Foundation WordsVocabulary Study

Rhetoric

• the technique of using language effectively • the art of using

language/speech* to persuade, * to influence, * or to please

Literal • Conforming or limited to the simplest,

nonfigurative, or most obvious meaning of the word.• “It is what it is”

A literal description of this picture is …A tree

Figurative

• Based on or making use of figures of speech; metaphorical.• Used, for example, in similes, metaphors,

hyperboles, and symbolism.A figurative description of this picture is … the tree was bumpy and gnarled like the hands of an old crone.

Objective• Uninfluenced by emotions or personal

prejudices. Based on observable phenomena; presented factually.• Ex. A jury, blind taste testing.

Subjective• Proceeding from or taking place within a

person’s mind such as to be unaffected by the outside world. Particular to a given person.

Context• The part of a text or statement that

surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.• The circumstances in which an event

occurs.

Context Clues• The river was full of noxious materials such

as cleaning agents from factories and pesticides from the nearby farms.

• This third grade was full of precocious children. One child had learned to read at two and another could do algebra at age 6.

• When going to an office party you should show your best decorum; for example, dress your best, drink and eat moderately, and be sure to thank the host before you leave.

Vernacular• The everyday language spoken by “a people” as

distinguished from the literary language. • What do you call these? “Please give me a _____”

• Soda• vs. Pop• vs. Soft Drink• vs. Soda Pop, Cola, Diet,

Carbonated Beverage

Vernacular

Elevator LiftCotton candy Candy flossFriends Mates“Washing up” “Washing up”

= showering = doing the dishesPharmacist Chemist

Juxtaposition • Placing items

close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.

Repetition• A thing, word, action, etc., that is

repeated for effect

Loaded Language

• Wording that tries to influence the listener or reader by appealing to emotion.

Objective: Animal

Loaded: Beast

Loaded Language Fair Language: “You have asked for my views on

the man named Mr. Smithers. He has been a valued employee here for years. If you can find a position for him in the management sector of your company, I will be pleased.”

Loaded Language: “You have asked for my views on that creature named Smithers. He has been a clinging nuisance here for ages. If you can find a crevice for him in the woodwork of your sweatshop, I will be relieved.”

Loaded Language

NOTE: Loaded Language can be

Positive or NegativeExample: He looks good.

He looks like a god.

Euphemism• the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague

expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.

• “Enhanced Interrogation Techniques” instead of “Torture”• “Passed away” instead of “died” • “I’m between jobs” instead of “I’m unemployed”

Rhetorical Question• a question asked solely to produce

an effect or to make an assertion -- not to actually get an answer

More Rhetorical Questions

Explicit• fully and clearly expressed or

demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied; unequivocal.

Implicit• implied, rather than expressly stated• Reader, listener or viewer must infer

meaning

Denotation

• the explicit or direct meaning of a word.• “Dictionary Definition”

Connotation

• the feelings or images associated with words.• What do you think of or associate

with these words?• Laugh * Guffaw• Giggle * Snicker• Cackle • Chuckle

Denotation vs. Connotation

House Home

Diction• The choice and use of specific words and

phrases in speech or writing.• Note the difference between the left and

right photos even though it is all “garbage.”

More Diction

“Guest Teacher” vs. “Sub”

Propaganda• information, ideas, or rumors

deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

Emotional Appeal• Usually based on specific examples of suffering or potential threats• This language is usually “loaded” with strong imagery and connotations.

What is the Emotional Appeal here?

Logical Appeal• Based on what we can assume is true

and then supported by evidence (often in the form of statistics, data and facts).• What are the Logical Appeals?

Logical Appeal• What are the Logical Appeals?

Ethical Appeal• Based on shared moral values, calling

upon the reader to uphold what is right and what we consider justice (in an attempt to get you to buy their products).• What is the Ethical Appeal in this ad?

Issue: American Troops in Afghanistan/Iraq/Middle East

• We should bring the troops home.

• American lives are being lost.

• What is the argument and what is the ethical appeal here?

• We should keep our troops there.

• We need to bring democracy to the Middle East.

• What is the argument and what is the ethical appeal here?

Elevated Language• Formal, more academic-sounding words

and phrases that add maturity and seriousness to your argument.

• Example: In an essay on dress code, you use “students” instead of “kids.”

• Example: Use “educators” instead of “teachers.”

• Note: You should generally use elevated language in formal essays

that you write

Bias• a particular tendency or inclination,

especially one that prevents unprejudiced consideration

Abstract

• Considered apart from concrete existence.

Concrete• Of or relating to an actual, specific

thing or instance. Existing in reality.