Rhetorical Devices - ACT Reading

What is the function of a rhetorical question?

To provoke thought without requiring an answer. Engages audience and emphasizes points dramatically.
Identify the device: "He ran like the wind."

Simile. Explicit comparison using 'like' to connect ideas.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'The early bird catches the worm.'

Assonance. The 'ur' and 'ir' vowel sounds repeat throughout.
Identify the device: 'The pen is mightier than the sword.'

Metonymy. Substitutes closely associated concepts for direct reference.
What is refutation as a rhetorical move in argumentation?

Directly countering an opposing claim with reasoning or evidence. Directly challenges opposition with contrary evidence.
What is a simile?

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'. Uses specific comparison words to show similarity between things.
What does sarcasm typically involve?

Using irony to mock or convey contempt. Uses bitter irony to criticize or ridicule.
Identify the device: 'This is the beginning of the end.'

Paradox. Contains contradictory elements that reveal deeper truth.
What is euphemism as a rhetorical device?

A mild or indirect term used in place of a harsh one. Softens harsh realities to make them more acceptable.
What is allusion as a rhetorical device?

Brief reference to a well-known person, event, text, or idea. Adds depth by connecting to shared cultural knowledge.
What is personification?

A figure of speech giving human traits to non-human entities. Makes inanimate objects or concepts relatable and vivid.
What is apostrophe as a rhetorical device (not the punctuation mark)?

Directly addressing an absent person, abstract idea, or inanimate thing. Creates dramatic effect by speaking to the unreachable.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'The bees buzzed in the garden.'

Onomatopoeia. 'Buzzed' sounds like the actual noise bees make.
What is ethos focused on?

Credibility or character of the speaker. Establishes trustworthiness and authority of the speaker.
What is antithesis as a rhetorical device?

Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses. Highlights contrasts through structural balance.
What is rhetorical question as a rhetorical device?

A question asked for effect rather than to obtain an answer. Engages audience while implying the obvious answer.
What does pathos appeal to?

Emotion. Connects with audience through feelings and sentiment.
What is the definition of satire?

Use of humor to criticize or expose folly. Combines entertainment with social or political criticism.
Identify the rhetorical device in 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.

Allegory. Farm animals represent human political figures and systems.
Identify the device: 'He is the Einstein of our class.'

Allusion. References Einstein's famous intelligence for comparison.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'It is just a scratch,' he said of the deep wound.

Understatement. Calls a deep wound 'just a scratch' to minimize severity.
Identify the device: "Her explanation was a lifeboat in the storm of confusion."

Metaphor. Direct comparison equating explanation with rescue device.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'She sells sea shells by the sea shore.'

Alliteration. Repetition of initial consonant sounds in successive words.
What is anaphora?

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Creates rhythm and emphasis through strategic word placement.
What is asyndeton as a rhetorical device?

Omitting conjunctions to speed pace or intensify emphasis. Creates urgency and rapid flow by removing connecting words.
What is the definition of euphemism?

A mild word replacing one that is harsh or blunt. Softens harsh reality with more pleasant language.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.'

Chiasmus. Word order reverses: 'country/you' becomes 'you/country'.
Identify the device: "After waiting two minutes, he said, 'I have been here forever.'"

Hyperbole. Obviously exaggerated time claim for dramatic effect.
What is irony?

The expression of meaning by using language that signifies the opposite. Creates contrast between expectation and reality for effect.
What is logos in classical rhetoric?

Appeal to logic, reasons, or evidence. Convinces through facts, data, and logical reasoning.
Identify the device: "The results were not insignificant."

Litotes. Double negative structure emphasizes positive significance.
What is antithesis?

A contrast or opposition between two things. Emphasizes differences by placing opposites side by side.
Identify the device: "We laughed and talked and danced and sang all night."

Polysyndeton. Multiple 'and' connectors link each action together.
What is satire as a rhetorical strategy in writing?

Using humor or ridicule to criticize human vice or social problems. Uses wit to expose flaws and promote reform.
What is litotes as a rhetorical device?

Understatement using negation to affirm (for example, "not bad"). Emphasizes through double negative construction.
What is a rhetorical question?

A question asked to create a dramatic effect, not to get an answer. Makes audience think rather than seeking literal response.
What is the purpose of using symbolism?

To represent ideas or qualities indirectly. Objects or images represent deeper abstract concepts.
Identify the appeal: "As a physician with 20 years of practice, I recommend this treatment."

Ethos. Credibility established through professional experience claim.
Identify the device: 'The classroom was a zoo.'

Metaphor. Directly compares chaotic classroom to animal enclosure.
What is the effect of using litotes?

To emphasize a point using understatement. Uses double negative to create subtle affirmation.
What is the definition of a cliche?

An overused phrase or idea. Lacks originality and impact from overuse.
What is the purpose of repetition?

To emphasize a particular point or idea. Creates rhythm and reinforces key messages.
Identify the device: 'He was like a bull in a china shop.'

Simile. Uses 'like' to compare clumsy behavior explicitly.
What is tone in rhetorical analysis of a passage?

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience. Revealed through word choice and stylistic decisions.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.'

Hyperbole. Impossible hunger level used for comedic or dramatic emphasis.
What is irony (verbal irony) as a rhetorical device?

Saying one thing while meaning the opposite for effect. Creates emphasis through contrast between words and meaning.
What is assonance?

The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. Creates internal rhyme and musical quality in speech.
Identify the device: "If this is not the best plan, what is?" (asked to persuade, not to answer)

Rhetorical question. Question designed to persuade, not gather information.
What is metaphor as a rhetorical device?

Implied comparison stating one thing is another. Creates vivid connection by direct equation.
What is chiasmus?

A rhetorical device in which words are repeated in reverse order. Creates memorable balance by reversing word order patterns.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'As brave as a lion.'

Simile. Uses 'as' to compare bravery to a lion's courage.
Identify the device: "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."

Parallelism. Identical 'verb no noun' structure creates balance.
What is euphemism?

A mild or indirect word substituted for one considered too harsh. Softens harsh realities through gentler language choices.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'A fire station burns down.'

Irony. Fire stations are expected to prevent fires, not burn.
Identify the device: "We demand justice, we demand fairness, we demand change."

Anaphora. Repetition of 'we demand' at each clause beginning.
Identify the device: 'Time is a thief.'

Metaphor. Directly equates time with a criminal who steals.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'Less is more.'

Paradox. Contradictory but suggests simplicity can be more effective.
What is pathos in classical rhetoric?

Appeal to audience emotion. Motivates action through emotional connection and feeling.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'Passed away' instead of 'died'.

Euphemism. Softens the harsh reality of death with gentler language.
What is a pun?

A humorous play on words. Creates humor through multiple word meanings or sounds.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'Is rain wet?'

Rhetorical question. Obviously rain is wet; question emphasizes the obvious.
What is a paradox?

A statement that contradicts itself but might be true. Seems impossible but reveals deeper truth upon reflection.
Identify the device: 'He has a heart of stone.'

Metaphor. Directly compares hardness without 'like' or 'as'.
What is diction as a rhetorical choice an author makes?

Word choice, especially as it affects tone and meaning. Shapes reader perception through careful word selection.
What is an allegory?

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning. Entire narrative represents deeper political or moral truths.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'Her smile is the sun.'

Metaphor. Her smile is directly called the sun without using comparison words.
What is an oxymoron?

A figure of speech with contradictory terms. Combines opposing words for dramatic effect.
Identify the device: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

Antithesis. Contrasting parallel structure opposes two ideas directly.
What is analogy as a rhetorical device?

Explaining an idea by comparing it to a more familiar situation. Makes complex ideas accessible through familiar comparisons.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.'

Antithesis. 'Best' and 'worst' are direct opposites placed together.
What is polysyndeton as a rhetorical device?

Using many conjunctions to slow pace or add weight to items. Creates deliberate, weighted emphasis through extra connections.
Identify the device: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

Personification. Gives human qualities to non-human things.
What is ethos in classical rhetoric?

Appeal based on speaker credibility or character. Establishes trust through demonstrated expertise or character.
What is the effect of juxtaposition?

To compare and contrast ideas or elements. Places contrasting elements side by side for emphasis.
What is the definition of a simile?

A comparison using 'like' or 'as'. Distinguished from metaphor by explicit comparison words.
What is an understatement?

A figure of speech that makes a situation seem less important. Deliberately minimizes severity for ironic or modest effect.
Identify the appeal: "The data show a 15% decrease after the change, so the change worked."

Logos. Evidence-based reasoning with specific numerical proof.
Identify the device: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Personification. Wind given human ability to whisper softly.
Identify the device: 'His explanation was as clear as mud.'

Simile. Ironically uses 'as' to suggest complete confusion.
What is alliteration?

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent words. Creates musical quality and makes phrases more memorable.
What is the definition of a metaphor?

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things directly. Uses direct comparison without 'like' or 'as'.
What is a motif in literature?

A recurring theme or element. Reinforces themes through repetitive symbolic elements.
What is the effect of using antithesis?

To create contrast and highlight differences. Places opposing ideas side by side for impact.
Identify the appeal: "This policy will save lives; imagine your family in danger without it."

Pathos. Emotional appeal through personal fear and protection.
What does irony involve?

A contrast between expectation and reality. Creates dramatic effect through unexpected outcomes.
What is understatement (litotes is a type) as a rhetorical device?

Deliberately presenting something as less significant than it is. Creates emphasis through restraint and modesty.
What is parallelism as a rhetorical device in prose or speeches?

Using the same grammatical structure in a series to emphasize a point. Creates rhythm and balance for emphasis and clarity.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'Deafening silence.'

Oxymoron. Silence cannot be deafening; these words contradict each other.
Identify the device: 'The silence was deafening.'

Oxymoron. Combines contradictory terms to create striking effect.
What is the definition of an allegory?

A story with a hidden meaning, often moral or political. Extended metaphor with symbolic characters and events.
What is a call to action as a rhetorical move?

Urging the audience to take a specific action or adopt a behavior. Motivates concrete response beyond mere agreement.
What is an analogy?

A comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation. Uses similarities between familiar and unfamiliar concepts.
Identify the device: "I came, I saw, I conquered." (no conjunctions in the list)

Asyndeton. Commas separate clauses without 'and' connectors.
What is the purpose of hyperbole?

To create emphasis through exaggerated statements. Deliberate overstatement to make a strong impression.
Identify the device: 'He's a real Romeo with the ladies.'

Allusion. References Shakespeare's romantic character from Romeo and Juliet.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'A dove represents peace.'

Symbolism. Dove symbolically represents peace beyond its literal bird meaning.
What is parallelism?

The use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose. Creates balance and rhythm through similar grammatical structures.
What is the purpose of anaphora?

To create emphasis through repetition at the beginning. Repeats words at the start of successive clauses.
What is epistrophe (also called epiphora) as a rhetorical device?

Repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses. Creates closure and emphasis through repetition at endings.
What is hyperbole?

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. Creates dramatic effect through deliberate overstatement.
What is hyperbole as a rhetorical device?

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect. Creates strong impact through obvious exaggeration.
What is simile as a rhetorical device?

Comparison using "like" or "as". Creates clear comparison through explicit connectors.
Identify the device: 'I'm not unhappy with the result.'

Litotes. Affirms through deliberate understatement and double negative.
What does synecdoche involve?

A part representing the whole or vice versa. Creates powerful imagery through selective representation.
What is the purpose of using logos?

To appeal to logic and reason. Persuades through facts, statistics, and logical arguments.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'Like father, like son.'

Parallelism. Both phrases follow identical 'Like [noun], like [noun]' structure.
What is anaphora as a rhetorical device?

Repetition of the same word or phrase at the start of successive clauses. Creates rhythm and emphasis through repetition at beginnings.
What is imagery as a rhetorical device in passages?

Language that appeals to the senses to create vivid mental pictures. Engages senses to create memorable, emotional connection.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

Personification. Wind cannot actually whisper; it's given human vocal ability.
Identify the rhetorical device: 'Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better.'

Anaphora. 'Every' repeats at the start of each phrase for emphasis.
What is personification as a rhetorical device?

Giving human traits to nonhuman things or abstract ideas. Makes abstract concepts relatable and vivid.
What is onomatopoeia?

A word that imitates a sound. Words like 'buzz,' 'crash,' or 'whisper' mimic sounds.
What is symbolism?

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. Adds deeper meaning beyond literal interpretation.
What is a metaphor?

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. Creates vivid imagery by directly stating one thing is another.
What is a concession as a rhetorical move in argumentation?

Acknowledging an opposing point to strengthen one's own argument. Shows fairness while ultimately strengthening your position.

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