Rhetorical Analysis

important terms to know for AP Lang!

Allusion

An indirect reference with the intent to remind someone of what they’re referencing.

Simile

To compare one thing to another using “like” or “as”

Metaphor

To compare two things without “like” or “as”, phrasing it as if it’s literal.

Ethos

Ethical appeal- demonstrating credibility

Logos

Logical appeal- use of statistics/data to prove ones argument

Pathos

Emotional appeal- using morality to connect with and spark a feeling in your audience.

Parallel Structure

Using words, phrases, or sentences of a similar length.

Repetition

Use of a phrase or word multiple times to hammer in a point.

Irony

Saying the opposite of what one means to convey their actual point- basically, professional sarcasm.

Acknowledge Counter-Argument & Rebuttal

Expressing an opposing argument, then demonstrating why it’s wrong.

Compare/Contrast

To show the similarities or differences between two or more things.

Juxtaposition

To contrast two ideas.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase in the beginning of consecutive (or nearby) clauses to add emphasis to them.

Apostrophe

Addressing something that cannot answer- speaking to an inanimate object or absent person.

Alliteration

Starting multiple words or every line in a row with the same sound/letter.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked without actual desire for a response.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements/claims not intended to be taken literally.

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms are used together.

SPACECAT

Speaker - who?

Purpose - why?

Audience - to whom?

Context - when?

Exigence - why now?

Choices - how?

Appeals - with what?

Tone - what way?

Diction

The type of words the author uses and the way they use them.