Rhetorical Devices
Writers have tools, called rhetorical devices, they can use to advance, or promote, their purpose for writing. There are many types of rhetorical devices; here are three:
enumeration — the writer lists words, phrases, and ideas to advance an idea
repetition — the writer repeats words and phrases for emphasis
qualifying statement — the writer adds a piece of evidence or information that alters an original statement; these statements often include words such as although, but, yet, still, almost, or more or less.
Read the passage below and think about what tools the author users to make to persuade the audience that the best way to see a sporting event is in person.
Sports should be enjoyed in person, not viewed from a television, phone, or computer screen. True fans enjoy the whole experience, from sharing the cheers and jeers to the smell of stadium hot dogs. Above all, though, when you watch your favorite player in each excruciating moment of play and share the victories with the team and the crowds, you are making a commitment to that team and sport. Can you imagine how lifeless a game played with no fans present would be?
Did you notice that the writer uses enumeration? The writer lists the ways that people shouldn’t watch sports to reinforce that it is better to watch in person. After the sentence that begins True fans…, the writer heightens that reason by adding: Above all, though, when you watch… you are making a commitment to that team and sport. That qualifying statement adds an even loftier goal for watching sports in person.
