In an argument, this is an attack on the person rather than on the opponent’s ideas. It comes from the Latin meaning “against the man. “

An extended narrative in prose or verse in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and in which the writer intends a second meaning to be read beneath the surface of the story; the underlying meaning may be moral, religious, political, social, or satiric.

Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close to one another: Mickey Mouse; Donald Duck.

A reference to a well-known person, place, or thing from literature, history, etc. Example: Eden

Comparison of two similar but different things, usually to clarify an action or a relationship, such as comparing the work of a heart to that of a pump. A comparison to a directly parallel case.

Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer’s point more coherent.

A short, simple narrative of an incident; often used for humorous effect or to make a point.

Explanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite sources, or give bibliographical data.

The presentation of two contrasting images or ideas. The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs. “To be or not to be…” “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country…”

A short, often witty statement of a principle or a truth about life. “Early bird gets the worm”

Usually in poetry but sometimes in prose; the device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person or to a place, thing, or personified abstraction.

Writing that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting reasoned arguments.

Repetition of vowel sounds between different consonants, such as in neigh/fade

Commas used (with no conjunction) to separate a series of words. The parts are emphasized equally when the conjunction is omitted; in addition, the use of commas with no intervening conjunction speeds up the flow of the sentence.

harsh, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose.

Descriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person’s appearance or a facet of personality.

A word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y’all , ain’t )