AP Lang - Rhetorical choices

Tone

describes the author’s attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.

Diction

the writer’s word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.

Imagery

is an unusually descriptive language that appeals to the five senses. This language is highly connotative and often works to appeal to pathos.

Simile

A comparison using like or as

Metaphor

A comparison NOT using like or as

Analogy

something that shows how two things are alike, but with the ultimate goal of making a point about this comparison.

Juxtaposition

When two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed closely together or side by side for contrast.

Hyperbole

an exaggeration made in a phrase

Enumeration

when a subject is divided into constituent parts or details, and may include a listing of causes, effects, problems, solutions, conditions, and consequences; the listing or detailing of the parts of something.

Irony

the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Repetition

the act of repeating something

Alliteration

repetition of the same sound beginning several words or syllables in sequence.

Parallel Structure

a similarity of sentence structure structure in a pair or series of related (not the same) words, phrases, or clauses.

Anaphora

a type of parallel structure in which the same word or words is/are repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.

Hypophora

Figure of reasoning in which one or more questions is/are asked and then answered, often at length, by one and the same speaker; raising and responding to one’s own question(s).

Rhetorical Question

differs from hypophora in that it is not answered by the writer because its answer is obvious or obviously desired, and usually just a yes or no answer would suffice.

Allusion

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.

Anecdote

a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person; used as evidence to support a writer’s claim.

Hypothetical Example

an example used to illustrate a claim that has not actually happened but could be true.

Personification

the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.

Amplifications

the act of intensifying an idea for emphasis.

Appeals

is a fancy word for “intriguing” the audience with something that would persuade them to believe a writer’s argument.

Ethos

a means of convincing an audience of an argument via the authority or credibility of the writer. writer mentions values, beliefs, or needs.

Logos

a means of convincing an audience of an argument through the crafting of a logical argument. The writer uses convincing reasons and reliable evidence that supports those reasons.

Pathos

a means of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response within the reader. use tone, diction, imagery, and/or emotional anecdote.