rhetorical devices in speeches worksheet

Rhetorical Devices Worksheets

Analyzing Quotations

Excerpt From C.S. Lewis

A Powerful Technique

Thatcher’s Statement

The 2000 Inaugural Address

Well-Crafted Words

Three Contexts

Identifying Rhetorics

Speaker’s Choice

Baudelaire’s Metaphorics

Text Analysis

Speech Listening

Multiple Choice

Apply What You Learned

Types Of Repetition

All about these 15 worksheets.

Rhetorical devices, the artful and strategic use of language to persuade, inform, or entertain, are essential tools for effective communication and critical thinking. Understanding rhetorical devices is not only important for enhancing writing and speaking skills but also for fostering persuasive communication, analytical abilities, and the capacity to engage meaningfully in various forms of discourse.

This collection of 15 worksheets is designed to introduce students to the world of rhetorical devices, helping them grasp the importance of these persuasive tools, recognize their various forms, and develop their own rhetorical prowess.

What Are Rhetorical Devices Worksheets?

These worksheets were created to help students understand and practice the use of various rhetorical devices. Rhetorical devices are techniques that speakers or writers use to convey their message more persuasively. These can include methods of persuasion, figures of speech, and other tools that make a piece of writing more effective.

The exercises on these worksheets are designed to help students identify and use rhetorical devices in their own writing and speech. They may include:

Identification – Students could be presented with passages of text and asked to identify the rhetorical devices used within them. This not only helps the students recognize these devices but also understand how they can be used effectively. For example, the students might have to find examples of alliteration, anaphora, or parallelism.

Analysis – The worksheets could contain exercises where students are asked to analyze how a particular rhetorical device is used in a passage or speech, and how it contributes to the overall message or effect of the piece.

Creation – Some exercises might involve students writing their own passages or speeches using a given rhetorical device. This can help students gain a more practical understanding of how these devices can be used effectively in their own writing.

Comparison – Students might be asked to compare the use of rhetorical devices in different texts, seeing how different authors use the same tool for different effects.

These types of exercises help students develop a more nuanced understanding of language and improve their own writing and speaking abilities. They will also become more perceptive readers, able to pick up on the subtle ways authors use language to convey their messages.

What is the Literary Device of Rhetorical Devices?

Rhetorical devices, often referred to as stylistic or literary devices, are techniques that writers and speakers use to convey their message more effectively or persuasively. These devices can help an author engage their audience by adding color, richness, and depth to their language. By using rhetorical devices, writers can create a connection with their audience, highlight certain points, evoke emotions, or create persuasive arguments.

Defining Features of Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices can vary widely in their usage and effects. Some devices work on the level of word choice or sentence structure, while others involve the overall organization and development of a piece of writing. However, the main defining feature of all rhetorical devices is that they serve a specific purpose in the text, whether it’s to persuade, to evoke emotion, to add emphasis or clarity, or to make the text more memorable or engaging.

Examples of Rhetorical Devices in Literature

(Metaphor) “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

One of the most common and powerful rhetorical devices is the metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Harper Lee uses the metaphor of the mockingbird to represent innocence and goodness. As Atticus Finch tells his children, “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” because all they do is make music for people to enjoy—they do no harm and only give. This metaphor not only adds depth and richness to the novel but also helps to underline its main themes of innocence, morality, and injustice.

(Irony) “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

Irony is another powerful rhetorical device, which involves saying something that is the opposite of what you mean or having a situation turn out in a way that is opposite to what would be expected. Jane Austen uses irony expertly in “Pride and Prejudice,” often through her narrator’s comments or the dialogue of her characters. One of the most famous lines of the novel is its opening sentence – “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” This line is ironic because it presents a societal expectation as a universal truth, and the events of the novel reveal the oversimplification and absurdity of such assumptions.

(Anaphora) “I Have a Dream” Speech by Martin Luther King Jr.

Anaphora is a rhetorical device where the same word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. This device is often used in speeches to add emphasis and rhythm. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is a powerful example of anaphora. The repeated phrase “I have a dream” reinforces King’s vision and makes his message more memorable and persuasive. By repeating these words, King effectively emphasizes the hopes and aspirations of the Civil Rights Movement.

Rhetorical devices are integral tools in the hands of writers and speakers. They not only enhance the beauty and impact of the language but also deepen the audience’s understanding and appreciation of their messages. In each of the examples given, Harper Lee, Jane Austen, and Martin Luther King Jr. use rhetorical devices to underscore their themes, intensify emotional appeal, and create lasting impressions. By understanding these devices, one can become not only a more discerning reader but also a more persuasive and effective writer.

Benefits Of Rhetorical Devices Worksheets For Students

Exploring the world of rhetorical devices through this collection of 15 persuasion-enhancing worksheets offers students an opportunity to develop essential skills in effective communication, critical thinking, persuasive writing, media literacy, and cultural and historical awareness. Rhetorical devices are the building blocks of compelling communication and persuasive discourse.

By engaging with these exercises and activities, students not only enhance their academic abilities but also gain valuable tools for navigating the complexities of language and rhetoric in today’s world. The benefits of studying rhetorical devices extend far beyond the classroom, empowering students to be more persuasive, discerning, and culturally aware communicators in an increasingly interconnected and persuasive society.

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

What is a rhetorical device and why are they used.

As with all fields of serious and complicated human endeavor (that can be considered variously as an art, a science, a profession, or a hobby), there is a technical vocabulary associated with writing. Rhetoric is the name for the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion, and though a writer doesn’t need to know the specific labels for certain writing techniques in order to use them effectively, it is sometimes helpful to have a handy taxonomy for the ways in which words and ideas are arranged. This can help to discuss and isolate ideas that might otherwise become abstract and confusing. As with the word rhetoric itself, many of these rhetorical devices come from Greek.

Ready, set, rhetoric.

The repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables

wild and woolly, threatening throngs

Syntactical inconsistency or incoherence within a sentence especially : a shift in an unfinished sentence from one syntactic construction to another

you really should have—well, what do you expect?

Repetition of a prominent and usually the last word in one phrase or clause at the beginning of the next

rely on his honor—honor such as his?

A literary technique that involves interruption of the chronological sequence of events by interjection of events or scenes of earlier occurrence : flashback

Repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect

we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground

The repetition of a word within a phrase or sentence in which the second occurrence utilizes a different and sometimes contrary meaning from the first

we must all hang together or most assuredly we shall all hang separately

The usually ironic or humorous use of words in senses opposite to the generally accepted meanings

this giant of 3 feet 4 inches

The use of a proper name to designate a member of a class (such as a Solomon for a wise ruler) OR the use of an epithet or title in place of a proper name (such as the Bard for Shakespeare)

The raising of an issue by claiming not to mention it

we won't discuss his past crimes

An expression of real or pretended doubt or uncertainty especially for rhetorical effect

to be, or not to be: that is the question

Harshness in the sound of words or phrases

An inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases

working hard, or hardly working?

A disjunctive conclusion inferred from a single premise

gravitation may act without contact; therefore, either some force may act without contact or gravitation is not a force

The substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one

greasy spoon is a dysphemism for the word diner

Repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect

of the people, by the people, for the people

Emphatic repetition [ this definition is taken from the 1934 edition of Webster's Unabridged dictionary ]

An interchange of two elements in a phrase or sentence from a more logical to a less logical relationship

you are lost to joy for joy is lost to you

A transposition or inversion of idiomatic word order

judge me by my size, do you?

Extravagant exaggeration

mile-high ice-cream cones

The putting or answering of an objection or argument against the speaker's contention [ this definition is taken from the 1934 edition of Webster's Unabridged dictionary ]

Understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary

not a bad singer

The presentation of a thing with underemphasis especially in order to achieve a greater effect : UNDERSTATEMENT

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them ( Metaphor vs. Simile )

drowning in money

A figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated

crown as used in lands belonging to the crown

The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it

A combination of contradictory or incongruous words

cruel kindness

The use of more words than those necessary to denote mere sense : REDUNDANCY

I saw it with my own eyes

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by "like" or "as"

cheeks like roses

The use of a word in the same grammatical relation to two adjacent words in the context with one literal and the other metaphorical in sense

she blew my nose and then she blew my mind

A figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (such as fifty sail for fifty ships ), the whole for a part (such as society for high society ), the species for the genus (such as cutthroat for assassin ), the genus for the species (such as a creature for a man ), or the name of the material for the thing made (such as boards for stage )

The use of a word to modify or govern two or more words usually in such a manner that it applies to each in a different sense or makes sense with only one

opened the door and her heart to the homeless boy

MORE TO EXPLORE: Rhetorical Devices Used in Pop Songs

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Rhetorical Triangle

By understanding Aristotle’s three elements of persuasive speech—the ancient Greek words ethos, pathos and logos—students will be able to analyze the effectiveness of rhetorical strategies and elements in commercials and speeches.

This lesson could be used in grades 5-12. In Lesson Activity Two, there are links to resources that allow the teacher to choose appropriate texts for their students.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.4

Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

Classroom Activities

• Classroom Activity One: Introduction to Aristotle Using Visual-Thinking Strategies, students are introduced to Aristotle, the father of the Rhetorical Triangle.
• Lesson Activity Two: The Rhetorical Triangle and Ethos, Pathos and Logos as a Class Working as a class, students identify the use of ethos, pathos and logos in several commercials.
• Classroom Activity Three: The Rhetorical Triangle and Ethos, Pathos and Logos in Groups Students identify use of ethos, pathos and logos in small groups. There are four different suggested activities to do this.
• Classroom Activity Four: The Rhetorical Triangle and Ethos, Pathos and Logos in Speeches Students identify the use of ethos, pathos and logos in speeches.
• Classroom Activity Five: Rhetorical Devices Using a jigsaw, student define additional major rhetorical devices and provide examples of their own.
• Classroom Activity Six: Rhetorical Devices in Speeches Students find and analyze the effect of rhetorical devices in speeches.

Classroom Activity One

Introduction to aristotle.

Show students the picture of Aristotle linked above, covering Aristotle’s name. Ask students who they think he is. What job might he have? Tell students that this is the picture of the door of the National Academy of Sciences, which is a society of scientists that was founded by an Act of Congress and signed into existence by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. More than 500 members of the Academy have been awarded Nobel Prizes. Ask what might qualify a person to be pictured on the door of the National Academy of Science.

After students have inferred what kind of person Aristotle was and how long ago he lived (more than 2000 years ago), let them know that he is still considered one of the leading scholars of persuasion. His book,  Rhetoric , is still taught in colleges around the world to teach students how to be persuasive. Tell them that they will be learning about Aristotle’s theories of persuasion today. These theories include the Rhetorical Triangle and the Rhetorical Appeals of Ethos, Pathos and Logos.

Classroom Activity Two

The rhetorical triangle and ethos, pathos and logos as a class.

Pass out The Rhetorical Triangle and Rhetorical Appeals worksheet. Define  Persuasion  as a class. You could have students look it up in a dictionary or have them come up with meanings in groups and then vote for the best definition. They could also combine the different definitions from each group to create a class definition. You should decide on which approach works best for your class, considering time constraints.

Explain to students: To understand how speeches or advertisements persuade, you should consider five questions:

• Who is the Speaker?
• What is the Message?
• Who is the Audience?
• What Methods is the Speaker employing to Persuade?
• What is the Desired Result or Action to be Taken?

Review the following as a class:  The interaction between message (subject), speaker (communicator, writer) and audience (listener, reader). There is a space to take notes on the front of the Rhetorical Triangle and Rhetorical Appeals Worksheet.

• The interaction of these elements determines the structure and language of the argument (the text/image that establishes a position)
• Skilled communicators first choose a  subject  and then evaluate: what they know about it, what others have said about it, and what evidence/proof will help develop an effective position.
• Need to identify the speaker; not as easy as it may sound. The speaker is the person/company who created the text.
• Expert or novice
• Concerned citizen
• Each audience requires the writer/speaker to use different information to present their argument effectively.
• Essay for college application
• Letter to a prospective employer
• Letter to a newspaper about a newly proposed policy by an elected official
• What does the audience know about the subject?
• What is their attitude toward it?
• Is there common ground between the audience and speaker’s views on the message?

Have students watch the following advertisements on YouTube to explore how each part of the rhetorical triangle is used.

After each commercial have students answer the persuasion questions on the worksheet. Make sure you define pathos (appeal to emotion), logos (appeal to logic) and ethos (appeal to credibility) to students before each commercial. 

Classroom Activity Three

The rhetorical triangle and ethos, pathos and logos in groups.

Have students look at five different advertisements and fill out the persuasion chart included in the Rhetorical Triangle and Rhetorical Appeals Worksheet.

• Option One (Student-Directed):  Have a stack of magazines for students to look through and fill out the chart after choosing five advertisements.
• Modern Advertisements: L’Oreal, Subway, Nike, Beats by Dre, Weight Watchers, PC and Chipotle
• Library of Congress – Yankee Poster Collection   This collection includes many advertisements on the Environment, Vietnam War, Women’s Equality, Nuclear PowerCivil Rights and Elections.
• Library of Congress – WPA Poster Collection This collection includes Travel and Tourism Advertisements for the early 20th century as well as posters related to World War II.
• Newseum – Presidential Elections
• Presidential Campaigns
• Option Three (TV Homework):  Have students take home the worksheet and fill it out after watching several commercials on TV that night.
• Option Four (Internet Ads):  Have students search for their own commercials on computers in the classroom.

Classroom Activity Four

The rhetorical triangle and ethos, pathos and logos in speeches.

On the board, display the following selections from famous historical speeches:

But I am free from American slavery, after wearing the galling chains on my limbs 53 years, nine of which it has been my unhappy lot to be the slave of Henry Clay. Lewis Richardson, “My Grave Shall Be Made in Free Soil,” March 13, 1846

It is cold, and we have no blankets; the little children are freezing to death. Chief Joseph, “I Will I Fight No More Forever,” October 5, 1877

There was but one college in the world where women were admitted, and that was in Brazil. Lucy Stone, “A Disappointed Woman,” October 17, 1855

Using random calling strategies, ask students to identify which rhetorical appeal the speaker employs, as well as hypothesize why the speaker might use that strategy.   Pass out the copies of a speech. We’ve provided copies of speeches by Sotomayor, Reagan and Nehru, but this activity would work well with any speech.   Each student should have three pencils, one each of blue, green and red. They should read through their speech (either in small groups or independently) and mark examples of the speaker/writer ethos (green), logos (blue) and pathos (red). There is a question about rhetorical device after the speech. That question is for Lesson Activity Six.    After students have marked up their speeches, have them pick three examples and complete the Effect Worksheet. This can be turned in for assessment or used to start a class discussion.

Classroom Activity Five

Rhetorical devices.

Begin class by asking students what is the most famous speech ever given and justify their answers. Eventually someone will say “I Have a Dream.” Make sure you address why they think it’s so famous. Tell students that rhetorical devices help make a speech memorable and Martin Luther King, Jr., was a master at using them in his speeches.

Give each student one or two Rhetorical Device puzzle pieces. It is very important that you cut up each page into three parts. Make sure you cut them differently so only the correct piece fits with each term. You could even print some of them in different colors to make it easier for students to find the matches.

Once students have put together all of the puzzle pieces, they should go around the room and copy down the definitions and examples on their note sheet. After copying down all the definitions and examples, students should come up with their own examples.

Classroom Activity Six

Rhetorical devices in speeches.

Have students look at the selection of “I Have a Dream” on their Rhetorical Devices note sheet. Have them see how many rhetorical elements they can find. Give students about five minutes to find as many as they can. After the five minutes, use a random calling strategy to call on students. They should share one example they found. Make sure all examples are captured on the board so that students can copy down any they missed. Ask students how these devices helped make this speech memorable. They should also discuss whether or not the example uses ethos, pathos or logos.

Using the speeches that they colored coded in lesson activity four, students should mark any rhetorical elements they find in the speech. You could also have students work in groups and assign different parts of the speech to different students. They should finish by reflecting on how these devices helped make the speech more memorable. This reflection can be done in a Socratic Seminar.

Note:  This lesson is an introduction to the Rhetorical Triangle, Rhetorical Appeals and Rhetorical Devices. Students will need to work with them again and again to be become masters in the Rhetorical Process.

Assessment:

In Lesson Activity Three, students work on their own or in groups to analyze modern advertisements and the persuasion chart can be used as assessment. In Lesson Activity Four, the Effect Worksheet can be used for assessment. In Lesson Activity Six, the final question on the worksheet lets you assess student learning.

What You Need

You will need the following materials, handouts, colored pencils, access to YouTube and optional advertising images.

• Image of Aristotle
• Rhetorical Triangle and Appeals Worksheets
• Rhetorical Devices “Puzzle Pieces”
• Rhetorical Devices Worksheet
• Sample Speeches
• Effect Worksheet

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Rhetorical Devices Worksheet

Hello and welcome to our new website and very first blog post! We’re hoping that we can share some useful tips and resources for all of our students here, so please do let us know if you have any questions you’d like Liane to answer.

In this post, we’d like to share a handy Rhetorical Devices Worksheet which is suitable for students studying towards Level 2 & 3 of LAMDA’s Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking in Public.

What is a Rhetorical Device?

A Rhetorical Device is a language technique used by an author or speaker to capture an audience’s attention, persuade and engage them emotionally. We already use many rhetorical devices in every day conversations, don’t we?* The most common rhetorical device is ‘irony’ where a speaker will use words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning:

“What lovely weather we’re having!” she said standing in the doorway, soaked and shivering.

For Students

Complete the Rhetorical Devices worksheet and see if you can incorporate any of them into your speeches to make your message even more effective.

Download the Rhetorical Devices Worksheet Here

*Well done if you spotted this particular rhetorical device!

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Rhetoric: persuasive language techniques

Subject: Non-fiction

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

16 August 2021

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One of the examples for rule of three is "deaf, dumb and blind". Not a great example to use.

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Easily adapted - thank you!

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The Top 41 Rhetorical Devices That Will Make Your Words Memorable

• What Are Rhetorical Devices?
• Top Rhetorical Devices
• Take The Quiz

For many, public speaking is one of the most terrifying things imaginable. Thankfully, we can rely on the many, many rhetorical devices to give us a helping hand.

What are rhetorical devices ?

A rhetorical device is typically defined as a technique or word construction that a speaker or writer uses to win an audience to their side, either while trying to persuade them to do something or trying to win an argument.

As you are about to see, the majority of rhetorical devices have names that come from Greek or Latin. While the concept of public speaking developed early around the world, much of what we know about the art of public speaking comes to English speakers from the ancient Greeks. The Greeks cultivated the art of rhetoric and many great philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, thoroughly studied it. The ancient Romans greatly valued rhetoric as well and they continued to build on the Greek rhetorical traditions that came before them.

What worked for the ancient Greeks and Romans still works wonders today. Rhetorical devices are effective tools that any writer or speaker can use to make their words more impactful to an audience. Rhetorical devices make speeches more persuasive, writing more memorable, and are just what you need if you are trying to really take advantage of ethos, pathos, and logos .

Rhetorical devices vs. literary devices

Literary and rhetorical devices are sometimes discussed separately, but it’s important to note the relationship and occasional overlap between the two. A l iterary device is an element, like a metaphor, imagery, and others, that draws us into a story . Have you ever been so wrapped up in a story, book, song, or poem, that you just couldn’t walk away from it? If so, there’s a good chance the writer has mastered the art of using literary devices.

To compare, rhetorical devices are often described as those elements that are incorporated intentionally to invoke responses in the reader, as well as influence the tone of a work.

Our comprehensive guide to literary devices is chock full of examples from masterful writers.

Often, rhetorical devices emphasize a specific language pattern, word, sentence structure, or rhyming pattern. They include formative techniques, like repetition or hyperbole , that accentuate certain elements of a work for the purpose of getting the reader’s attention, persuading them, or drawing out an emotional response. It is often said rhetorical devices are used to elicit a certain emotion via persuasion, whereas literary devices may be primarily used to enhance storytelling.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular, effective, and interesting rhetorical devices that turn our words into award-winning speeches and writing.

✒️ Want to try a quiz first?

We have a quick quiz for you if you want to see how far your knowledge of rhetorical devices goes. Or review the terms below first so you can test what you’ve learned.

List of 41 top rhetorical devices

1. metaphor.

A metaphor is a comparison in which something is said to figuratively be something else.

Example: He was a wolf among sheep.

2. hyperbole

A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration.

Example: The plate exploded into a million pieces.

3. alliteration

Alliteration is repeating the same or similar sounds at the beginning of words.

Example: She sells seashells by the sea shore.

An analogy is a comparison between two similar things, typically using figurative language. Metaphors and similes—more on them later—are usually considered to be types of analogies. Sometimes, analogies are considered to be a unique device that is a comparison that explains itself; basically, a complex metaphor or long simile.

Example: Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you are going to get.

5. onomatopoeia

An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it refers to.

Example: The thunder boomed and the lightning crashed.

6. allusion

Allusion is the act of casually referencing something, usually a work of popular culture.

Example: Finishing his memoir was his white whale.

7. oxymoron

Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposite words together.

Example: The treaty led to a violent peace.

Satire is using humor to criticize public figures.

Example: When Senator Jackson said “numbers don’t lie,” he forgot that his first name wasn’t “Numbers.”

In rhetoric, the word paradox refers to making a statement that seems self-contradictory or impossible but actually makes sense.

Example: Youth is wasted on the young.

A simile is a comparison in which something is said to figuratively be like something else.

Example: It was as hot as a desert this morning.

Learn about different types of poems (and see what rhetorical devices they may use).

In rhetoric, the notoriously confusing word irony means to use words to mean the opposite of their literal meaning.

Example: Ashley said it was a beautiful day while drying off from the drenching rain. (Ashley ironically referred to poor weather as “beautiful.”)

12. personification

Personification is the act of giving human elements to non-human things.

Example: The beautiful valley spread its arms out and embraced us.

13. anecdote

An anecdote is a brief story about something that happened to the speaker, usually something funny or interesting.

Example: Five years ago, I went to the store and met some clowns. Those clowns gave me the advice I am sharing with you now.

14. euphemism

Euphemism is using alternative language to refer to explicit or unpleasant things.

Example: The baseball struck him in a sensitive area.

15. connotation

Connotation is using words to suggest a social or emotional meaning rather than a literal one.

Example: This is a house, but I want a home.

16. meiosis

As a rhetorical device, meiosis means using euphemism to minimize the importance or significance of something.

Example: We must put an end to this peculiar institution. (“Peculiar institution” is a euphemism for slavery.)

17. apostrophe

In rhetoric, apostrophe occurs when a writer or speaker directly addresses an absent person, a concept, or an inanimate object.

Example: You have made a fool out of me for the last time, washing machine!

18. antithesis

Antithesis is using parallel sentences or clauses to make a contrast.

Example: No pain, no gain.

19. sarcasm

Sarcasm is using irony to mock something or to show contempt.

Example: Oh, yeah, he is a great guy. A great guy who took the last slice of pizza.

20. consonance

Consonance is a repetition of consonants or consonant sounds.

Example: Mike likes Ike’s bike.

21. rhetorical question

A rhetorical question is a question that isn’t intended to be answered. The point of asking the question is to make an audience think or to cause an emotional reaction.

Example: Can we really know what our place in the universe is? We have asked ourselves this question for millennia.

22. epithet

An epithet is a nickname or descriptive term used to refer to someone.

Example: You need to listen to me and not Clueless Kevin over there.

23. anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or words at the start of phrases, clauses, or sentences.

Example: I came, I saw, I conquered.

Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech is a classic example of anaphora. Read about it here.

In rhetoric, climax is ordering words so that they build up in intensity.

Example: Look at the sky! It’s a bird! A plane! Superman!

25. cacophony

Cacophony is the act of purposefully using harsh sounds.

Example: The gnashing of teeth and screeching of bats kept me awake.

26. assonance

Assonance is the repetition of the same vowel sound with different consonants.

Example: She and Lee see the bees in the tree.

A person is making a pun when they humorously use words with multiple meanings or words with similar sounds to create wordplay.

Example: The farmer tried to get his cows to get along, but they insisted on having a beef with each other.

28. parallelism

Parallelism is using grammatically similar phrases or sentences together.

Example: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

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29. aphorism

An aphorism is a short sentence that presents truth or opinion, usually in a witty or clever manner.

Example: A penny saved is a penny earned.

30. synecdoche

Synecdoche is when a part of something is used to refer to a whole.

Example: The commander had an army of 10,000 swords. (The people holding the swords were there, too.)

Parody is an imitation of something with the intent to poke fun at it.

Example: If Edgar Allen Poe had written this speech, it might have opened with “Here we are, weak and weary, gathered on a Monday dreary.”

32. colloquialism

A colloquialism is an instance of informal language or a local expression. The act of using such language is also called colloquialism .

Example: Here in Philly, we love to eat hoagies and all kinds of tasty jawns.

33. understatement

Understatement is using language to intentionally lessen a major thing or event.

Example: The erupting volcano was a little problem for the neighboring city.

34. syllogism

Syllogism is an argument based on deductive reasoning that uses generalizations to reach specific conclusions. Usually, a syllogism follows the format of “A is B. B is C. So, A is C.”

Example: Dogs are mammals. Biscuit is a dog. Therefore, Biscuit is a mammal.

Learn more about deductive and inductive reasoning.

An eponym can refer to “a word based on or derived from a person’s name,” such as the Gallup poll , named after statistician G.H. Gallup, or Reagonomics (a combination of the last name Reagan and economics ). As a rhetorical device, an eponym can be an allusion to a famous person.

Example: He is the LeBron James of chess.

36. metonymy

Metonymy is when the name of something is replaced with something related to it.

Example: He loved music from the cradle (birth) to the grave (death).

37. parenthesis

In rhetoric, parenthesis is an interruption used for clarity.

Example: The audience, or at least the paying members of the audience, enjoyed the show.

38. expletive

In rhetoric, an expletive is an interrupting word or phrase used for emphasis.

Example: The eggs were not, in any sense of the word, delicious.

39. metanoia

In rhetoric, metanoia refers to any instance of self-correction. Metanoia can involve things like retracting a previous statement to replace it with a new one or amplifying a previous statement by using stronger language.

Example: We’ll work on it on Sunday. No, let’s make that Monday—it’s the weekend after, all!

40. chiasmus

Chiasmus is reversing the grammatical order in two otherwise parallel phrases or sentences.

Example: Dog owners own dogs and cats own cat owners.

41. asyndeton

Asyndeton is the removal of conjunctions from a sentence.

Example: Get in, cause a distraction, get out.

Take the quiz

Are you ready to write with these rhetorical devices? You can review them using our Rhetorical Devices Word List , where you can practice with flashcards and practice quizzes. And when it’s time, fit in this quiz to quickly distinguish which terms you now know before you apply them to your next project.

Learn more about the modes of persuasion known as ethos, pathos, and logos.

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