AP Lang Midterm: Rhetorical Choices

The rhetorical choices that you should know for the midterm.

alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely placed words (e.g., "She sells sea shells by the sea shore"). This literary device is often used to create rhythm, enhance mood, or emphasize particular phrases.

allusion

A brief reference to a well-known person, event, place, or work of art (e.g., "He has the patience of Job"). Used to suggest deeper meanings or connections.

anadiplosis

Repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next (e.g., "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate."). Used to create emphasis and build momentum in a passage.

anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences (e.g., "I have a dream... I have a dream..."). Used to create emphasis and rhythm in speech.

antimetabole

Repetition of words in reverse order in successive clauses (e.g., "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country"). Used to create a memorable and impactful contrast.

antithesis

Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in parallel structure (e.g., "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"). Used to create contrast and emphasize differences.

apostrophe

Direct address to an absent person, object, or idea (e.g., "O Death, where is thy sting?"). Used to invoke emotion or reflection.

asyndeton

Omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence (e.g., "I came, I saw, I conquered"). Used to create a sense of urgency or speed.

assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds within closely placed words (e.g., "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain"). Used to create rhythm and enhance musicality.

connotation

The implied or emotional meaning of a word, beyond its dictionary definition. Used to add depth and nuance to language.

consonance

Repetition of consonant sounds, typically at the end of words (e.g., "pitter-patter"). Used to enhance rhythm or harmony in a text.

denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word. Used to establish clear, objective meanings.

epigraph

A quote or phrase at the beginning of a text to suggest its theme. Used to provide context or introduce the central idea.

epistrophe

Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses (e.g., "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil"). Used to emphasize a key idea or create a rhythmic effect.

epanalepsis

Repetition of a word at the beginning and end of a clause (e.g., "The king is dead, long live the king"). Used to emphasize continuity or cyclical ideas.

ethical appeal (ethos)

Persuasion by establishing the credibility or ethical character of the speaker. Used to gain trust and persuade the audience by demonstrating authority or integrity.

euphemism

A polite or mild expression used to replace a harsh or offensive one (e.g., "passed away" for "died"). Used to soften the impact of sensitive or unpleasant topics.

hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse"). Used to create a dramatic or humorous effect.

litotes

Understatement using double negatives (e.g., "Not bad" meaning "Good"). Used to express modesty or subtly emphasize a point.

logical appeal (logos)

Persuasion through logical reasoning and evidence. Used to appeal to the audience’s intellect and present rational arguments.

loose sentence

A sentence where the main clause is followed by additional details (e.g., "I went to the store, bought some groceries, and headed home"). Used to convey a relaxed, conversational tone.

lyrical

Expressive, emotional, and poetic language or style. Used to evoke strong emotions and create beauty in expression.

metaphor

A direct comparison between two unrelated things (e.g., "Time is a thief"). Used to create vivid imagery and suggest deeper connections.

onomatopoeia

Words that imitate natural sounds (e.g., "buzz," "sizzle"). Used to make descriptions more vivid and engaging.

oxymoron

A figure of speech combining contradictory terms (e.g., "jumbo shrimp"). Used to provoke thought or highlight contrasts.

paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth (e.g., "Less is more"). Used to challenge assumptions or provoke deeper thought.

parallelism

Use of similar grammatical structures in related phrases (e.g., "She likes reading, writing, and drawing"). Used to create rhythm and emphasize relationships between ideas.

pathetic appeal (pathos)

Persuasion by appealing to emotions. Used to evoke sympathy, anger, or other feelings to influence the audience.

periodic sentence

A sentence where the main clause is placed at the end (e.g., "Despite the heavy rain and strong winds, the match continued"). Used to build suspense or emphasize the main point.

personification

Assigning human qualities to non-human things (e.g., "The wind whispered through the trees"). Used to create vivid imagery and emotional connection.

polysyndeton

The deliberate use of many conjunctions (e.g., "I laughed and talked and danced and sang"). Used to slow the pace or create a sense of abundance.

simile

A comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "Her smile was as bright as the sun"). Used to create vivid imagery and make descriptions relatable.

synecdoche

A part used to represent the whole (e.g., "All hands on deck"). Used to create concise, impactful descriptions.

metonymy

Substitution of a related term for what is meant (e.g., "The crown" for "the monarchy"). Used to create symbolic or associative meaning.

synesthesia

A description that blends sensory experiences (e.g., "a loud color"). Used to create unique, vivid descriptions that engage multiple senses.