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






2. The underlying message






3. Type of irony in which a person seems to be praising something but actually insulting






4. Using the same word or phrase for emphasis






5. A comparison using like or as






6. Saying one thing but meaning the opposite






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






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






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






10. Emotional definition of a word






11. A direct comparison






12. A story that functions on the symbolic level






13. Word choice






14. The answer to a question






15. Deliberately unclear - having multiple meanings






16. Sentences - or parts of a sentence with similar structure






17. A numbered list






18. A comparison between two dissimilar ideas or things






19. Describing something indirectly by referring to things around it






20. The recreation of regional spoken language






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






22. A rhetorical strategy that attacks the person rather than the idea






23. A word that represents a larger idea or concept






24. A form of logic that moves from the general to the specific






25. When the story begins






26. Same ending sounds






27. Inanimate objects or abstract ideas given human characteristics






28. Same beginning sound






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






30. Scholarly - academic writing that is difficult to understand






31. Literary - historical - artistic reference






32. A metaphor which changes and grows throughout the story






33. A form of personification - only it is not a character in the story






34. The use of slang in writing






35. Meaning or emotion underneath the words






36. Statement that contradicts itself - "the more you learn the less you know"






37. Direct contrast or opposite






38. Unexpected outcome in the plot






39. A story that operates on the symbolic level and teaches a lesson or moral






40. Contrasting words placed together for effect






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






42. A metaphor around which the entire story revolves






43. A detail - image - or character type that occurs frequently in myth and literature - thought to appeal to the unconscious






44. Form of personification - speaking to an absent or dead person or object as if it is there






45. A short witty statement






46. A sermon or moralistic lecture






47. A formal - often pompous - speech






48. The manipulation of words for a specific purpose






49. Sound words - imitative harmony






50. Writing whose purpose is to instruct or teach