A statement that is debatable

These are claims that are backed by reasons and supported by evidence.

Repetition of the same letter or sound at the beginning of a word: Sally Sells Sea Shells

Repetition of the first part of a phrase or sentence "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to highlight the contrast. "That's one SMALL step for man, one GIANT leap for mankind."

The writer's choice of words which reflects mood, attitude, dialect, and style of writing. You MUST use descriptive adjectives when discussing this-- scholarly, informal, romantic, morose, etc.

Exaggeration used to make a point or evoke humor, "I'm so hungry, I could eat an elephant!"

Descriptions related to the 5 senses: touch, taste, sight, smell, sound

A conclusion based on evidence and reasoning

The use of words to convey an understood meaning that is opposite of the literal meaning. "I just LOVE homework, especially over the weekend!"

Placement of two things close together in order to emphasize contrasts. Focus on its use as a verb, not as a thing.

A comparison that does NOT use "like", "as", or "seems".

The fluffy marshmallow clouds drift slowly by us.

A word that imitates the sound it represents. "Buzz!" "Bang" "Screeeech!"

A figure of speech consisting of two apparently contradictory terms. "Graduation was bittersweet."

In inanimate object (nonhuman) given human characteristics.

A joke that takes advantage of multiple meanings of words, or of words that sound alike but have different meanings.

A question that is asked for effect with no answer expected. "Is the Pope Catholic?"

Verbal irony, but with the intent to criticize. The true meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning, and the intent is not nice.

A comparison using "like", "as" or "seems."

The clouds looked like fluffy marshmallows drifting across the sky.

A thing that represents itself and stands for a something bigger. It's a bird, AND it represents peace.

An appeal to ethics- the credibility of a source.

An appeal to emotions. When discussing this, you MUST specify which specific emotion!!

An appeal to logic- facts, statistics, evidence

An author's attitude towards his or her subject

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. It's a brief reference to something widely known; if it directly names the connection, it is not one of these!

The circumstances or situation that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea and in terms of which it can be fully understood. This can be the from a broader social perspective, or simply the words immediately before and after in a sentence.

NEVER "anyone" who wants to read it or "everyone" or "all people," this is a specific, targeted demographic that can generally be broken down by age, education, income, gender, and beliefs.

This is what an author hopes to achieve. In persuasive communication, it generally involves a call to action.

Flawed, deceptive arguments that can be proven incorrect with reasoning. These involve things such as personal attacks, distraction, and peer pressure.