unit 1 terms

Question 1

allusion

Answer 1

A term to describe language choices; this strategy is a direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known (especially for the current rhetorical situation) and requires little to no clarification or detail… such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.

Question 2

analogy

Answer 2

a term to describe a language choice; this describes a comparison of similar situtations or events. With this strategy, writers encourage their audience to understand something less familiar by relating it to something more familiar.

Question 3

anecdote

Answer 3

A term to describe language choices; this is a story that illustrates a concept. With this strategy, writers help their audience understand the emotional and psychological stakes of an issue/argument.

Question 4

appeals

Answer 4

In evaluating the language of text, you describe its likely effect on the audience; you clarify how the specific elements you’ve identified why this particular language would work for this particular audience.

Question 5

audience

Answer 5

You describe what you know about to whom the text is addressed, either directly or indirectly, based on your background knowledge, publication information, and the language of the text.

Question 6

choices

Answer 6

You describe specific ways the speaker or author creates language – moves the writer makes within the text.

Question 7

comparison

Answer 7

A term to describe language choices; this broad category convers several more specific analysis terms. With this strategy, writers identify similarities (or differences) between familiar or less familiar concepts, situations, individuals, etc.

Question 8

context

Answer 8

You describe the situation into which the text enters/entered a conversation. You will draw on background knowledge as well as information from the text itself.

Question 9

contrast

Answer 9

A term to describe language choices; this is a category of devices where the writer explores to objects or situations which are in opposition or extremely dissimilar from one another in meaningful ways.

Question 10

exigence

Answer 10

You describe your understanding of the catalyst – the why – that instigated this particular text.

Question 11

illustrations

Answer 11

A term to describe a rhetorical style; this occurs when the writer provides relatable, clarifying examples, scenarios, or stories that help the reader understand how something works or plays out, the significance of otherwise obscure date, and/or to make outcomes and potential outcomes more obvious and meaningful.

Question 12

irony

Answer 12

irony A term to describe a language choice or outcome of language choices; this when the writer identifies something that is said or done in contrast to reality or what is expected.

Question 13

juxtaposition

Answer 13

a term used to describe a langauge choice; two unalike things are placed in proximity with one another to highlight their differences, often to develop implied commentary and/or reveal irony.

Question 14

message

Answer 14

A broad & major claim and/or underlying concept of the text, often made up of abstract ideas discovered from a close reading.

Question 15

metaphor

Answer 15

A term to describe language choices; this is a figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one or the other, suggesting some similarity.

Question 16

purpose

Answer 16

After a careful reading of the text, including your evaluation of other SPACECAT elements, you develop a nuanced description of what the author/speaker hopes to accomplish with the text.

Question 17

references

Answer 17

A term to describe language choices or category of choices; with this strategy, a writer directly mentions an event, situation, or experience with which the audience is familiar. This choice is specific and often detailed.

Question 18

rhetoric

Answer 18

The study and uses of both the written and spoken word.

Question 19

rhetorical situation

Answer 19

The relationship between the speaker, audience, and subject – including context.

Question 20

simile

Answer 20

A term to describe language choices; this is a directly stated, simple comparison (i.e. ____ is “like” ____).

Question 21

speaker

Answer 21

You describe what you know about the creator of this text, developed from any background knowledge you bring, biographical information you can find, and/or what is revealed through the text itself.

Question 22

tone

Answer 22

You find multiple adjectives to clarify nuance and complexity within the text as you describe the author’s attitude toward the topic/situation they are addressing.