allusion
a reference to some famous literary work, historical figure, or evet.
argumentation
the writer's attempt to convince his reader to agree with him. It is based on appeals to reason, evidence proving the argument, and sometimes emotion to persuade.
coherence
The principle of clarity and logical adherence to a topic that binds together all parts of a composition.
description
a rhetorical mode used to develop an essay whose primary aim is to depict a scene, person, thing, or idea.
diction
word choice
exposition
writing whose chief aim is to explain.
figurative language
said of a word or expression used in a nonliteral way
hyperbole
a figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement
image/imagery
a phrase or expression that evokes a picture or describes a scene
irony
the use of language in such a way that apparent meaning contrasts sharply with the meaning
EXTRA: dramatic irony
facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction but known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work
EXTRA: verbal irony
the words literally state the opposite of the writer's (or speaker's) true meaning
EXTRA: situational irony
events turn out the opposite of what was expected
metaphor
a figurative image that implies the similarity between things otherwise dissimilar
mood
the pervading impression made on the feelings of the reader
narration
an account of events as they happen
oxymoron
a figure of speech wherin the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox
pacing
the speed at which a piece of writing moves along
paradox
a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.
parallelism
The principle of coherent writing requiring that coordinating elements be given the same grammatical form
parody
a work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule
personification
attributing human qualities to objects, abstractions, or animals
point of view
the perspective from which a piece of writing is developed
rhetoric
the art of using persuasive language
rhetorical modes
describes the variety, conventions, and the purposes of major kinds of writing
simile
figure of speech which implies a similarity between things otherwise dissimilar
slanting
the characteristic of selecting facts, words, or emphasis to achieve a preconceived intent
style
the way a writer writes
ad hominem argument
an argument that attacks the integrity or character of an opponent rather than the merits of an issue
analogy
a comparison that attempts to explain one idea or thing by likening it to another
anecdote
a brief narrative offered in a text to capture the audience's attention or to support a generalization or claim
appeal to ethos
one of three strategies for persuading audiences- appeal to ethics
appeal to logos
appeal to logic