AP English Midterm I

Rhetorical Situation

The context of a rhetorical event, consisting of the Text, Reader, Author, Constraints, and Exigence.

Text

The argument presented, which can be written, visual, or spoken, and has characteristics that can be analyzed.

Reader

The audience that is interested in the topic and can change their perceptions as a result.

Author

The individual who develops the argument, aiming to convince a specific audience.

Constraints

External and internal factors that limit or influence the audience's reaction and the author's message.

Exigence

The problem or issue that signals the need for a rhetorical response.

Ethos

An appeal to ethics, credibility, or trustworthiness.

Pathos

An appeal to emotions in order to persuade or connect with the audience.

Logos

An appeal to logic, using facts and reasoning to support an argument.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in proximity to each other.

Antithesis

A rhetorical device expressing opposition or contrast between two ideas.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a person, event, or literary work.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

Chiasmus

A rhetorical device in which the structure of a phrase is reversed in the second part.

Climax

A three-step increase in words or phrases to enhance the importance.

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

Irony

A situation or expression in which the reality is opposite to what is expected.

Satire

A genre of writing that uses humor or irony to criticize or mock societal norms.

Metaphor

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things by stating that one is the other.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'.

Persona

The voice or character created by the author to deliver a point of view.

Personification

A figure of speech giving human qualities to non-human things.

Imagery

Language that evokes sensory experience and mental pictures.

Analogy

A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

Repetition

The reuse of a word, phrase, or structure to add emphasis.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect rather than to elicit an answer.

Anecdote

A short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

Segregation

The separation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary means.

Desegregation

The process of ending the separation of people based on race.

Dismay

Concern and distress caused by something unexpected.

Exasperates

Intensely irritated and frustrated.

Ostracized

Excluded from a group, deliberately left out.

Scrutiny

Critical observation or examination.

Superficial

Comprehending only what is on the surface, without deeper meaning.

Integration

To form or blend into a functioning whole.

Controversy

A prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion.

Stellar

Having the quality of a star performer.

Sexism

Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination based on sex.

Absurdity

The state of being ridiculous or wildly unreasonable.

Penalties

Punishment for breaking a rule or law.

Injustice

A lack of fairness or justice.

Champion

A person who supports or defends a cause.

Hysterical

Affected by wildly uncontrolled emotion.