Rhetorical terms AP Lang

rhetorical analysis

a type of writing that examines HOW an author achieves a specific purpose

rhetorical situation

the situation from which writing emerges

• speaker, purpose (understand+do), audience, context, exigence (motivation to write…)

rhetorical appeal

a primary mode of persuasion intended to impact an audience

• ethos, logos, pathos

allusion

• short, personal story that told in order to highlight a greater point

• ex. MLK told a story of how he got arrested because of a permit —> highlights the difference between just and unjust laws in order to support his argument

diction

• an author’s word choice

connotation

an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal meaning

tone

the attitude of an author towards a certain subject

juxtaposition

side-by-side comparison of two things for purpose of comparison or contrast

repetition

the action of repeating something that has already been said or written

enumeration/ listing

• the act of stating a list of things on after another

shift

a change or movement in a piece from one point or idea to another

rhetorical question

a question posed for effect, not requiring an answer

anaphora

the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses

ex. THEIR RIGHT to live in peace. THEIR RIGHT to be treated with dignity.

epistrophe

repetition of word or phrases at the end of sentences

• like anaphora but at the end of a sentence instead of the beginning

paradox

a statement that appears to contract itself, but may contain an element of the truth

• “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times”

• contrasting concepts

alliteration

repetition of the first consonant sounds, occuring close together in a series

• might mountains (have to have a similar sound ex. cat and chance is not an alliteration (ch does not sound like a c)

How do you evaluate ethos in writing?

• why should readers trust the author?

• What is this person’s reputation?

• With what authority does this person speak?

How do writers establish ethos?

• reference quotes from experts on the topic

• description of personal qualifications

• acknowledgement of weaknesses in their argument/ shows opposing view point —> indicates the author’s honesty

How can you evaluate pathos in text?

• what are the collective beliefs of the audience?

• what emotions does the author want the reader to experience?

• What details makes the audience feel these emotions?

• What is the audience supposed to do because of these emotions?

How do writers establish pathos in their writing?

• personal stories/ anecdotes

• allusion to people, places, events

• symbols that represent abstract meanings (the Mockingjay)

• words with strong connotation

• sensory details —> imagery, figurative language, comparisons

How can readers evaluate logos in text?

• is the argument reasonable?

• does the evidence support the claim?

• What evidence is provided?

How do writers establish logos in their writing?

• claims that state an opinion or point of view

• reasoning to draw inferences and conclusions

• evidence, including statistics and data

• expert opinions

rhetorical analysis thesis statement

In his/her tone word speech/article to audience, writer (choice 1) and (choice 2) in order to purpose (do + understand)

Body paragraph topic sentences

In the first/ second half, speaker "+ Rhetorically accurate verb (not uses) + claim

first paragraph - before shift

second - what is going on after the shift

What to do in your introduction

• start with hook (probably rhetorical question)

• explain rhetorical situation (SPACE)

• thesis with specific rhetorical choices, a message, purpose, or argument

Body paragraph

• topic sentence (in the first/ second half the speaker +RAV + claim)

• claim = what the author is alluding, listing to, etc.

• embedded evidence (two pieces of evidence per body paragraph/ rhetorical choices)

• commentary /explanation - always longer than your evidence - include rhetorical appeals

what are some good rhetorically accurate verbs?

conveys, demonstrates, emphasizes, illustrates, declares, implies, reveals, underscores, suggests