AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Introduction

1. Contextualize the text (Author, title, date, form (speech, essay, article, etc)

2. Briefly describe the text’s subject and purpose.

3. Identify the audience and any relevant historical or cultural background.

4. Provide a thesis statement and directly state the author’s purpose in writing the work and the rhetorical strategies you will analyze

Body Paragraphs (3)

1. Topic sentence (state the rhetorical device or strategy discussed)

2. Context and Evidence (specific examples or quotes with context)

3. Analysis (explain how and why the rhetorical choice is effective, analyze the impact on the audience, and how it aligns with the author’s purpose)

4. Connect back to thesis statement

Conclusion

1. Restate thesis statement (reaffirm the author’s purpose and the main rhetorical strategies used)

2. Summarize key points (recap the strategies you analyzed and their impact)

3. Reflect on the broader implications of the text or its relevance to contemporary issues

Key Rhetorical Strategies (Appeals)

Ethos: Establishing credibility or authority, ex. citing expertise or shared values

Pathos: Evoking emotion, ex. anecdotes, imagery, charged language

Logos: Logical reasoning, ex. statistics, facts, clear arguments

Key Rhetorical Strategies (Style)

Diction: Word choice that creates tone or emphasizes key ideas

Syntax: Sentence structure, ex. short, impactful sentences to emphasize urgency

Imagery and Figurative Language: Metaphors, similes, and vivid descriptions.

Key Rhetorical Strategies (Organization)

1. Use of contrast or juxtaposition

2. Repetition to reinforce key ideas

3. Use of rhetorical questions to engage the audience