AP Lang Topic 9: Analysis - Structure

Expository

A type of writing that explains, informs, or describes a topic in a clear and straightforward manner

Example: An article explaining the process of photosynthesis provides detailed information about how plants convert sunlight into energy.

Descriptive

Writing focused on providing vivid details to create a clear image of a person, place, thing, or event in the reader's mind

Example: “The old library smelled of musty books and polished wood, with tall shelves stretching toward the high ceiling, and soft rays of sunlight filtering through the dusty windows, casting a golden glow on the worn leather chairs”

Persuasive

Writing aimed to convince the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action

Example: Saying “Recycling should be mandatory in every community because it reduces waste, conserves natural resources, and helps protect the environment for future generations."

Narrative

Writing that tells a story, often with characters, a setting, and a plot, typically written in a chronological order.

Example: The book, To Kill a Mockingbird, uses a narrative style and is told by the perspective of a young girl, Scout

Propaganda

A form of communication aimed at influencing people's attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors, often by presenting biased or misleading information to promote a particular agenda.

Example: The US used a lot of wartime propaganda during WWI and WWII to convince people to support their country by buying war bonds

Eulogy

A speech or piece of writing that praises and honors someone who has passed away, often highlighting their accomplishments, character, and impact on others

Example: In Gilmore Girls, Rory writes a eulogy to honor the passing of her great-grandmother

Polemic

A strong, verbal attack or argument against a particular opinion, idea, or belief, often aimed at convincing others to reject it.

Example: Karl Marx wrote a polemic against capitalism in his Communist Manifesto that urged the government to establish a classless society

Epigraph

A brief quotation or phrase placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, or section, typically to suggest the theme or set the tone for the work

Example: In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the epigraph reads: "In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since." This sets a reflective tone for the text and sets the narrator up to look back on the past.

Epigram

A short, witty, and often paradoxical statement or poem that expresses a clever idea or observation.

Example: Oscar Wilde once said: "I can resist everything except temptation."

Epitaph

A short inscription or phrase commemorating a deceased person, typically found on a tombstone. It often reflects the person's life, character, or legacy.

Example: The epitaph on the tombstone of William Shakespeare reads:

"Good friend for Jesus' sake forbear,

To dig the dust enclosed here.

Blessed be the man that spares these stones,

And cursed be he that moves my bones."

This is a reminder of Shakespeare’s character and contributions.