Test your basic knowledge |

Rhetoric Vocab

Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. The manipulation of words for a specific purpose






2. Choices a character makes in relation to an obstacle (problem)






3. A formal argument that consists of a major premise - a minor one - and a conclusion






4. Reaching for the sublime - the tone results in the absurd






5. The underlying message






6. A comic imitation that ridicules the original. It can be mocking or gently humorous






7. Technical - specialized language






8. Unexpected outcome in the plot






9. A conclusion that can be arrived at without any observations of the world - but relies only on logical connections between ideas






10. A particularly clever extended metaphor






11. Clues that tip the reader off as to What is to come later in the work






12. Words which evoke sorrow






13. Dictionary definition of a word






14. Direct contrast or opposite






15. Sound words - imitative harmony






16. Change and growth of the character






17. The use of a quotation at the beginning of the work which often hints at a theme






18. A formal - often pompous - speech






19. The use of slang in writing






20. The 'unravelling' or resolution of the story - falling action






21. The recreation of regional spoken language






22. A numbered list






23. A word that represents a larger idea or concept






24. Emotional definition of a word






25. Making a situation seem less important or serious than it is






26. A comparison between two dissimilar ideas or things






27. A form a logic that moves from the specific to the general






28. A question that does not expect an explicit answer






29. When the story begins






30. Word order or organization






31. Where the audience knows more than the character






32. Deliberately unclear - having multiple meanings






33. Repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences






34. When the reader expects a climax to occur and it doesn't happen






35. Words - phrases - ideas placed side by side for effect






36. Contrasting words placed together for effect






37. Using the same word or phrase for emphasis






38. Making something sound nicer than it is; candy-coated words






39. Emotional response of the reader






40. A story that functions on the symbolic level






41. A formal speech praising one who has died






42. Same ending sounds






43. Word choice






44. An inscription on a tombstone






45. A political comment through the use of humor






46. An inference that does not follow logically from the premise (literally - does not follow)






47. Attitude the narrator wants the reader to take toward a setting - character - or idea






48. A part is used to represent the whole (crown=king)






49. Point of understanding or awakening (not necessarily emotional)






50. Scholarly - academic writing that is difficult to understand