Rhetoric and Persuasion Flashcards

Grade 12 · English · Flashcards

12 flashcards on the key terms, appeals, and devices of rhetoric and persuasion.

Flashcards

Rhetoric: The art of effective and persuasive communication — using language strategically to influence an audience.
Ethos: The appeal to credibility, character, and trustworthiness of the speaker or writer.
Pathos: The appeal to the audience's emotions through vivid imagery, personal story, and evocative language.
Logos: The appeal to logic, evidence, and reasoned argument.
Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses for emphasis and rhythm.
Epistrophe: Repetition of a word or phrase at the END of successive clauses (e.g., 'of the people, by the people, for the people').
Antithesis: Placing contrasting ideas in parallel grammatical structure to sharpen their opposition.
Rhetorical question: A question asked for persuasive effect rather than to elicit an answer.
Kairos: The timeliness of an argument — delivering the right message at the most strategically effective moment.
Ad hominem: A logical fallacy that attacks the person making an argument rather than the argument itself.
Straw man: A fallacy that distorts an opponent's argument into an easier-to-attack version, then refutes the distorted version.
False dichotomy: A fallacy presenting only two options when more exist, forcing a false either/or choice.