
13981177245Minor premisecontains the term that is the subject of the conclusion.10
13981177246Inductiona logical process wherein you reason from particulars to universal, using specific cases in order to draw a conclusion, which is also called a generalization.11
13981177247Deductiona logical process wherein you reach a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise).12
13981177248Equivocationa fallacy of argument in which a lie is given the appearance of truth, or in which the truth is misrepresented in deceptive language.13
13981177249Refutationa denial of the validity of an opposing argument.14
13981177250Dictiona speaker's choice of words. Analysis of diction looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker's message.15
13981177251Similea figure of speech used to explain or clarify an idea by comparing it explicitly to something else, using words like, as, or as though.16
13981177252Metaphorfigure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as.17
13981177253Anaphorathe intentional repetition of beginning clauses in order to create an artistic effect.18
13981177254Rhetoricit is the art of finding ways of persuading an audience.19
13981177255Allusionbrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) to to a work of art.20
13981177256Hyperboledeliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.21
13981177257Personificationattribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea.22
13981177258Asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.23
13981177259Polysyndetonthe deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses or words.24
13981177260Parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.25
13981177261Antithesisopposition, or contrast or ideas or words in a parallel construction.26
13981177262Enumerationto mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in list27
13981177263Rhetorical QuestionFigure of speech in the form of a question posed for the rhetorical effect rather than for the purpose of getting an answer. Ex.) Are you stupid?28
13981177264Chiasmusthe reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases. Ex.) He went to the country, the country went to him.29
13981177265RebuttalIn the Toulon model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.30
13981177266Fallacy of Argumenta flaw in the structure of an argument that renders its conclusion invalid or suspect.31
13981177267Bandwagon Appeala fallacy of argument in which a course of action is recommended on the grounds that everyone else is following it.32
13981177268Begging the Questiona fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the very grounds that are in doubt or dispute.33
13981177269Anecdotea brief story used to illustrate a point or claim.34
13981177270Modes of DisclosureExposition- illustrates a point Narration- tells a story Description- creates a sensory image Argumentation- takes a position on an issue and defends it.35
13981177271Examplea specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.36
13981177272Contrast/ 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 Combination37
13981177273Cause and Effectestablishes a relationship: B is the result of A.38
13981177274Classificationseparates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group is placed within the category.39
13981177275Processsimply "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.40
13981177276Definitionidentifies the class to which a specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from all the other items in that class.41
13981177277Narrationis nothing more than storytelling. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end.42
13981177278Descriptionwriting 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.43
13981177279Dogmatisma fallacy of argument in which a claim is supported on the grounds that it's the only conclusion acceptable within a given community.44
13981177280False 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.45
13981177281False authoritya fallacy of argument in which a claim is based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.46
13981177282Faulty 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.47
13981177283Hasty generalizationa fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.48
13981177284Non sequitora fallacy of argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to connect logically; one point doesn't follow from another.49
13981177297AllegoryThe 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.50
13981177298AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").51
13981177299AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.52
13981177300AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.53
13981177301AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.54
13981177302AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.55
13981177303Antithesisthe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.56
13981177304AphorismA 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.)57
13981177305ApostropheA 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.58
13981177306AtmosphereThe 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.59
13981177307Caricaturea verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features or other characteristics.60
13981177308ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.61
13981177309Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.62
13981177310Literary 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 sense63
13981177311ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.64
13981177312DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.65
13981177313DictionRelated to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.66
13981177314DidacticFrom the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching."67
13981177315EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept - POLITICALLY CORRECT68
13981177316Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.69
13981177317Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid70
13981177318Figure 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 understatement71
13981177319GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.72
13981177320HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.73
13981177321HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.")74
13981177322ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.75
13981177323Inference/inferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.76
13981177324Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.77
13981177325Irony/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.78
13981177326Loose 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.79
13981177327MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.80
13981177328MetonymyA figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.81
13981177329MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.82
13981177330NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.83
13981177331OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.84
13981177332OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.85
13981177333ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.86
13981177334Parallelismthe use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.87
13981177335ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.88
13981177336PedanticAn 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).89
13981177337Periodic sentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.90
13981177338PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.91
13981177339Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told.92
13981177340Prosewritten or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.93
13981177341RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.94
13981177342RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.95
13981177343SarcasmInvolves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.96
13981177344SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.97
13981177345Subordinate 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.98
13981177346SyllogismA deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the first one called "major" and the second called "minor") that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.99
13981177347Symbol/symbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else.100
13981177348SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.101
13981177349ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life.102
13981177350ThesisThe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position.103
13981177351ToneDescribes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.104
13981177352TransitionA 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.105
13981177353Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.106
13981177354Witin modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.107
13981177355Slippery SlopeThis is the failure to provide evidence to support a claim that one event will lead to a catastrophic chain of events.108
13981177356Straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.109
13981177357EthosAn appeal to credibility. The writer is seeking to convince you that he or she has the background, history, skills, and/or expertise to speak on the issue.110
13981177358JuxtapositionMaking on idea more dramatic by placing it next to its opposite.111
13981177359LogosAn appeal to reason.112
13981177360PathosAn appeal to emotion.113
13981177361Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is assumed.114
13981177362SimileA critical figure of speech in an argument when what is unknown is compared to something that is known using the word "like," "as," or "than" in order to better perceive its importance.115
13981177363rhetorical 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.116
13981177364descriptive detailWhen an essay uses this phrase, look for the writer's sensory description.117
13981177365AnaphoraFigure of repetition that occurs when the first word or set of words in one sentence, clause, or phrase is/are repeated at or very near the beginning of successive sentences, clauses, or phrases; repetition of the initial words over successive phrases or clauses118
13981177366AnecdoteA brief story that illustrates or makes a point119
13981177367Appeal 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.120
13981177368Argumentationone 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.121
13981177369AssonanceRepetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity122
13981177370AsyndetonA series of words separated by commas (with no conjunction).123
13981177371toneA speaker's, author's, or character's disposition toward or opinion of a subject.124
13981177372audienceOne's listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.125
13981177373Begging the questionOften called circular reasoning, __ occurs when the believability of the evidence depends on the believability of the claim.126
13981177285understatement"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 Rye127
13981177286allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes.128
13981177287hyperbole"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you/Till China and Africa meet,/And the river jumps over the mountain"129
13981177288invective"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 Travels130
13981177289antithesis"To err is human; to forgive divine." Alexander Pope "An Essay on Criticism"131
13981177290euphemism"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs." William Shakespeare Othello132
13981177291paradox"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." -Gandhi133
13981177292alliteration"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."134
13981177293oxymoron"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."135
13981177294personification"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."136
13981177295inverted syntax"Patience you must have, my young padawan."137

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