AP Language and Composition - Literary Skills

Argument’s purpose

Prove a claim is right

Argument tools

Facts, statistics, quotes, reasoning, and counterclaims

Argument clue words

Therefore, because, evidence shows… , according to…

When to use an argumentative essay

When trying to prove something is true or false

Persuasion’s purpose

Convince the reader to agree or take action

Persuasive tools

Emotional language, repetitions, strong tone, and rhetorical questions

Persuasion clue words

Must, should, act now, imagine

When to use a persuasive essay

When trying to influence feelings or actions

Opinion’s purpose

Share personal thoughts or beliefs

Opinion’s tools

Personal examples, feelings, first-person perspective

Opinion’s clue words

I think, I believe, in my opinion

When to use an opinions essay

When expressing personal views

Explanatory essay’s purpose

Explain or inform about a topic

Explanatory tools

Facts, definitions, steps, neutral tone

Explanatory clue words

Explains, describes, for example, how

When to use an explanatory essay

When teaching or explaining something