AP English Language & Composition Ultimate Guide (copy)

What is rhetoric?

Rhetoric refers to language as a means of persuasion, specifically the strategies an author uses to impact an audience.

What does 'X' represent in rhetoric?

'X' represents the specific rhetorical strategies an author uses.

What does 'Y' refer to in the context of rhetorical strategies?

'Y' refers to how the rhetorical strategies in the text impact the audience.

What does 'Z' represent in rhetorical analysis?

represents a text’s theme or argument, which is what the author is trying to persuade the audience of.

What is diction?

Diction refers to an author's choice of words, which can affect the style and tone of a text.

What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

Denotation is a word's primary or literal significance, while connotation refers to the additional meanings that a word suggests.

What is syntax?

Syntax is the ordering of words in a sentence; it describes sentence structure and how it conveys meaning.

What is figurative language?

Figurative language is speech or writing that departs from literal meaning to achieve a special effect or meaning.

What is imagery in writing?

uses vivid or metaphorical language to create mental images for readers.

What is hyperbole?

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally, often used for effect.

What is understatement?

Understatement is a figure of speech that presents facts in a way that makes them appear less significant than they actually are.

What is a simile?

A simile is a comparison between two unlike objects using 'like' or 'as'.

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike objects without using 'like' or 'as'.

What is an extended metaphor?

An extended metaphor is a metaphor that lasts for more than one sentence or phrase.

What is symbolism in literature?

Symbolism is the use of a concrete object to represent an abstract idea.

What is personification?

Personification is a figurative device where inanimate objects or concepts are given human qualities or actions.

What is a euphemism?

a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.

What is a rhetorical question?

A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.

What is irony?

a figure of speech in which words are used to convey the opposite of their literal meaning.

What is logos?

Logos is an appeal to logic and reason in an argument.

What is ethos?

Ethos is an appeal to credibility and character in an argument.

What is pathos?

appeal to emotions in an argument.

What are rhetorical modes?

Rhetorical modes are ways of using language that are intended to have an effect on the audience.

What is classification in writing?

Classification is a rhetorical mode that involves sorting information into meaningful groups.

What is process analysis?

Process analysis is a rhetorical mode that explains how to do something or how something was done.

What is cause and effect thinking?

Cause and effect thinking explains the processes responsible for events or outcomes.

What is definition in writing?

Definition is a rhetorical mode that explains the meaning of a word or concept.

What is description in writing?

a rhetorical mode that communicates a scene, place, or person to the reader using vivid details.

What is narration?

Narration is a storytelling technique in which information is arranged chronologically.

What is induction?

Induction is the process of using specific examples to reach a general conclusion.

What is deduction?

Deduction involves applying a generalization to reach a conclusion about a specific case.

What is a rhetorical fallacy?

A rhetorical fallacy is faulty reasoning that leads to a conclusion unsupported by evidence.

What is ad hominem fallacy?

attacks the character of the person making an argument instead of addressing the argument itself.

What is a slippery slope fallacy?

A slippery slope fallacy asserts that a small first step will lead to a chain of related events culminating in a significant impact.

What is a straw man fallacy?

A straw man fallacy misrepresents or oversimplifies an opposing argument to make it easier to attack.

What is hasty generalization?

A hasty generalization fallacy draws a conclusion based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence.

What is circular reasoning?

where the conclusion is included in the premise.