Rhetorical Devices & Argument Vocab

An element of argument and persuasion through which a speaker establishes their credibility and knowledge

• Logos

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Mythos

An appeal made to an audience's emotions in order to evoke feeling.

• Logos

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Mythos

The persuasive technique that aims to convince an audience by using logic and reason.

• Logos

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Anecdote

A question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.

• Essential Question

• Probing Question

• Rhetorical Question

• Polar Question

A short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

• Analogy

• Anecdote

• Bandwagon Appeal

• Repetition

A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification

• Overgeneralization

• Anecdote

• Stereotype

• Analogy

The action of repeating something to prove a point

• Analogy

• Repetition

• Metaphor

• Claim

An assertion, position, or arguable thesis about a topic or issue

• Philosophy

• Point of View

• Claim

• Fact

A viewpoint that opposes an author’s thesis or claim. For an argument to be persuasive, the author must address counter argument.

• Claim

• Opinion

• Counterargument

• Fact

A text in which the writer develops and defends a position or debates a topic using logic and persuasion

• Expository Text

• Argumentative Text

• Informational Text

• Fiction Text