AP Language Rhetorical Terms

Vocabulary flashcards defining core rhetorical terms for AP Language.

Idea

an abstract concept that presents a speaker’s unique stance and serves to unify an argument

Argument

a claim justified through a unified line of reasoning that is supported with evidence; a successfully supported message

Rhetoric

the art of persuasion; creating a text that conveys a message designed to influence an audience; a message created to appeal to a specific audience

Rhetorical Choice

the strategic and intentional decisions a speaker makes to achieve specific effects

Exigence

what has specifically prompted or motivated the particular speaker to create this text?

Context

In what time and place was the text created or delivered? What is the specific circumstance or occasion? What historical, political, and or cultural event is this particular situation or context embedded within?

Audience

Intended audience of the rhetorical writing to appeal to, based on what beliefs they hold and if said beliefs are shared or not shared with the speaker.

Diction

The specific word choices writers make to convey their ideas.

Commentary

a speaker’s explanation that connects evidence to a line of reasoning and the unifying idea of the claim. (explains how choices convey message(s))

Syntax

The specific selection and arrangement of sentences within a text

Line of Reasoning

the sequence of reasons that work together to support the unifying idea and perspective of a speaker’s argument

Simple sentence

an independent clause that expresses a complete thought (subject and verb) and often emphasizes a writer’s main idea.

Fragment

a broken thought or idea, or an incomplete part of a sentence used intentionally for emphasis

Style

the cumulative effect of a writer’s choices, including diction, syntax, tone, and other elements of writing

Tone

a speaker’s attitude toward the subject expressed through diction, syntax, and other elements of style.