Study What You Say

Study What You Say: A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices and Techniques for Advanced Placement English Language and Composition

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Preface To Study What You Say Introduction: In high school, students are allowed to take Advanced Placement (AP) level courses, for which, upon scoring high enough on an exit exam, they can earn college credit. One of the courses offered at many high schools is AP English Language and Composition, which focuses on effective use of rhetorical techniques in writing. Through close reading and frequent writing, students develop their ability to work with language and text with a greater awareness of purpose and strategy, while strengthening their own writing abilities. One goal of this course is to help students become skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes.

A central concept studied in the course is the idea of rhetoric, which has come to have a negative connotation in our society. Many people think that rhetoric involves inflated, empty language from politicians who are trying to manipulate others. This, however, is not true, and this course teaches the broader definition: any message with meaning. This open definition allows students to recognize rhetoric in everyday, mundane places in the messages they read, write, see, and hear, and they in turn become more analytical receivers of messages and critical thinkers, rather than passive pawns of manipulation.

An essential element of the course is knowing and understanding the many rhetorical terms and strategies that are used in effective writing, and this is a task that many students find quite daunting because of numerous unfamiliar terms. This thesaurus aims to help those wishing to learn more about these terms and their relationships to one another.

This thesaurus covers a broad range of rhetorical terms, organized under the two main categories of arrangement and style. While other, more technical rhetorical terms exist, these included are appropriate for an introductory college writing course and are rather comprehensive for the material covered and tested in an AP English Language and Composition course. These terms were chosen by the compiler of this thesaurus as they provide a thorough representation of the rhetorical terms and vocabulary needed from an AP English Language and Composition student. This was originally a project for part of my Master’s of Library Science Program at the University of Kentucky, but I wanted to turn it in to a useful teaching tool for me and my fellow AP English Language teachers and as a useful learning tool for our students. Also: this took a freakin’ long time, people, but it was a labor of love.

Enjoy, Summer Perry

1

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Bibliography: Works consulted for the terms and examples in this thesaurus were: Burton, Gideon. The Forest of Rhetoric: Silva Rhetoricae. Brigham Young University, March 2001. Web. 13 June 2010. <http://rhetoric.byu.edu/>.

Cline, Andrew. Tropes and Schemes. Rhetorica Network. Missouri State University, 2006. Web. 13 June 2010. <http://rhetorica.net/tropes.htm>.

Friedlander, John. Principles of Organization. Southwest Tennessee Community College, 2008. Web. 13 June 2010. <http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/ organization.htm>.

A Glossary of Rhetorical Terms with Examples. University of Kentucky Division of Classics, 22 Dec. 2004.

Web. 13 June 2010. <http://www.uky.edu/AS/Classics/rhetoric.html>.

Harris, Robert. A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices. ViA related idea isual Salt, 24 Dec. 2009. Web. 13 June 2010. <http://www.viA related idea isualsalt.com/rhetoric.htm>.

Jewell, Richard. Rhetorical Modes. Inver Hills College, 24 Aug. 2006. Web. 13 June 2010. <http://www.tc.umn.edu/~jewel001/CollegeWriting/STARelated/Modes.htm>.

Jolliffe, David A., and Hephzibah C. Roskelly. Everyday Use: Rhetoric at Work in Reading and Writing.

Second Ed. New York: Longman, 2008. Print.

Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell. Patterns for College Writing with 2009 MLA Update: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide. Eleventh Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 2009. Print.

Lynch, Jack. Glossary of Literary and Rhetorical Terms. Rutgers University, 3 Aug. 1999. Web. 13 June 2010. <http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/Terms/index.html>.

Trochim, William. Deduction and Induction. Research Methods Knowledge Base, 20 Oct. 2006. Web. 13 June 2010. <http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/dedind.php>.

2

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Alphabetical List: Study What You Say Allegory DEFINITION: A narrative (usually story or poem) that uses plot, characters, or symbols to represent abstract or symbolic ideas rather than literal ideas.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Narration

Analogy DEFINITION: A comparison in which the subject is compared to something different, usually with the idea of clarifying the subject by comparing it to something familiar.

A broader idea is: Metaphor

Anaphora DEFINITION: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of two or more successive clauses or sentences.

A broader idea is: Parallelism

Alliteration DEFINITION: Repetition of similar sounds at the beginning of or within words in close proximity.

A broader idea is: Trope A more specific idea is: Assonance Consonance

Anecdote DEFINITION: A short account of an interesting or amusing incident or event.

A broader idea is: Support Related: Narration

Allusion DEFINITION: A reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of literature.

A broader idea is: Trope

Antimetabole DEFINITION: The repetition of words in successive clauses, but in transposed grammatical order.

A broader idea is: Repetition

Ambiguity DEFINITION: Phrase with more than one meaning or an unclear meaning.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Double Entendre

Antithesis DEFINITION: Figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure.

A broader idea is: Parallelism Related: Juxtaposition

Remember this, ladies and gentlemen. It's an old phrase, basically anonymous--that politicians are a lot like diapers: They should be changed frequently and for the same reason. Keep that in mind next time you vote.

Good night. (Robin Williams) Example of an Analogy

3

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

A penny saved is a penny earned. (Benjamin Franklin) Example of an Aphorism

Asyndeton DEFINITION: The lack of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.

A broader idea is: Scheme Related: Polysyndeton

Aphorism DEFINITION: A short, witty statement or saying.

A broader idea is: Dialect Related: Cliché

Audience DEFINITION: One of the six parts of Aristotle’s Revised Rhetorical Triangle; refers to the intended receiver of a message.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Triangle

Apostrophe DEFINITION: The direct address of an absent or imaginary person, abstraction, or inanimate object.

A broader idea is: Trope

Bathos DEFINITION: When a writer makes a sudden descent from the serious to the ludicrous for comedic effect.

A broader idea is: Comedic Device Related: Pathos

Argumentation DEFINITION: A form of writing wherein the author defends, challenges, or qualifies a stance with logical supporting evidence.

A broader idea is: Purpose Related: Persuasive Technique

Body Paragraph DEFINITION: Paragraphs of an essay which state the main ideas of the essay and support them.

A broader idea is: Arrangement A more specific idea is: Support Transition

Arrangement DEFINITION: The second of Aristotle’s proposed five Canons of Rhetoric; is concerned with the organization of a work to ensure logical, effective means of persuasion are achieved.

A more specific idea is: Body Paragraph Conclusion Introduction Principles of Organization Purpose Rhetorical Modes Rhetorical Triangle Works Cited

Cacophony DEFINITION: Harsh discordance of sound.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Onomatopoeia

And, as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, And burbled as it came! (Lewis Carrol, “Jabberwocky”) Example of Cacophony

Assonance DEFINITION: Repetition of vowel sounds of words in close proximity.

A broader idea is: Alliteration

4

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Caricature DEFINITION: An exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics for comedic effect.

A broader idea is: Comedic Device

Climactic DEFINITION: A principle of organization in which items are arranged from least important idea to most important.

UF: Order of Importance A broader idea is: Principle of Organization

Cause and Effect DEFINITION: A rhetorical mode which explains a chain of connected events of a subject by explaining the causes and/or effects of it.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Mode

Colloquialism DEFINITION: A local or regional saying, sometimes slang.

A broader idea is: Dialect Related: Cliché

Chronological DEFINITION: A principle of organization in which items, events, or ideas are arranged in the order in which they occur.

A broader idea is: Principle of Organization

Comedic Device DEFINITION: Used for intentional humorous effect in writing.

A broader idea is: Trope A more specific idea is: Bathos Caricature Parody Pun Sarcasm Satire Related: Hyperbole Litotes

Circumlocution DEFINITION: Using indirect or unnecessary words to communicate an idea.

A broader idea is: Trope

Classification DEFINITION: A rhetorical mode which classifies a subject into parts and sub-parts.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Mode

Comparison and Contrast DEFINITION: A rhetorical mode which explains how subjects are alike and/or different.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Mode Related: Juxtaposition

Cliché DEFINITION: A trite, worn out expression.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Aphorism Colloquialism Idiom

Complex Sentence DEFINITION: A type of sentence that employs subordination in combining an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses.

A broader idea is: Subordination Related: Loose Sentence Periodic Sentence

Honesty is the best policy. (Unknown) Example of a Cliché

5

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Compound Sentence DEFINITION: A type of sentence that employs coordination of two or more independent clauses.

A broader idea is: Coordination Related: Loose Sentence Periodic Sentence

Context DEFINITION: One of the six parts of Aristotle’s Revised Rhetorical Triangle; refers to the circumstance or situation which surrounds a message, including time period and social, cultural, and historical influences.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Triangle

Conceit DEFINITION: An elaborate, poetic comparison or image, such as an analogy or metaphor in which a subject is compared to an unlike subject.

A broader idea is: Metaphor

Coordination DEFINITION: Combining words, phrases, or clauses by using one or more of the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet).

A broader idea is: Sentence Structure A more specific idea is: Compound Sentence

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date...

(William Shakespeare) Example of a Conceit

Declarative DEFINITION: A type of sentence that makes a statement and ends in a period.

A broader idea is: Sentence Type Related: Thesis Statement

Deduction DEFINITION: A type of reasoning that starts with a general idea, usually a theory, and works toward a more specific conclusion or confirmation.

A broader idea is: Logos

Conclusion DEFINITION: The last paragraph of an essay that restates main points and offers an insight about the topic.

A broader idea is: Arrangement

Consonance DEFINITION: Repetition of consonant sounds of words in close proximity.

A broader idea is: Alliteration

Definition DEFINITION: A rhetorical mode which defines a subject in a more detailed, extended, and thorough way than in a dictionary.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Mode

Let us go forth to lead the land we love.

(John F. Kennedy, “Inaugural Address”) Example of Consonance

Description DEFINITION: A rhetorical mode which describes a subject in great illustrative detail.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Mode

6

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Detail DEFINITION: A way to support a main idea using specific illustrative facets of the subject.

A broader idea is: support

Dramatic Irony DEFINITION: A specific type of irony that occurs when the audience is aware of something that characters in a work are not aware of.

A broader idea is: Irony

Dialect DEFINITION: A regional variation of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary.

A broader idea is: Scheme A more specific idea is: Aphorism Colloquialism Idiom

Dramatic Pause DEFINITION: A moment or two of silence or inaction which precedes an important or shocking revelation.

A broader idea is: Scheme

Epistrophe DEFINITION: Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of two or more successive clauses or sentences.

A broader idea is: Parallelism

You was sma’t ez sma’t could be, But you couldn’t hide f’om me.

Ain’t I got two eyes to see!

(Paul Laurence Dunbar) Example of Dialect

Epithet DEFINITION: An adjectival phrase to characterize a person or thing.

A broader idea is: Trope

Diction DEFINITION: Word choice.

A broader idea is: Scheme Related: Syntax

Telemachus, true son of King Odysseus (Homer) Example of an Epithet

Documentation DEFINITION: Correctly attributing outside sources consulted and used in writing in a standard format, which is Modern Language Association (MLA) for the AP English Language course.

A broader idea is: Synthesis Related: Works Cited

Ethos DEFINITION: A persuasive technique that appeals to trust and sense of right or wrong.

A broader idea is: Persuasive Technique Related: Testimony

Euphemism DEFINITION: A mild, indirect, or vague expression substituted for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.

A broader idea is: Trope

Double Entendre DEFINITION: Deliberate use of ambiguity in a phrase, especially involving a sexual or humorous meaning.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Ambiguity Pun 7

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Evidence DEFINITION: A way to support a main idea using logical proof from an author or expert source.

A broader idea is: support Related: Logos

Figurative Language DEFINITION: Any language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words in order to illustrate new effects or insights into an idea or a subject.

A broader idea is: Trope A more specific idea is: Hyperbole Imagery Litotes Metaphor Personification Simile

Exclamatory DEFINITION: A type of sentence that shows strong feelings by making an exclamation.

A broader idea is: Sentence Type

Foreshadowing DEFINITION: Devices a writer uses to hint at a future course of action.

A broader idea is: Trope

Exemplification DEFINITION: A rhetorical mode which gives an extended example or several examples to illustrate a main idea.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Mode

Genre DEFINITION: One of the six parts of Aristotle’s Revised Rhetorical Triangle; refers to the format of a message.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Triangle Related: Purpose Rhetorical Mode

Extended Metaphor DEFINITION: A metaphor developed with great length or detail.

A broader idea is: Metaphor

What sort of a monster then is man? What a novelty, what a portent, what a chaos, what a mass of contradictions, what a prodigy! Judge of all things, a ridiculous earthworm who is the repository of truth, a sink of uncertainty and error; the glory and the scum of the world. (Blaise Pascal) Example of Extended Metaphor

Hook DEFINITION: The beginning few sentences of a written work, which should attract an audience’s or reader’s interest.

A broader idea is: Introduction

Hyperbole DEFINITION: Intentional exaggeration for illustrative or comedic effect.

UF: Exaggeration Overstatement A broader idea is: Figurative Language Related: Comedic Device

Fact DEFINITION: A way to support a main idea using information that has been or can be proven true.

A broader idea is: support Related: Logos

8

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Idiom DEFINITION: An expression unique to a language which has a meaning other than its grammatical or literal ones and cannot be directly translated into another language.

A broader idea is: Dialect Related: Cliché

Intention DEFINITION: One of the six parts of Aristotle’s Revised Rhetorical Triangle; refers to the intended message of a speaker.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Triangle Related: Purpose Tone

Imagery DEFINITION: The use of details that appeal to the senses.

A broader idea is: Figurative Language A more specific idea is: Sensory Detail Related: Synaesthesia

Interrogative DEFINITION: A type of sentence that asks a question.

A broader idea is: Sentence Type A more specific idea is: Rhetorical Question

Introduction DEFINITION: The first paragraph of an essay that interests the reader, introduces a topic, and contains the guiding idea in a thesis statement.

A broader idea is: Arrangement A more specific idea is: Thesis Statement

Life is fleeting. And if you're ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky, when the stars are strung across the velvety night, and when a shooting star streaks through the blackness turning night into day -make a wish and think of me. And make your life spectacular. (Robin Williams, Jack) Example of Imagery

Irony DEFINITION: Achieved through the difference between expectation and reality.

A broader idea is: Trope A more specific idea is: Dramatic Irony Situational Irony Verbal Irony

Imperative DEFINITION: A type of sentence that gives a command to an understood “you.”

A broader idea is: Sentence Type

Juxtaposition DEFINITION: Placing two or more ideas side by side in order to contrast them.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Antithesis Comparison and Contrast Oxymoron

Independent Clause DEFINITION: A sentence with a subject and verb that makes a complete thought.

A broader idea is: Sentence Structure

Induction DEFINITION: A type of reasoning that starts with a specific observation and works toward a broader generalization or theory.

A broader idea is: Logos

War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength. (George Orwell, 1984) Example of Juxtaposition

9

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Litotes DEFINITION: A saying in which what is actually meant is expressed by lessening or negating the full significance of the moment.

A broader idea is: Figurative Language Related: Comedic Device

Motif DEFINITION: A recurring idea, theme, symbol, etc. in a work of writing.

A broader idea is: Trope

Narration DEFINITION: A rhetorical mode which tells events in the order that they happened, usually in a story format.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Mode Related: Allegory Anecdote

Logical Fallacy DEFINITION: A misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning in argumentation.

A broader idea is: Persuasive Technique

Logos DEFINITION: A persuasive technique that appeals to one’s reasoning and logic.

A broader idea is: Persuasive Technique A more specific idea is: Deduction Induction Related: Evidence Fact Reason Statistic

Onomatopoeia DEFINITION: A word or phrase that imitates the sound it represents.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Cacophony

I dance wildly inside myself; I yell within, I whoop; I shake my assegai above my head, I hurl it true to the mark yeeeeooww! (Zora Neal Hurston, “How it Feels to Be Colored Me”) Example of Onomatopoeia

Loose sentence DEFINITION: A type of sentence with the main idea at the beginning, followed by a string of supporting information or modifiers after.

A broader idea is: Sentence Structure Related: Complex Sentence Compound Sentence

Oxymoron DEFINITION: Two contradictory words or shoA related idea is phrases are juxtaposed together.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Juxtaposition

Metaphor DEFINITION: A comparison of objects or ideas.

A broader idea is: Figurative Language A more specific idea is: Analogy Conceit Extended Metaphor

Paradox DEFINITION: A statement that seems selfcontradictory or absurd but expresses a possible truth.

A broader idea is: Trope

Metonymy DEFINITION: Substituting one term with another that is associated with the term.

A broader idea is: Trope A more specific idea is: Synecdoche 10

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

I think we’ve reached a point of great decision, not just for our nation, not only for all humanity, but for life upon the earth. (George Wald, A Generation in Search of a Future) Example of Parallelism

"Oreo: Milk’s favorite cookie." (slogan on an Oreo cookie package) Example of Personification

Personification DEFINITION: Giving an inanimate object or abstraction human qualities or abilities.

A broader idea is: Figurative Language

Parallelism DEFINITION: Using the same pattern of two or more words or phrases, usually in a series and usually reflected in grammatical construction.

UF: Parallel Structure A broader idea is: Scheme A more specific idea is: Anaphora Antithesis Epistrophe

Persuasive Technique DEFINITION: A strategy or method that an author uses to persuade an audience to agree with the author or speaker's point of view.

A broader idea is: Style A more specific idea is: Ethos Logical Fallacy Logos Pathos Related: Argumentation Rhetorical Question Rhetorical Triangle

Parenthetical Statement DEFINITION: A word, phrase, or clause inserted as an interrupter or aside in the middle of another sentence but not always in parenthesis.

A broader idea is: Scheme

Polysyndeton DEFINITION: The use of several conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses in close succession, especially where some might be omitted.

A broader idea is: Scheme Related: Asyndeton

Parody DEFINITION: A humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing.

A broader idea is: Comedic Device

Pathos DEFINITION: A persuasive technique that appeals to one’s emotions and feelings.

A broader idea is: Persuasive Technique Related: Bathos

Principle of Organization DEFINITION: Commonly used organizational patterns which impose some kind of order on information presented.

A broader idea is: Arrangement A more specific idea is: Chronological Climactic Spatial Topical

Periodic Sentence DEFINITION: A type of sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense.

A broader idea is: Sentence Structure Related: Complex Sentence Compound Sentence

11

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Process Analysis DEFINITION: A rhetorical mode which explains how something is done or how it works, identifying what the processes are and how one step leads to another.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Mode

Rhetorical Analysis DEFINITION: A form of writing wherein the author analyzes the devices or techniques used in an essay to achieve a specific rhetorical effect.

A broader idea is: Purpose Related: Rhetorical Device

Pun DEFINITION: A play on words based on a similar-sounding word with a different meaning.

A broader idea is: Comedic Device Related: Double Entendre

Rhetorical Device DEFINITION: Techniques and devices used by an author which try to create a particular effect or bring out a particular response from a reader.

UF: Resource of Language Rhetorical Strategy Rhetorical Term A broader idea is: Style A more specific idea is: Scheme Trope Related: Rhetorical Analysis

Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental medication. (From a 2009 Pun Contest) Example of Pun

Rhetorical Mode DEFINITION: Basic ways or methods of presenting a subject through writing or speech.

A broader idea is: Arrangement A more specific idea is: Cause and Effect Classification Comparison and Contrast Definition Description Exemplification Narration Process Analysis Related: Genre

Purpose DEFINITION: A reason or intended outcome which should guide planning and writing.

A broader idea is: Arrangement A more specific idea is: Argumentation Literary Analysis Synthesis Related: Genre Intention Subject

Reason DEFINITION: A way to support a main idea using rationales or motives.

A broader idea is: support Related: Logos

Rhetorical Question DEFINITION: A question to which no answer is expected.

A broader idea is: Interrogative Related: Persuasive Technique

Repetition DEFINITION: The effect of a word, sound, phrase or line used repeatedly.

A broader idea is: Scheme A more specific idea is: Antimetabole

12

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012 Scheme DEFINITION: A rhetorical feature of style that uses a change in standard word order or patterns.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Device A more specific idea is: Asyndeton Dialect Diction Dramatic Pause Parallelism Parenthetical Statement Polysyndeton Repetition Sentence Structure Sentence Type Syntax Related: Trope

Rhetorical Triangle

Rhetorical Triangle DEFINITION: A visual representation originally proposed by Aristotle to consider the three interrelated, connected, and interdependent elements of rhetoric: the subject, the audience, and the speaker.

A broader idea is: Arrangement A more specific idea is: Audience Context Genre Intention Speaker Subject Related: Persuasive Technique

Sensory Detail DEFINITION: The use of details that appeal to the five senses.

A broader idea is: Imagery

Sentence Structure DEFINITION: The syntactical, specific construction of sentences.

A broader idea is: Scheme A more specific idea is: Coordination Independent Clause Loose Sentence Periodic Sentence Simple Sentence Subordination Related: Thesis Statement

Sarcasm DEFINITION: Witty language used to convey insults or scorn through verbal irony.

A broader idea is: Comedic Device Related: Verbal Irony

Satire DEFINITION: Methods of ridicule and humor to comment on and criticize humanityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faults and institutions.

A broader idea is: Comedic Device

Sentence Type DEFINITION: The classifications of various types of sentences.

A broader idea is: Scheme A more specific idea is: Declarative Exclamatory Imperative Interrogative

13

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Simile DEFINITION: A comparison of objects or ideas using “like” or “as.”

A broader idea is: Figurative Language

Style DEFINITION: The third of Aristotle’s proposed five Canons of Rhetoric; is concerned with the appropriate and effective use of language in a work.

A more specific idea is: Persuasive Technique Rhetorical Device

Simple Sentence DEFINITION: A sentence with one independent clause.

A broader idea is: Sentence Structure

Subject DEFINITION: One of the six parts of Aristotle’s Revised Rhetorical Triangle; refers to what a message is about.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Triangle Related: Purpose

I am here to tell you that you’re not alone. You will not be abandoned. You will not be left behind.

(Barack Obama) Examples of Simple Sentences

Subordination DEFINITION: Combining words, phrases, or clauses by using one or more of the subordinating conjunctions.

A broader idea is: Sentence Structure A more specific idea is: Complex Sentence

Situational Irony DEFINITION: A type of irony that occurs when what actually happens is different than what was expected.

A broader idea is: Irony

Support DEFINITION: Using reasonable types of evidence to illustrate and confirm a position in writing.

A broader idea is: Body Paragraph A more specific idea is: Anecdote Detail Evidence Fact Reason Statistic Testimony

Spatial DEFINITION: A principle of organization in which items are arranged according to their physical position or relationships.

A broader idea is: Principle of Organization

Speaker DEFINITION: One of the six parts of Aristotle’s Revised Rhetorical Triangle; refers to the deliverer of a message but does not necessarily mean through speech only.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Triangle

Symbolism DEFINITION: A word or object that stands for another idea.

A broader idea is: Trope

Statistic DEFINITION: supporting a main idea by using numerical data.

A broader idea is: support Related: Logos 14

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Synaesthesia DEFINITION: Taking one type of sensory input (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) and comingling it with another separate sense in an impossible way.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Imagery

Thesis Statement DEFINITION: A sentence (usually in the introduction) that states the topic, makes a claim, and previews the ideas for a piece of writing.

A broader idea is: Introduction Related: Declarative Sentence Structure

Synecdoche DEFINITION: Substituting the whole of something for a part of it, or a part for the whole.

A broader idea is: Metonymy

Tone DEFINITION: An authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitude towards the subject they are writing.

A broader idea is: Trope Related: Intention Topical DEFINITION: A principle of organization in which items are arranged according to the nature of the topic they cover.

A broader idea is: Principle of Organization

Mark Antony: Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your earsâ&#x20AC;Ś (Shakespeare, Julius Caesar) Example of Synecdoche

Transition DEFINITION: A word, phrase, or clause which provides logical organization and understandability and improve the connections between thoughts.

A broader idea is: Body Paragraph

Syntax DEFINITION: The arrangement and patterns of words to form phrases, clauses, and sentences.

A broader idea is: Scheme Related: Diction

Synthesis DEFINITION: A form of writing wherein the author combines several ideas and sources to support one main stance on an issue.

A broader idea is: Purpose Related: Works Cited

After, afterward, before, then, once, next, last, at last, at length, first, second, at first, formerly, rarely, usually, another, finally, soon, meanwhile, at the same time, for a minute, hour, day, during the morning, day, week, most important, later Examples of Transitions

Testimony DEFINITION: A way to support a main idea using expert analysis or firsthand accounts.

A broader idea is: support Related: Ethos

Theme DEFINITION: The central meaning or dominant idea in a work.

A broader idea is: Trope 15

Author: Summer Perry

September 2012

Trope DEFINITION: A rhetorical feature of style that uses a word, phrase, or image in a way not intended by its normal signification.

A broader idea is: Rhetorical Device A more specific idea is: Allegory Alliteration Allusion Ambiguity Apostrophe Cacophony Circumlocution ClichĂŠ Comedic Device Double Entendre Epithet Euphemism Figurative Language Foreshadowing Irony Juxtaposition Metonymy Motif Onomatopoeia Oxymoron Paradox Symbolism Synaesthesia Theme Tone Related: Scheme

Works Cited DEFINITION: From the Modern Language Association, a bibliographic page which lists published or unpublished sources referenced in a paper.

A broader idea is: Arrangement Related: Documentation Synthesis

Verbal Irony DEFINITION: A type of irony that occurs when what is said is not actually what is meant.

A broader idea is: Irony Related: Sarcasm

Do not weep.

War is kind.

(Stephen Crane) Example of Verbal Irony

16