ap lang q1 basic terms

argumentation

the purpose of argumentation is to prove the validity of an idea, or a pov,, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation having an additional aim of urging some form of action.

artistic appeal

support for an argument that a writer creates based on principles of reason and shared knowledge rather than on facts and evidence

attitude

the writer’s personal views or feelings about the subject at hand

concession

when writers concede, they accept all or a portion of a competing position or claim as correct, agree that the competing position or claim is correct under a different set of circumstances, or acknowledge the limitations of their own argument

connotation

the moods/associations/implications of a word or phrase, as opposed to its exact meaning

coutnerargument

the argument(s) against the author’s position

deductive

a form of logical argumentation that uses claims or premises, where the author assumes that you will accept the claims as true and that you will then deduce the correct conclusion from the accepted premises at the outset

denotation

the literal meaning of a word; the dictionary definition

description

the purpose of description is to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five senses in description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive writing may be straightforward and objective or highly emotional and subjective

ethos

setting up a source as credible and trustworthy

evidence

the info presented meant to persuade the audience of the author’s position

exigence

a part of the rhetorical situation that motivates a writer to create a text. it can be an event, situation, or problem that inspires, stimulates, or provokes a writer to respond through language and rhetoric. The term comes from the Latin word for “demand."

explicit thesis

an explicitly thesis directly states the writer’s main idea/position and provides a clear direction for the essay

exposition

the purpose of exposition (or expository writing) is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. the AP language exam essay questions are frequently expository topics

hard evidence

support for an argument using facts, statistics, testimony, or other evidence the writer finds

implicit thesis

an implicit thesis is a thesis statement that is suggested or hinted at through language, supporting details, and other elements rather than being explicitly stated. implicit thesis statements are conveyed indirectly and can be found in multiple locations throughout a work

inartistic appeal

support for an argument using facts, statistics, eyewitness testimony, or other evidence the writer finds rather than creates

inductive reasoning

making a generalization based on specific evidence at hand

intended readers

the actual, real-life people whom a writer consciously wants to address in a piece of writing

line of reasoning

the formal structure of an argument. in other words, the way that claims and reasons are arranged to lead to the conclusion

logos

appealing to someone’s sense of concrete facts and logic

modifiers

words, phrases, or clauses that can be used to qualify an argument and convey perspective. they can add detail to a sentence making it clearer, more specific or more engaging. also help writers be confident when their evidence or claim is open to doubt

narration

the purpose of narration is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. uses the tools of descriptive writing

occasion

the reason or moment for writing or speaking

pathos

Aristotle’s appeal to someone’s emotions

phrase

a grouping of words that define or clarify; a group of words that is not a sentence because there is no verb

purpose

author’s persuasive intention

qualification/qualifier

a limitation placed on a position/argument so as to avoid an absolute claim. academic argument is typically about probability and possibility, not certainty, so it’s more credible. typically words or phrases that limit the scope of a claim": usually; in a few cases, under these circumstances, etc.

rebuttal

when writers rebut, they offer a contrasting perspective on an argument and its evidence or provide alternative evidence to propose that all or a portion of a competing position or claim is invalid

refutation

when writers refute, they demonstrate, using evidence, that all or a portion of a competing position or claim is invalid

rhetoric

from the Greek for “orator,” this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively

rhetorical analysis

involves examining how the author structures their argument and uses rhetoric to achieve their purpose. you’ll need to practice identifying the various rhetorical strategies in the texts you read

rhetorical appeals/Aristotelian appeals

they include ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic). help authors persuade their audience

rhetorical devices

some examples include simile, metaphor, personification, parallelism, alliteration, and hyperbole.

rhetorical modes

describes the variety, conventions, and purpose of major kinds of writing. four most common rhetorical modes (modes of discourse) are: exposition, argumentation, description, and narration

rhetorical shift

this occurs when the author of an essay significantly alters his or her diction, syntax, or both

rhetorical situaton

can be described in five parts: purpose, audience, topic, writer, and context. these parts work together to better describe the circumstances and contexts of a piece of writing, which if understood properly, can help you make smart writing choices in your work

rhetorical traingle

consists of the speaker, audience, and subject.

scope of the argument

breadth and the complexity of the central concern of your paper, including all of the points that you must establish for your readers to understand your central concern, as well as all of the significant issues that you must address in order to present a fair, well-considered argument

speaker

the persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author

style

author’s own approach to rhetoric in the piece (similar to voice)

syntax and sentence structure

includes sentence length, punctuation, parallelism, and variety. determine author’s style and how writing contributes to argument

synthesis

combining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point

tone

the manner in which a writer expresses her/her attitude toward the subject and audience; mainly expressed through diction, syntax, and point of view

voice

an author’s unique sound (similar to style)