Which rhetorical technique uses broad, positive terms to evoke approval without offering specifics?

Which rhetorical technique uses broad, positive terms to evoke approval without offering specifics?

• A. Glittering generality
• B. Repetition
• C. Bandwagon
• D. Plain folks

Answer: (A)

This technique uses broad, positive terms to evoke approval without specifics. It works by packing statements with virtuous-sounding words like freedom, justice, or progress that carry favorable associations but don’t provide concrete details or commitments. Because the terms are vague and appealing, audiences feel good about the idea without needing to evaluate how it would actually work, making it easy to gain approval. Repetition, bandwagon, and plain folks involve different tactics—repeating phrases for emphasis, encouraging people to follow the crowd, or presenting the speaker as an ordinary person—so they don’t rely on the broad, value-laden language that glittering generalities do. This is why glittering generalities is the best fit for the described technique.

This technique uses broad, positive terms to evoke approval without specifics. It works by packing statements with virtuous-sounding words like freedom, justice, or progress that carry favorable associations but don’t provide concrete details or commitments. Because the terms are vague and appealing, audiences feel good about the idea without needing to evaluate how it would actually work, making it easy to gain approval.

Repetition, bandwagon, and plain folks involve different tactics—repeating phrases for emphasis, encouraging people to follow the crowd, or presenting the speaker as an ordinary person—so they don’t rely on the broad, value-laden language that glittering generalities do. This is why glittering generalities is the best fit for the described technique.