AP Lang Rhetorical Choices

Analogy

Comparing two things to explain or clarify an idea.

Alliteration

Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words close together.

Allusion

Indirect reference to a person, event, or literary work.

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.

Logos

Logical reasoning and evidence to support a claim.

Ethos

Appeal based on credibility or ethical character.

Pathos

Emotional appeal to persuade the audience.

Diction

The author's choice of words and style of expression.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.

Connotation

The implied or emotional meaning of a word beyond its dictionary definition.

Metaphor

Direct comparison saying one thing is another.

Simile

Comparison using 'like' or 'as.'

Juxtaposition

Placing contrasting ideas close together for effect.

Compare & Contrast

Identifying similarities and differences between ideas or things.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

Repetition

Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.

Anecdote

A short personal story illustrating a point.

Hypophora

Asking a question then immediately answering it.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration used for emphasis.

Antithesis

Balanced contrast of ideas in parallel structure.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer.

Parallelism

Using similar grammatical structures to create rhythm and make ideas memorable.

Idiom

A phrase with a figurative meaning different from the literal words.

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses.

Epistrophe

Repetition of words or phrases at the end of sentences or sections.

Sensory Language

Words that evoke sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell.

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals truth.

Oxymoron

Two contradictory words combined (e.g., 'deafening silence').

Irony

Contrast between expectations and reality, often highlighting the opposite meaning.