AP English Language Essay Study Guide

Arguementation

Persuade the audience in the 1st or 3rd person using your own personal knowledge and experiences. Around ~40 minutes to write.

Synthesis

Inform the audience about what the prompt is asking the writer to do in the 3rd person. Around ~55 minutes

Rhetorical Analysis

Analyze the excerpt and evaluate how the author uses rhetorical devices to convey their message and persuade the audience. Around ~40 minutes

Argument Format

Introduction

• Acknowledge both sides of the issue

• Thesis (2 reasons)

Body Paragraph

• Topic Sentence

• Evidence

• Commentary

• Counter (?)

• Refutation w/ evidence

• Concluding Sentence

Conclusion

• Restate thesis

• Advice to opposition and a final thought on the topic.

Synthesis Format

Introduction

• Acknowledge both sides of the issue

• Thesis (3 reasons)

Body Paragraph

• Topic Sentence

• Evidence

• Commentary

• Counter (?)

• Refutation w/ evidence

• Concluding Sentence

Conclusion

• Restate thesis

• Advice to opposition and a final thought on the topic.

Rhetorical Analysis Format

Introduction

• TPT Sentence

• Thesis

Body Paragraph

• Topic Sentence

• Evidence

• Commentary

• Evidence

• Commentary

• Closing Sentence

Conclusion

• TPT & Thesis

• Explain author’s purpose and the effect it’s had on the analysis (?)