Unit 6 Study Guide AP Lang

Ethos

Rooted in the writer’s background and his or her specific relationship to a subject. Most important influence of a writer’s perspective is how the writer connects their background to the subject, situation, and audience.

What factors influence perception of credibility?

Age, gender, location, religious or cultural values, position or title, work experience, racial or ethnic background, personal experience, socioeconomic class, level of education, occupation or skill

How can an author establish credibility?

Their authority, trustworthiness, relationship to the audience

Types of evidence

Role of evidence in establishing credibility

used in a strategic and purposeful way to support a reason for the argument. illustrate, clarify, set a mood, exemplify, associate, or amplify a point.

Source of evidence

data and info from research, personal experience, cases and specific examples, anecdotes and information from others, quantitative data, including interviews and surveys

Purpose of argument

To persuade the audience, convey a particular point of view, or encourage a specific action.

Synthesis

synthesis involves combining information from various sources to create a coherent argument or narrative. It requires analyzing the relationships among the sources and constructing a well-supported position

Limitations and biases of sources

Writers may exhibit a bias if they intentionally exclude, ignore, or misrepresent other perspectives on their subject

Classification Argument

uses strategies to place objects or concepts into categories, inductive line of reasoning that identifies and explains their subject’s attributes. Argue that subject should be placed in a specific category because of these specific qualities.

Division Argument

breaks down large or complex subjects by dividing it into its component parts and subparts

Exposition

comprehensive explanation or description of a particular topic, often providing background information and setting the stage for arguments or analyses

Line of Reasoning

logical connection between ideas that builds an argument, connects all points so the argument isn’t random

Tone (NOT DEVICE, EFFECT OF CHOICES)

an effect that conveys the writer’s attitude about the subject, conveyed through a writer’s rhetorical choices

Shift

suggests new understanding, insight, or clarity on a subject

Position

specific viewpoint or stance that a writer or speaker adopts on a particular issue or topic, articulating their argument or perspective within a larger discourse

Perspective

point of view someone has on an issue, which helps strengthen an argument by showing and addressing different ways people think about the topic

Connotation

emotional or implied meaning of a word that helps shape how the audience feels about an argument

Denotation

literal, dictionary meaning of a word, used to clearly state ideas in an argument

Diction

communicates a writer’s position and attitude toward a topic, also effects on a writer’s audience. if you don’t math diction to your audience, you risk confusing them, frustrating them, or losing your credibility with them.