AP Language and Composition Semester 1

Study Material from 1st Semester

How does Ishmael Beah use personification in A Long Way Gone, and what effect does it have on the reader?

Beah uses personification, especially when describing the moon, to create a sense of mystery and connection to the natural world.

Another example, in the end, Beah states that if approached by the monkey as the hunter, he would “shoot the monkey.” This personification represented his wanting to stop the perpetual violence in his country.

Explain the significance of Beah’s nickname, “Green Snake,” during his time as a child soldier.

The nickname “Green Snake” illustrates Beah’s transformation into a dangerous, almost reptilian, soldier, suggesting dehumanization and the loss of his innocence.

What is the primary purpose of King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” and how does he address his audience’s concerns?

King sought to respond to the criticism he received from people that he considered to be colleagues by methodically addressing each of their claims.

How does King use the concept of “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” to support his central argument?

“I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (Paragraph 5)

“The presence of injustice necessitates a nonviolent response in order to repair the harms of prejudice and discrimination.”

Explain how direct action in Birmingham unfolded, according to King, and why this slow build was necessary.

After undergoing mental preparation and training, activists made considerations about the timing of holiday shopping seasons as well as the mayoral election.

Define the three rhetorical appeals (logos, pathos, ethos) and provide a brief example of each in a real-world scenario.

• Logos is an appeal to logic (presenting statistics)

• Pathos is an appeal to emotion (sharing a personal story)

• Ethos is establishing credibility (highlighting one’s expertise)

Describe the relationship between the three points of the rhetorical triangle.

The speaker delivers a message to a specific audience, and the effectiveness of that message is determined by the relationship between these points, which are all essential elements to persuasive communication.

How does a writer’s diction and tone contribute to the effectiveness of their argument?

Diction, or word choice, creates a specific style and tone, shaping the reader’s perception and influencing the emotional and intellectual impact of the message, ultimately making the argument more persuasive.

What is the difference between denotation and connotation, and how does it impact a reader’s understanding of a text?

Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word while connotation is the emotional association attached to the word. Connotation adds layers of meaning that impact a reader’s understanding.

How does understanding the exigence and kairos of a text aid in its analysis?

Exigence is the need or reason for speaking and kairos is the opportune moment. Understanding these elements allows readers to see the context behind a piece and why it is relevant to its intended audience.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural associations that a word carries, beyond it literal definition.

Counterargument

an opposing viewpoints or argument presented to refute the main argument

Denotation

the literal or dictionary definition of a word

Diction

A writer or speaker’s choice of words, especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. This is not something only skilled writers use; everyone uses diction!

Ethos

The appeal to credibility and characters, used to establish trust and authority with an audience

Exigence

The urgent need or situation that prompts a speaker to write or speak, the impetus for communication

Kairos

the opportune moment for persuasion; understanding the situational context for rhetoric

Logos

the appeal to logic and reason, using facts, evidence, and rational arguments to persuade

Pathos

the appeal to emotions, used to evoke feelings or empathy in an audience

Personification

the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities or objects

Rhetorical Triangle

a model representing the relationship between the speaker, audience, and message in a persuasive situation

Tone

the attitude or feeling conveyed by a piece of writing, influenced by word choice, style, and context