AP Language Rhetorical Devices Flashcards

4879655821	hyperbole This is the most popular and commonly used rhetorical device in the entire world of rhetorical devices!	● Consists of exaggerating some part of your statement in order to give emphasis of focus ● Never meant to be understood literally	0
4879660835	understatement You might find this device somewhat helpful as well.	● A form in which the force of a descriptive statement is less that what one would normally expected	1
4879662093	litotes What you'll learn in this section isn't bad.	● Emphasizes a point by using a word opposite to the condition	2
4879664042	antithesis A fairly simple way to show a complex thought.	● Makes a use of contrast in language to bring out a contrast in ideas ● Has a natural attractiveness because it organizes thoughts/ideas ● Can be built by contrasting any parts of a sentence	3
4879666917	hypophora So what is this? Read on and you will see.	● Technique of asking a question, then proceeding to answer it	4
4879668771	rhetorical question Don't you want to know how to use them well?	● Using a question where the answer is implied	5
4967363227	analogy The analogy is as important to the writer as the computer model is to the builder.	● A somewhat more down-to-earth version of a simile. It compares things for a specific purpose, but for a more pragmatic reason than style. ● Makes use of something already well known to explain something that is less well known ● Helps your readers to see precisely what you mean	6
4967383242	allusion You don't have to be Holden Caulfield to appreciate a good allusion.	● A reference to some fairly well-known event, place, or person ●Can be used to help your reader see a broader picture & relate ● Used to evoke a negative or positive feeling ● Adds credibility to your writing	7
4967392705	sententia A word to the wise is sufficient.	● A fancy term for a quotation, maxim, or wise saying ● Used to sum up what you've been talking about in preceding paragraphs, etc. ● Adds the weight of centuries of belief to your argument, making it harder for your reader to ignore (established wisdom)	8
4967401761	asyndeton Asyndeton is one of the best, most expressive, effective rhetoric devices there is.	● A sentence that leaves out conjunctions ● Can help clarify a second item in a list of two ● Gives the impression that the list is spontaneous ● Suggests the list is not finished ● *gives the feeling of fast movement to your writing	9
4967407908	polysyndeton Polysyndeton is a interesting and instructional and stylish rhetorical device.	● A sentence that puts a conjunction between every item ● Gives the feeling of increased urgency and power ● Can bring to mind a comparison to scripture ● Gives the sentence a steady cadence (punctuated beats) ● A sure way to give an important list of attributes/ideas immediate force	10
5241383810	chiasmus To communicate is to speak, to pause, and to listen. To listen, to pause, and then to speak is to communicate well.	● A special form of parallelism that flips the original form around ● Follows an ABBA pattern ● Example: "He smiled happily and joyfully laughed. ● Example: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.	11
5241391452	anaphora Repeat the phrase for style. Repeat the phrase for emphasis. Repeat the phrase for clarity.	●Where the writer repeats a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple clauses or sentences ● Purpose: emphasizes a single idea ● Purpose: build a sense of climax (least to most important) ● Example: "A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which has been planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up."	12
5241395795	anadiplosis In Ms. Green's class we learn rhetoric; rhetoric will help us win arguments.	● Take the last word of a sentence or phrase and repeats it near the beginning of the next sentence or phrase ● Purpose: placing focus/power/force on a key word or phrase ● Purpose: creates a beautiful sound ● Example: "In education we find the measure of our own ignorance; in ignorance we find the beginning of wisdom."	13
5241399132	parenthesis Here is where you will learn how to handle supplemental material, material what helps to expand and clarify your ideas.	● A device used to insert an aside or additional information into the main flow of your writing ● Can use the actual parenthesis symbols, or use dashes or commas ● Purpose: helps you say crucial things without having to end a sentence first; dashes may be used to jolt your readers ● Example: "This continued for many years -- some would say far longer than it should have -- before a new brand of politician put an end to it."	14