AP LANG RHETORIC QUIZ

why are there so many lang quizzes???? omg

Rhetoric

• The art of using language effectively and persuasively to communicate an idea or achieve a purpose.

Form

How something is said — structure, style, organization, and delivery.

Content

• What is said — the actual ideas, arguments, or information.

Context

The situation in which the text was produced.

Time/Place

When and where the text appears.

Occasion

The specific event or reason prompting the writer to speak/write.

Purpose

The goal or intended effect of the text (to inform, persuade, entertain, etc.).

Bias

prejudice or preference that affects how the speaker presents information.

Thesis

overall main idea.

Claim

smaller supporting argument.

Assertion

confident statement of belief.

Subject

The topic or issue being discussed.

Persona

The “mask” or version of themselves the author uses for this particular text.

Rhetorical Triangle

• Represents the relationship between speaker, audience, and subject.

  • Effective rhetoric balances all three.

Ethos

Credibility/trust (Why should I believe you?)

Pathos

Emotion (How does this make me feel?)

Logos

Logic (Does this make sense?)

Tone

• The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience.

  • Example tones: serious, sarcastic, hopeful, critical.

Exigence

The spark or problem that prompts the author to write or speak.

• “Why is the author writing about this now?”

Paradigm

A framework or pattern of thinking; how people commonly understand something at a certain time.

Arrangement

The organization of ideas in a text (how it’s structured for effect).

• Example: introduction → background → argument → counterargument → conclusion.

Speaker

Who is speaking/writing? What do we know about them?

Audience

Who is the intended audience? What are their beliefs or values?

Context

What’s happening in the world or situation surrounding the text?

Exigence

What problem, need, or event prompted the text?

Choices

What rhetorical strategies/devices does the author use? (diction, syntax, anecdotes, etc.)

Appeals

Which rhetorical appeals are used — ethos, pathos, logos?

Narration

Tells a story or recounts events.

Description

Uses sensory details to paint a picture.

Exemplification

Provides examples to illustrate a point.

Comparison and Contrast

Shows similarities and/or differences.

Cause and Effect

Explains why something happened or what results from it.

Classification and Division

Organizes ideas into categories or parts.

Definition

Explains the meaning of a term or concept.

Process Analysis

Explains how something works or how to do something.

Argumentation

Makes a claim and supports it with evidence and reasoning.