Text Tools

Tool	Definition
Connotation	The cultural or emotional association a word has (in addition to its literal meaning).
Denotation	The literal meaning (dictionary definition) of a word.
Ethos	A mode of persuasion. An appeal to the authority or credibility of the author, as well as the shared moral values of his audiences.
Evidence	What the author uses to persuade readers of their argument. Evidence can take a variety of forms and certain audiences will be more persuaded by certain kinds of evidence.
Logos	A mode of persuasion. An appeal to logic.
Structure	The way the author has organized a text. This includes any marked textual divisions or subheadings.
Syntax	The arrangement of words or phrases in a sentence. An author’s grammatical decisions.
Tone	Tone is the implied attitude towards the subject matter. Tone can help reveal an author’s unstated assumptions. Tone is often supported with connotation and/or denotation.