AP Language and Composition Rhetorical Choices Flashcards

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject, audience, or both; often described with an adjective (e.g., sarcastic, serious).

Diction

The author’s word choice, which creates tone (e.g., formal diction, inclusive diction, derogatory diction).

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses and often creates emotional responses (e.g., dark imagery, joyful imagery).

Simile

A comparison using “like” or “as.”

Ex. She is like a flower.

Metaphor

A direct comparison without using “like” or “as.”

Ex. She is a flower.

Analogy

A more complex comparison used to explain an idea by showing similarities.

Ex. Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting ideas/images side by side to highlight their differences.

Ex. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

Ex. I’ve told you a million times!

Enumeration

Listing parts, details, causes, or effects.

Ex. Eyes, hair, nose, lips…

Irony

Saying the opposite of what is meant for humor or emphasis.

Ex. “Lovely weather!” (during a thunderstorm).

Repetition

Repeating words, phrases, or ideas for emphasis or rhythm.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same beginning consonant sound in a sequence.

Ex. Let us lead the land we love.

Parallel Structure

Similar grammatical structures in a series of words, phrases, or clauses.

Ex. I want to hike, fish, and relax.

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word(s) at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

Ex. “Let freedom ring…”

Hypophora

Asking a question and then immediately answering it.

Ex. “What did America do? It appealed to heroism…”

Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect with an obvious answer, not meant to be answered.

Ex. Isn’t that amazing?

Allusion

A brief reference to a well

Ex. “Plan ahead: it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.”

Anecdote

A short, true story used as evidence to support an argument.

Hypothetical Example

An imagined scenario used to illustrate a point or support a claim.

Personification

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things or abstract ideas.

Ex. The wind whispered through the trees.

Ethos

An appeal to credibility or shared values to gain the audience’s trust.

Logos

An appeal to logic using facts, statistics, or reasoning.

Pathos

An appeal to emotion intended to evoke feelings like sympathy, anger, or joy.