Rhetorical Devices
Rhetorical devices are techniques speakers and writers use to make their language more persuasive, memorable, and impactful. Analysing them reveals how authors influence their audience.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Ethos appeals to credibility and character; logos appeals to logic; pathos appeals to emotion
Anaphora is the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses
Antithesis places contrasting ideas side by side to create a striking effect
Hyperbole uses extreme exaggeration for emphasis or humour
Key Vocabulary
Ethos
An appeal to the credibility or authority of the speaker or writer
Pathos
An appeal to the emotions of the audience
Anaphora
Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
Antithesis
Placing two contrasting ideas side by side to highlight the difference
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
"Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." This is an example of:
Question 2
A charity advertisement shows images of suffering children and plays sad music. Which appeal is being used?
Question 3
"I have told you a thousand times!" is an example of:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Ethos appeals to credibility and character; logos appeals to logic; pathos appeals to emotion
- ●Anaphora is the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses
- ●Antithesis places contrasting ideas side by side to create a striking effect
- ●Hyperbole uses extreme exaggeration for emphasis or humour