AP English Language Rhetorical Analysis and Argumentation Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing essential AP English Language concepts on argument structure, types of evidence, methods of synthesis, and rhetorical analysis.

Argument

Making an assertion and supporting it with evidence, rather than simply disagreeing with someone.

Claim

An assertion used to build an argument that makes up lines of reasoning, expressing the writer's opinion or stance.

Evidence

Author support for reasons or claims that helps convince an audience, which effective writers select based on their rhetorical situation and target audience.

Types of Evidence

Varieties of support including facts, anecdotes, analogies, stats, details, illustrations, expert opinion, personal observation & experience, testimonies, and experiments.

Effective Reasons and Claims

Claims that are interesting, do not state the obvious, include evidence, consider the rhetorical situation, and are organized.

Patterns of Organization

Logical arrangements of topics or claims in an argument, including sequence/chronological description, cause/effect, comparison/contrast, problem/solution, order of importance, logical by topics/claims, or a combination.

Methods for Incorporating Others' Writing

Three techniques used to integrate outside sources into an argument: quotations, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

Signal Words

Verbs used by writers when presenting evidence, such as argues, asserts, contends, emphasizes, explains, and observes.

Embedded Quote

A quotation integrated directly into an essay as an explanation.

Paraphrasing

Changing the original text into your own words.

Summarizing

Stating the central idea and conclusion of the original text.

Analyzing an Argument

Evaluating the choices a writer makes for a specific purpose and audience, including organizational patterns and evidence effectiveness, rather than simply listing components or rhetorical devices.