AP English Lang - Rhetorical Strategies

Connotation / Diction

association implied by specific word or phrase.

writer evokes or galvanizes certain emotions from the audience.

Metaphor, Simile, or Imagery

puts a picture or image in the minds of the listener.

helps the audience “picture” what might be a difficult concept; promotes understanding.

Juxtaposition

Placing of contrasting characters, settings, characters, or other literary elements in opposition.

highlights or underscores differences between two things in the mind of the audience

Counterargument

When the arguer anticipates the counterarguments and counters them before they are made. (Although, While some claim…)

has the audience further believe or side with the writer since the writer is disputing possible claims that go against their stance.

forced teaming

The author/speaker uses “we” or “our.”

persuades the reader that they are a part of the plant; establishes trust. Galvanizes audience to take action.

ethos

appealing to speaker’s credibility

establishes the speaker’s credentials or authority to speak on a particular issue; fosters a sense of trust. (uses anecdotes)

pathos

appealing to emotion.

evokes a sense of empathy, sympathy, anger, guilt, or any other emotions in the audience.

logos

appealing yo logic; citing statistics, data, etc to prove the speaker’s point/argument.

convinces, persuades, and assures the audience that statistics/data clearly support the validity of the speaker’s point or thesis.

colloquial language

uses causal language or slang

shapes a message to resonate with audience (eg young people); Speaker connects with the audience by mimicking their language, thus enhancing their credibility.

anaphora

repetition of a word or phrase

emphasizes/underscores/highlights the speaker’s opinion; reminds the audience of the main point.

rhetorical question

a question proposed that is not supposed to be answered.

Invites the audience to reflect on the topic or consider it. Signals a change in speech or literary work. Encourages self-reflection or thinking about the issue.

anecdote

a short narrative of an incident

establishes a speaker’s credibility to comment on a certain idea or event; establishes a sense of emotion and trust; appeals to the audience’s current emotion.