Rhetorical Devices Quiz

Name:

Date:

Instructions: Master the art of persuasion by identifying powerful rhetorical techniques used in speeches and writing

1.
What rhetorical device involves asking a question that does not require an answer?
A
Anaphora
B
Chiasmus
C
Rhetorical question
D
Antithesis
2.
What is 'anaphora'?
A
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
B
An exaggeration for emphasis
C
A mild way of expressing something unpleasant
D
A comparison without using 'like' or 'as'
3.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I have a dream...' repeated at the start of successive sentences is an example of:
A
Anaphora
B
Hyperbole
C
Litotes
D
Metaphor
4.
What is 'antithesis' in rhetoric?
A
The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases
B
The repetition of vowel sounds
C
A long, winding sentence
D
An appeal to emotion
5.
'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' is an example of:
A
Onomatopoeia
B
Simile
C
Metonymy
D
Antithesis
6.
What is 'chiasmus'?
A
An appeal to authority
B
A comparison using 'like'
C
A reversal of the order of words in parallel phrases
D
A figure of speech using exaggeration
7.
'Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country' is an example of:
A
Euphemism
B
Hyperbole
C
Chiasmus
D
Anaphora
8.
In Aristotle's model of persuasion, what does 'ethos' refer to?
A
An appeal to logic
B
An appeal to the speaker's credibility or character
C
An appeal to emotion
D
An appeal to tradition
9.
What does 'pathos' mean in rhetoric?
A
An appeal to emotion
B
An appeal to the audience's sense of humor
C
An appeal to logic and reason
D
An appeal to credibility
10.
What does 'logos' refer to in persuasive rhetoric?
A
An appeal to logic and reason
B
An appeal to emotion
C
An appeal to tradition
D
An appeal to authority
11.
What is 'metonymy'?
A
An extreme exaggeration
B
Repeating the same consonant sounds
C
Substituting the name of something with something closely associated with it
D
A question that does not need an answer
12.
Using 'the Crown' to refer to the British monarchy is an example of:
A
Personification
B
Simile
C
Metaphor
D
Metonymy
13.
What rhetorical device involves a deliberate understatement for emphasis or effect?
A
Apostrophe
B
Anaphora
C
Litotes
D
Hyperbole
14.
Saying 'not bad' to mean 'good' is an example of:
A
Antithesis
B
Synecdoche
C
Hyperbole
D
Litotes
15.
What is 'synecdoche'?
A
The use of contradictory terms
B
The repetition of a word for emphasis
C
A question asked for effect
D
A figure of speech where a part represents the whole or vice versa

Answer Key

Question 1

C. Rhetorical question

Question 2

A. The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses

Question 3

A. Anaphora

Question 4

A. The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases

Question 5

D. Antithesis

Question 6

C. A reversal of the order of words in parallel phrases

Question 7

C. Chiasmus

Question 8

B. An appeal to the speaker's credibility or character

Question 9

A. An appeal to emotion

Question 10

A. An appeal to logic and reason

Question 11

C. Substituting the name of something with something closely associated with it

Question 12

D. Metonymy

Question 13

C. Litotes

Question 14

D. Litotes

Question 15

D. A figure of speech where a part represents the whole or vice versa

Find more free puzzles and brain games at www.SeniorBrainGames.org