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Rhetorical Devices figure of speech rhetorics
- 1. How writers uselanguage to influence the reader
- 2. Rhetorical question Definition The writer will not expect you to answer this question – they suggest the answer for you Effects Draws the reader into the text Introduces ideas / topics Makes the reader think Example Should the UK leave the European Union?
- 4. Alliteration Definition Withina sentence, a series of words will begin with the same sound Effects Draws attention to the key words Can be used to reinforce ideas / concepts May be used for humorous effect Example Politics is probably pointless
- 5. Lists of 3 Definition Three nouns, adjectives or verbs will be used in a list within a sentence Effects The ‘magic 3’ fixes itself in the reader’s mind Highlights important ideas Example School uniforms are uncomfortable, unattractive and unfashionable
- 6. Repetition Definition Thetechnique of repeating the same word and phrase Effects Highlights key messages Reinforces important points Links different parts of the text Example That class is boring, boring, boring.
- 7. Personal involvement /anecdote Definition The writer incorporates aspects of their personal experience into the text – look for ‘I’ Effects Appeals to the reader – makes the writer seem more human or involved Can be used for humour / pathos Example I was shocked to find that many children don’t know the National Anthem!
- 8. Audience involvement /direct address Definition The writer involves the reader by relating the subject to their lives Look for ‘you’ / ‘we’ / ‘us’ / ‘our’ Effects Makes the reader care about the subject Establishes a relationship between the reader and writer The writing is less intimidating Example We all know how bad school lunches are!
- 9. Facts and statistics Definition Information and data, that can be proved to be true Effects There are a range of specific effects, including to shock, surprise, support the writer’s view etc Example 60% of the world’s population lives in poverty
- 10. Expert opinion /quotations Definition The knowledge of an expert is referred to by the writer Effects Can show an alternative point of view The reader trusts what the writer is saying Quotations are very persuasive Example Dr. Martin believes that more needs to be done to improve the health of young people
- 11. Metaphor and simile Definition Types of imagery Metaphor – one object is said to be the same as another Simile – objects are compared to each other – look for ‘like’ or ‘as’ Effects Makes the writing more interesting and imaginative for the reader Example As dead as a dodo
- 12. Over-exaggeration Definition Thewriter uses superlatives and adjectives to make a situation seem much worse / better than it really is Effects Shows the writer’s strong feelings Can be used in humorous or ironic ways Example Many schools have become like learning factories
- 13. Emotional language Definition Language that is used to create a particular emotional response in the reader Effects Can create strong feelings such as anger, guilt, joy, concern, empathy, hope etc Involves the reader in the text Example This disastrous situation will only get worse unless we do something about it
- 14. Irony / Sarcasm Definition Ideas are presented in a way that seems opposite to what is really meant Effects Creates humour Can over-exaggerate a situation Engages the reader on a personal level Example “What a lovely day” when it is pouring with rain
- 15. Parenthesis Definition Brackets,dashes or commas are used to separate phrases from the main sentence Effects Shows the writer’s personal views Can be used to create irony or humour Example Most teenagers in the survey said they didn’t like homework (what a surprise!)
- 16. Pun Definition Ajoking use of a word sounding the same as another Effects Engages the reader’s attention through the use of humour Can be used to highlight an important idea Often an interesting way of starting a text e.g. a headline Example Deciding where to bury him was a grave decision
- 17. Combining techniques Rememberthat writers will often combine several rhetorical devices within a section of text Example: Over 90% of us believe that Americans are dull-witted, dreary and docile (no surprise there then!) Try to comment on the overall impact of this on the reader
- 18. Important advice Useyour reading time efficiently. If you know you have to write about the language in one of the texts, highlight key examples as you read it You do not have to write about every device – it is better to evaluate three or four good examples than to simply ‘spot’ lots of them
- 20. Aristotle’s Triangle: Apictorial analysis of the speaking or writing situation. Speaker Audience Purpose or subject
- 21. Rhetoric Rhetoric isa fancy word for using persuasive techniques in writing or speaking. Basically: using language effectively or persuasively In rhetoric, a rhetorical device is a technique that an author or speaker uses to convey to the listener or reader a meaning with the goal of persuading him or her towards considering a topic from a different perspective. Examples: Irony Metaphor List of 3 Repetition
- 22. In order fora speaker or writer to speak or write, he or she MUST consider both the audience and purpose. For example: If you are talking to an elementary school class, your topic, diction, and tone will be different than if you were speaking to a high school class. Another example: When you talk to your friends, your topic, diction, and tone are different than when you talk to your parents or teachers.
- 23. The speakeruses different approaches to influence the audience’s attitude toward the subject. These are the three ways you can appeal to an audience.
- 24. Logos (logic) Logosrefers to any attempt to appeal to the intellect. Everyday arguments rely heavily on ethos and pathos, but academic arguments rely more on logos. Use clear and reasonable ideas with proof (any statistic) Effect of appeal: Evokes a cognitive, rational response For example: Nine out of ten dentists prefer Crest toothpaste. If you have a good education, you are more likely to find a good job.
- 25. Ethos (ethical orcredibility) Related to the English word “ethics” and refers to the trustworthiness of the speaker/writer. Effective persuasive strategy because when we believe that the speaker does not intend to do us harm, we will more likely listen. The person must be qualified to give this speech. You must be credible and knowledgeable about the content about the speech or piece of writing Effect of appeal: Demonstrates author's reliability, competence, and respect for the audience's ideas and values For example: If you walk in to your calculus class, and I am the teacher, I have no ethos in that class. A high school football player gives speech about the time and discipline required to be a successful football player. If you are sick, you are not going to go to your mechanic for help.
- 26. Pathos (Emotions) Pathosis related to the words pathetic, sympathy and empathy. Whenever you accept a claim based on how it makes you feel without fully analyzing the rationale behind the claim, you are acting on pathos. As the writer or speaker, you try to appeal to their emotions You may want them to feel sympathy or joy Effect of appeal: Evokes a personal, emotional response For example: The commercials about the starving children or dogs use pathos to appeal to your emotions hoping to persuade you to believe in their purpose.