AP Lang Rhetorics 1

Credibility

The trustworthiness or believability of a speaker or writer, often established through expertise, tone, or reputation.

Emotion

The use of language to appeal to the audience's feelings to persuade or connect with them.

Logic

Reasoning based on evidence and clear principles to support an argument or conclusion.

Simile

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as.'

Metaphor

A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things by saying one is the other.

Analogy

A comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

Anecdote

A short, personal story used to illustrate a point or engage the audience.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a well-known person, event, text, or cultural element.

Illustrate

To clarify or explain something by providing examples or imagery.

Clarify

To make an idea or statement easier to understand by elaborating or simplifying.

Set a mood

To establish a particular emotional atmosphere or tone in writing.

Exemplify

To show or represent something clearly through examples.

Associate

To connect ideas or concepts in the reader's mind to reinforce meaning or argument.

Amplify

To expand upon an idea or point for emphasis or deeper understanding.

Synthesis

Combining ideas from multiple sources to form a coherent, unified argument.

Attribution

The act of crediting a source or author when referencing their ideas or words.

Complexity

The presence of multiple, often conflicting, layers of meaning or perspectives in an issue.

Oversimplification

Reducing a complex issue to a simple, often misleading explanation.

Generalization

A broad statement made about a group or concept based on limited evidence.

Absolute term

A word that leaves no room for exception, such as 'always,' 'never,' or 'everyone.'

Qualify

To limit or refine a claim by acknowledging exceptions or conditions.

Invalid argument

A claim that lacks logical consistency or is not supported by sound reasoning.

Perspective

A particular point of view or attitude toward a subject.

Counterargument

An opposing viewpoint presented to challenge or refute the main argument.

Deductive reasoning

A logical process where a general principle leads to a specific conclusion.

Inductive reasoning

Drawing a general conclusion based on specific observations or evidence.

Causal reasoning

Explaining events or phenomena by identifying a cause-and-effect relationship.

Comparative reasoning

Drawing conclusions or making arguments by comparing similarities or differences between two or more things.

Illogical / specious arguments

Reasoning that appears logical at first but is actually flawed or deceptive.

Non sequitur

A conclusion that does not logically follow from the preceding statement or argument.

Deductive flaw

An error in reasoning where the conclusion does not logically follow from the general premise.

Inductive flaw

A faulty generalization made from insufficient or unrepresentative evidence.

Either-or fallacy

Presenting only two options when more possibilities exist, often in a way that misleads.

Causal fallacy

Incorrectly assuming a cause-and-effect relationship without sufficient evidence.

Comparative flaw

Making a flawed comparison that lacks relevance or equivalence.

Overgeneralization

Making a sweeping statement that applies broadly without enough evidence.

Ad hominem

Attacking the person rather than the argument they are making.

Red herring fallacy

Introducing an irrelevant topic to distract from the original issue.

Coherence

The logical and consistent connection of ideas in writing, making it easy to follow.

Parallel structure

Using the same grammatical pattern in a series of elements to create rhythm and clarity.

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting ideas or images next to each other to highlight differences or create effect.

Sensory language

Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses to create vivid imagery.