closed thesis
statement of the main idea of the argument that previews the major points the writer intends to make
zeugma
use of two different words in a grammatically similar way that produces different, often incongruous, meanings
syntax
arrangement of words into phrases clauses, and sentences; the length and structure of sentences
juxtaposition
placement of two things closely together to emphasize similarities or differences
Antithesis
opposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction
antimetabole
Repetition of words in reverse order. "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.
Alliteration
repetition of the same sound beginning several words or syllables in sequence
Assonance
Repetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity
Oxymoron
paradoxical juxtaposition of words that seem to contradict one another
Hyperbole
deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point
Parallelism
similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses
Metaphor
figure of speech that compares two things without using like or as
Simile
figure of speech used to explain or clarify an idea by comparing it explicitly to something else, using the words like, as, or as though
Allusion
brief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) or to a work of art
Synecdoche
figure of speech that uses a part to represent the whole
Metonymy
figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing that is related to it or emblematic of it
horative sentence
sentence that exhorts, urges, entreats, implores, or calls to action
Personification
attribution of a lifelike quality to an inanimate object or an idea
Anthropomorphism
the attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.