Techniques for emphasis Flashcards
(19 cards)
How words are combined to form phrases, clauses, and sentences. It is sentence structure and how it influences how a reader perceives a piece of writing.
Syntax
A literary device in which a word or phrase is repeated twice or more. Repetition occurs in so many different forms that it is usually not considered a single figure of speech. Repeatedly using a word, phrase, sentence, or image draws attention to it. It can, therefore, be an effective persuasive technique as it can reinforce the writer’s message and/or entertain the reader. (Ex. “We will all suffer for years to come unless we stop this government, stop them in the workplace, stop them in the polls, and stop them on election day.”)
Repetition
Technique where words, phrases, or clauses are added sequentially to build a description, emphasise a point, or create a vivid picture. It is an accumulation of elements, often used to enhance a description, emphasise an idea, or create a rhythmic effect. (Ex. “This task requires guts, determination, grit and willpower.”)
Cumulation
A technique where a speaker or writer lists items, concepts, or details one by one to emphasise or clarify a specific idea or image. This method amplifies a point by breaking it down into its component parts or reasons, creating a cumulative effect. For example, if an advertisement includes a list of all the benefits of a particular product or service, the audience (the potential consumer) is more likely to be persuaded of its use.
Enumeration (listing)
The repetition of the first sound in consecutive words, an effect which draws attention to the words in question. (Ex. “To rip people off so blatantly shows Mr Craven to be cruel, calculating and crooked.”)
Alliteration
A figure of speech in which words repeat at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. (“So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania…”)
Anaphora
A figure of speech in which one or more words repeat at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. (In his Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln urged the American people to ensure that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” His repetition of “the people” at the end of each clause is an example of __________)
Epistrophe
This is the use of grammatically similar elements in sentences. These “parallel” elements can intensify the rhythm of language or draw a comparison, emphasise, or elaborate on an idea. (“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” OR “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields.”)
Parallelism
A figure of speech in which something is expressed less strongly than expected or presented as smaller, worse, or lesser than it really is. Typically, ___________________ is used to call attention to the very quality it pretends to downplay. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. (The Middle East is currently having some political squabbles.)
Understatement
Figure of emphasis in which a single word or short phrase, usually interrupting normal speech, is used to emphasise the words on either side of the expletive. (Ex. in fact, of course, to be sure, indeed, I suppose, I hope, you know, you see, clearly, in any event, in effect, certainly, remarkably.)
Expletive
In rhetoric, ______________ refers to using harsh, insulting, and abusive language intended to attack or condemn someone or something. It is a form of verbal attack characterised by anger, vehemence, and sometimes rhetorical skill. ____________ can be found in various forms, ranging from simple insults to more sophisticated and clever attacks.
Invective
_____________ describes the author’s attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.
Tone
An attitude that may lie under the apparent tone of the piece. Under a cheery surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones.
Undertone
Refers to the usage of informal or everyday language. It can be used in different ways. It can set the writer up as knowledgeable, on the inside of a social group. A writer may also sarcastically use colloquial language to attack an opponent or mock an argument. It may also be used to appeal to a reader’s own sense of cultural identity or reinforce a writer’s overall tone.
Colloquial Language
This type of language aims to directly address the reader, either personally or as a member of a shared group. This involves using such words as us, we, you, our.
Inclusive Language
In rhetoric, this term refers to the linguistic technique of addressing a mass audience as if they were individuals, fostering the impression of personal, face-to-face interaction. This is often achieved through the use of second-person pronouns (“you”) and inclusive language, even when speaking to a large group. The goal is to create a sense of connection and engagement with the audience, making them feel valued and listened to. This is often done through second person in advertisements (See you after the break-Welcome to McDonald’s)
Synthetic Personalisation
___________ is a figure of speech (and a form of understatement) in which a sentiment is expressed ironically by negating its contrary. For example, saying “It’s not the best weather today” during a hurricane would be an example of litotes, implying through ironic understatement that the weather is, in fact, horrible. (“She’s no dummy” (she’s smart) OR “This is no small problem” (this is a big problem))
Litotes
An _____________ is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas, and they do so to layer associations and meanings from these sources onto their own work. It is a reference to something without a literal or explicit meaning to it.
Allusion
The selection of words an author uses to create a specific impact or tone in their writing.
Diction
