APLAC Foundations Test

Process Analysis

Instructions to accomplish something or analysis of how something was accomplished

Problem/Solution

Problem is identified and one or more solutions are proposed

Analysis

A topic is divided into its constituent partsm then the relationship between the parts are identified

Cause/Effect

Topic was caused by…or topic resulted in…

Compare/Contrast

One item or topic is compared (similarities) or contrasted (differences) to another

Definition

Topic is…or topic belongs to a class, usually followed by characteristics that do and do not define the class

Description

A spatial sequence that conveys an objective or subjective description of a person, place,thing

Exemplification

Generalization supported by examples

Narration

Writer relates a story or anecdote

Classification

Topic is broken into distinct categories

Argument

Topic is defended or recommended

main idea

summary of what the author said

function

the job of the paragraph within the piece

Rhetorically accurate verbs for function

Introduce, Describe, Explain, Clarify, Compare, Contrast, Establish, Indicate, Verify, Illustrate, Shift, Justify, Defend, Argue, Assert, Claim, Conclude, Juxtapose, Extend, Define, Narrate, Provide, Demonstrate, Prove

Device

Definition

Rhetorical Question

food for thought;create satire/sarcasm;pose dilemma

Euphemism

substituting a milder or less offensive sounding word(s)

Aphorism

universal commends, sayings, proverbs-convey major point

Repetition

Refrain; repeated word, sentence, or phrase

Restatement

Main point said another way

Irony

Either verbal or situational-good for revealing attitude

Allusion

refers to something universally known in another body of work or in history

Paradox

a statement that can be true and false at the same time

RAP SHEET Step 1

Make sure you understand what the prompt asks, BAT the prompt by noting Background, advice, and task and analyze for the rhetorical situation by completing HEAAMPT.

RAP SHEET Step 2

Read and annotate text. Divide and label into 2-3 divisions by shifts in MODE/MESSAGE/TONE/MAIN IDEA. Write the main idea and mode (Process analysis, description, Definition, Problem/Solution, Analysis, Exemplification, Argument, Cause/Effect, Classification, Compare/Contrast, Narration)

RAP SHEET Step 3

Add a function and add a tool that supports that function

RAP SHEET Step 4

What do the tools trigger among the audience? Mood words

RAP SHEET Step 5

Revisit and strengthen your purpose statemnt. The purpose of the text is to…in order to…;ultimately the author hopes to…