Persuasion through writing, speech, and art. Writers craft logical, emotional, and ethical appeals based on the audience.

The appeal to ethics or credibility. The purpose is to make the author and their argument appear more credible.

Appeal to emotion. The purpose is to make an emotional connection with the audience.

Appeal to logic and reasoning. The purpose is to organize thinking and provide sound support.

Repetition of an initial consonant sound in successive words. For example, The weeping willow's wet branches.

Over-exaggeration to make a point. For example, I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.

Repetition of a word or short phrase at the end of successive phrases. For example, I cried after you. I grew after you. I loved after you.

Use of words that are opposite to what is meant. For example, Don't you just love the smell of garbage?

Milder version of a word or phrase used in place of a curse word, sexual language, or content that is generally hard to digest. For example, The family had to put their dog down.

Direct comparison of two or more things. For example, The classroom was a sauna.

Alignment of two contradictory terms next to each other. For example, Jumbo shrimp.

Statement that logically contradicts itself. For example, You have to spend money to make it.

Pairs contrasting ideas in parallel phrases. For example, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of time." (Dickens)

Directly addressing a person who is not actually present. For example, "oh Romeo, where art though Romeo?" (Shakespeare)

The difference between rhetorical devices and figures of speech lies in their purpose. Rhetorical language is used with the purpose of persuasion.

To persuade. To inform. To Entertain.