Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical Devices

By Anita Chan

Multiple Choice

This is used to evoke a certain emotional response from a reader or listener. The aim is to persuade using language to stimulate an emotional reaction.

Example:  It’s appalling and tragic to see how some animals are treated in certain parts of the world.

• Rhetorical Question

• Figurative Language

• Emotive Language

• Description and Imagery

• Statistics & Figures

Multiple Choice

In persuasive writing or speaking, the most important functions of these are expressing obligation and probability.

Example:  We must fight for the freedom to choose.

We, citizens in Hong Kong, should participate in the budget plan annually depending on our needs.

• The "Rule of Three"

• Modal Verbs

• Hyperbole

• Figurative Language e.g. Metaphor, simile and personificaation

• Emotive Language

Multiple Choice

These are factual data used in a persuasive way.

Example: 80% of the DSE students would either end up studying locally or overseas.

• Figurative language

• Hyperbole

• Description and Imagery

• Statistics and Figures

• Modal Verbs

Multiple Choice

This comes in threes. This is a powerful tool in driving your point across. Famous speakers such a Martin Luther King and Winston Churchill were known for using this in their speeches.

 

 

Example:

…we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets; we shall never surrender (Churchill & Cannadine, 1989).”

I asked you, is this fair, is it right, is it just?

• The Rule of Three

• Description and Imagery

• Figurative Language

• Emotive Language

• Rhetorical Question

Multiple Choice

Do not require an answer. They are used to create a dramatic effect or make a point. These are great for making your audience think.

Example: How much longer will this injustice continue?

• Modal Verbs

• Hyperbole

• Rhetorical Question

• Statistics and Figures

• Emotive Language

Multiple Choice

This is exaggerated language to create a bigger effect on your audience.

Example: While we await the principal's decision, the whole student body holds its breath.

• Modal Verbs

• Figurative Language

• Description and Imagery

• The Rule of Three

• Hyperbole

Multiple Choice

This is used to create certain image in your audience’s mind and make an audience feel the same way about your subject as you do.

Example: Imagine being cast out into the stage, frightened and watched by millions.

• Rhetorical Question

• Description and Imagery

• The Rule of Three

• Emotive Language

• Hyperbole

Multiple Choice

1.     This is language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words to get a message or point across.

Example:

She dances elegantly like a swan.

The actor is a walking wardrobe.

The photo sings a different tune.

• Figurative Language

• Emotive Language

• Statistics and Figures

• Modal Verbs