A List of Common Rhetorical Choices by Jordan Ryan. Please note that this list is by no means the
only rhetorical choices one can make while writing.
Allusion - A reference to something real or fictional, to someone, some event, or something in the Bible,
history, literature, or any phase of culture. Proper use of allusions can boost one’s credibility.
Analogy - A comparison between one thing and another, typically for the purpose of explanation or
clarification.
Anticipating objection – This occurs when the writer identifies counter-arguments that opponents might
make. After stating the objections of these opponents, the writer will then refute those objections,
providing accurate and credible evidence to explain why the counter-arguments are incorrect. In turn, the
writer further establishes his own credibility and increases the validity of his own argument.
Example: Many students argue that fields like Engineering and Math have no use for argumentation
skills. However, a recent study appearing in the journal Language and Learning Across the Disciplines
indicates that Engineering and Math students are just as likely to write argumentative papers as students
in English, Psychology, and other humanities subjects are.
Appeal to expert opinions (or appeal to authority) – This is when a writer or speaker references
opinions from experts that agree with her own opinions in order to strengthen the validity of her
argument. Important: It is the expert’s reasons that are valuable, not the fact that they were announced
by an expert.
Example: “In a survey, 80% of doctors agreed that this drug can be very effective. Therefore, it is
reasonable to conclude that you should take this drug to relieve your pain.”
Appeal to fear – Uses information likely to frighten the audience for the purpose of strengthening a
speaker’s or writer’s argument.
Example: “Readers should encourage their local politicians to pass this immigration law or else illegal
immigrants will steal all of our jobs.”
Appeal to history – Arguments that use past cases as a guide to the future. Or, when someone
argues that because something has been done a particular way in the past, it ought to be done that
way in the future.
Appeal to nostalgia – Similar to appeal to history, an appeal to nostalgia attempts to evoke a
longing for the past. The difference is that the appeal to nostalgia will often try to make the
reader emotional when h/she thinks about the way that things used to be.
Appeal to pride – Used to convince the reader that they must act and heed the writer’s advice in order to
maintain dignity and self-respect.
Diction – Word choice. Important: if you use this in any assignment, you must clearly specify
WHAT KIND of diction the author uses. For example, does he use combative diction? Mocking
diction? Humorous diction? There are, literally, millions of possibilities here. Once you have
identified the type of diction, you must then explain how he/she uses that diction to make the
argument more persuasive.
Formal language – Language that is lofty, dignified, and impersonal. This is the language that
you will encounter in most academic essays.
Euphemism – The substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for a word or expression
that many may find to be offensive.
Example: Instead of saying, “His mother died,” one could use a euphemism and say, “His mother
passed away.”
Hyperbole – Obvious or intentional exaggeration that, in most cases, is not meant to be taken literally.
Example: “I’ll love you, dear, I’ll love you till China and Africa meet” – from “As I Walk Out One
Evening” by W.H. Auden
The lands of China and Africa will probably never actually touch each other, so the implication here is
that the speaker’s love for the woman will never end.
Identification – The means by which an author may establish a shared sense of values, attitudes,
and interests with his or her readers. Also known as “finding a common ground.”
Illustration – The use of examples to explain, clarify, or justify a meaning.
Informal language – Language that is conversational and resembles what the author might say
if he or she were talking to you in person. Also known as “colloquialisms” or “colloquial
language.”
Invective language – The use of angry and insulting language.
Irony – An outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected. Important: Irony is
NOT the same thing as a coincidence.
Example: Spending hours and hours creating an attractive Facebook page to make friends only to find out
that all of the time you spent doing that caused you to lose touch with your friends in real life.
Jargon – Highly technical language used by a specific group of people. This could be used by a
writer to establish his or her credibility.
Juxtaposition – Placing two items side by side for comparison to create a certain persuasive
effect, reveal an attitude or argument, or achieve some other rhetorical purpose.
Maxim – A compact expression of a general truth of conduct. Or, formulaic ways of conveying
the common wisdom of the people. Example: Never trust a man who says, “Trust me.”
Metaphor – A comparison between two unlike things that actually have something important in
common.
Example: “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and
all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.”
Kennedy compares the energy, faith, and devotion used to uphold freedom, to a fire that lights America.
Kennedy then goes on to say also that this “fire can truly light the world.” He uses this metaphor to show
Americans that their efforts to create unity and freedom will not only affect America, but the entire world
as a whole.
Moral reasoning - Persuasion that involves urging someone to do something because it is the
right thing to do.
Oxymoron – A short figure of speech that combines two apparently contradictory elements to
reveal an important truth. Example: Deafening silence.
Paradox - A statement that seems contradictory, but is actually true.
Example: You can save money by spending it.
Parody – A humorous exaggerated imitation of something. Writers typically parody other
writers in order to ridicule them and/or expose the ridiculousness of them.
Repetition – Sometimes, a writer might repeat his point several times if it is important, letting
the reader know that this argument is important and that the reader should pay attention to it.
Rhetorical Question – A writer asks a question in order to make a point and without the expectation of a
reply. The writer poses this question for the sake of encouraging her reader to consider a message or view
point. A carefully crafted question can persuade an audience to believe in the position of the speaker.
Example: “Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and
West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?”
Former President Kennedy includes this rhetorical question to call the audience to action. By asking if
they will join in the historic effort, Kennedy forces the audience to think about what they are willing to do
for their country and at the same time, he inspires them to be more American.
Satire – Persuading the reader to do something by poking fun at them, usually in an indirect way and
with wit and humor. Writers often use satire to “laugh people out of their vices.” Satire can also be caustic
or biting and filled with moral indignation.
Stating Credentials – Simply, this is when an author states his or her credentials, which helps him to
establish credibility and to prove why readers should listen to him.
Statistics – This is when an author tries to make his argument more compelling by using numbers and
data to support his arguments. Sometimes, there can be an appeal to fear built into this device, meaning
that the author wants to scare you into believing his argument by showing you numbers.