AP Lang Exam Preparation Flashcards

Vocabulary and structural components for the AP English Language and Composition Exam, covering Rhetorical Analysis, Synthesis, and Argument essays.

Rhetorical Analysis Introduction

A $2-3$ sentence paragraph that identifies the speaker, explains the purpose of the excerpt, and presents the thesis.

Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Formula

A statement structured as: author uses device $1$, $2$, and $3$ to argue, urge, or say that certain purposes and effects are achieved.

Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraph Elements

Consists of a topic sentence referring to a specific device, examples cited from text lines, an explanation of the effect on the audience, and a tie back to the overall purpose.

Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion

A section used to restate the thesis and describe how the author succeeds at achieving their purpose.

Synthesis Essay

An essay that involves taking a stance on a prompt, fusing background knowledge with evidence from at least $3$ of the $6$ provided sources to support your own logic.

Synthesis Essay Voice Guidelines

Writers should avoid personal pronouns like "I believe" and refrain from using transition words like "first," "next," or "lastly."

Synthesis Thesis

A statement that chooses the side with the most or better evidence and includes that evidence in a small summary.

Say Mean Do Matter

A commentary framework used in Synthesis Essay body paragraphs to provide and explain evidence for a specific claim.

Synthesis Conclusion

A final paragraph that reiterates the thesis and ends with a new insight.

Argument Essay Thesis

A statement that establishes a clear stance on the provided prompt.

Argument Essay Evidence Sources

Categories used to support a claim, including history, current events, own experience, reading, entertainment, and sports/science.

Argument Essay Commentary

The analysis used to connect, interpret, and expand on how evidence supports the argument or refutes a counter-claim.

Sophistication Point

An exam point earned by discussing biases, assumptions, or contradictions, making effective rhetorical choices, and using vivid style with varied sentence structure.

Argument Essay Conclusion

A section that connects body paragraphs back to the thesis and identifies the overall value provided by the perspective.