AP Lang Midterm Exam Study Guide Fall 2023

Alliteration (Rhetorical Device)

Alliteration (Rhetorical Device)

The repetition of the same sound at the start of a series of words that gives a piece of writing a lulling, lyrical, and/or emotive effect. (Ex. “Harry hurried home”)

Anaphora (Rhetorical Device)

Anaphora is repetition at the beginning of a sentence to create emphasis. (Ex. “Give me liberty, or give me death”)

Antithesis (Rhetorical Device)

Antithesis places opposite words, ideas, or qualities parallel to each other. (Ex. “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer”)

Ethos (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that appeals to ethics; the author establishes a sense of persuasion through the use of their own credibility, status, professionalism, research, or the credibility of their sources.

Pathos (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that appeals to emotions; the author means to persuade an audience by purposely evoking certain emotions to make them feel the way the author wants them to feel.

Logos (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that appeals to logic: the author means to appeal to the audiences' sense of reason or logic. The author makes clear, logical connections between ideas, and includes the use of facts and statistics.

Hyperbole (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. It is used to make a point or create a vivid image by overstating or magnifying something.

Allusion (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that refers to a well-known person, event, or piece of literature in order to make a comparison or create a connection.

Analogy (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that compares two different things to highlight their similarities.

Metaphor (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that compares two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another, often used to create vivid imagery and convey a deeper meaning.

Simile (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as", often used to make a description more vivid or to create a connection between two unrelated objects or ideas.

Diction (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that refers to the choice and use of words in speech or writing. It involves selecting words that convey a particular meaning, tone, or style. It can range from formal to informal, or specific to general, depending on the intended audience and purpose.

Tone (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that refers to the attitude or mood conveyed by a writer or speaker in a piece of writing or speech. It sets the overall atmosphere and helps to shape the reader's or listener's perception of the subject matter.

Imagery (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that uses descriptive language to create vivid mental images in the reader's mind. It appeals to the senses, such as sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, to enhance the reader's understanding and experience of the text.

Foreshadowing (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device where the author hints or suggests future events in a story. It creates suspense and prepares the reader for what is to come.

Syntax (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that refers to the arrangement of words and phrases in a sentence or a text.

Collective Pronouns (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that uses pronouns such as "we," "us," or "our," to refer to a group of people or things as a single entity, often used to create a sense of unity, inclusivity, or shared responsibility among the audience.

Parallel Structure (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that involves using grammatically similar structures or patterns in a sentence or paragraph. It helps create balance, clarity, and emphasis in writing or speaking.

Repetition (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that involves the repetition of words or phrases for emphasis or to create a memorable effect. It is used to reinforce key ideas or evoke certain emotions in the audience.

Irony (Rhetorical Device)

Rhetorical device that involves a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. It adds depth and complexity to literary works, often highlighting the difference between appearance and reality.

Rhetorical Triangle

A model used to analyze and understand the elements of persuasive communication. It consists of three components: ethos, pathos, and logos.

Elements of a rhetorical situation

The main elements of a rhetorical situation include the speaker, the audience, the purpose, the context, and the message being communicated.

Exigence

Refers to the urgency or need for communication or action in response to a particular situation or problem.

Opened Thesis Statement

A statement that presents the main argument or claim of an essay or research paper without explicitly stating the supporting points or evidence.

Position Thesis Statement

A concise statement that expresses the writer's stance on a specific topic.

Counterclaim Thesis Statement

A concise statement that presents an opposing viewpoint to the main argument.

Elements of a thesis

Consists of a clear and concise statement that presents the main argument or claim of a research paper or essay. It includes the topic, the main points or arguments, and the purpose of the paper.

Should you use “you” in essays?

NO DON’T DO THAT

What is the font and size of words in MLA format?

Times New Roman and 12 point font

Claim of Fact

A claim that is a statement that can be proven true or false.

Claim of Value

A claim that expresses a subjective judgment or evaluation.

Claim of Policy

A claim that is a statement advocating for a specific course of action or change.

Elements and goals of satire media

Uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society, often with the intention of bringing about change or exposing flaws.

Main points of A Modest Proposal

social critique on government, economy, and the suggestion of using Irish children as a source of food to solve poverty in Ireland.

Requirements for writing topic sentences in an argumentative essay

Sentences should be clear, concise, and focused. They should present the main idea or argument of each paragraph and relate directly to the thesis statement.

Andrew Capote’s overall purpose in writing In Cold Blood

to convey the multiple perspectives of a crime in order for the readers to view the killers as more than just the bad guys

Capote’s writing style in In Cold Blood

A style that combines elements of fact and fiction, often tying in journalism with plot-driving technique

What is The American Dream?

The belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.