C2 Grammar: Rhetorical & Stylistic Devices

C2 Grammar: Rhetorical & Stylistic Devices
ESL Structure Curriculum

ESL Grammar Course

C2: Mastery

An image of a classic Greek orator or a quill pen writing an elegant script, representing rhetoric

Rhetorical & Stylistic Devices

At the mastery level, grammar is not just about correctness, but also about effectiveness and style. Rhetorical and stylistic devices are techniques used in writing and speaking to create a particular effect, such as to persuade, to emphasize, or to add elegance to one’s language.

Key Stylistic Devices

1. Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses for emphasis.

  • Example: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets…”

2. Antithesis: Juxtaposing two opposing or contrasting ideas, often in parallel structure.

  • Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

3. Chiasmus: A verbal pattern in which the second half of an expression is balanced against the first with the parts reversed.

  • Example: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

Identify the Device

1. “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” This is an example of:

2. “Mad world! Mad kings! Mad composition!” (William Shakespeare). This is an example of:

3. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (William Shakespeare). This is an example of:

4. Which sentence uses inversion for emphasis?

5. “Many are called, but few are chosen.” This is an example of: