Rhetorical Devices Vocabulary

using the same part of speech or syntactic structure in (1) each element of a series, (2) before and after coordinating conjunctions (and, but, yet, or, for, nor), or (3) after each of a pair of correlative conjunctions (not only...but also, neither...nor, both...and, etc.)

• flattery

• parallelism

• aphorism

• appeal to patriotism

an extended metaphor or analogy of two strikingly different things

• anecdote

• conceit

• concession

• contrast

an extravagant exaggeration of fact, used whether for serious or comic effect

• repetition

• concession

• hyperbole

• anecdote

a protracted metaphor or conceit which makes a series of parallel comparisons

• corrective measures

• extended metaphor

• concession

• emotional words

a technique by which the writer or speaker anticipates objections his audience may have to his argument and points out the error in their objections

• allusion

• appeal to authority

• correction of erroneous views

• anticipation of objection

Using excessive, untrue, or insincere praise in an attempt to ingratiate oneself with the audience, and therefore make them more likely to accept your opinion

• imagery

• flattery

• metonymy

• last resort

a logical argument (often a fallacy) that attempts to convince the audience that they have no other choice but to accept the writer's or speaker's views

• flattery

• last resort

• bandwagon

• logical reasoning

pointing out where another's observations need modification or correction

• rhetorical question

• repetition

• corrective measures

• correction of erroneous views

repeating words or phrases for emphasis when speaking or writing

• emotional words

• concession

• hyperbole

• repetition

an acknowledgment of objections to a proposal (similar to anticipation of objection)

• concession

• repetition

• conceit

• anecdote