Ap lang common rhetoric and tips

Q: What are common signal words that indicate a tone shift through contrast?

A: but, however, yet, although, on the other hand

Q: What are signal words that intensify tone or emphasis?

A: indeed, in fact, truly, undoubtedly

Q: What signal words suggest a concession or acknowledgment of the other side?

A: admittedly, granted, even though, while

Q: What signal words suggest a shift in focus or redirection?

A: now, let’s turn to, more importantly

Q: What signal words indicate a conclusion or wrap-up?

A: therefore, thus, in summary, as a result

Q: What clues help identify a tone shift in a passage?

A: Look for changes in emotion, subject, audience, or formality

Q: What is an anecdote and why is it used?

A: A short personal story used to build pathos or ethos

Q: What rhetorical device is signaled by repeated words or phrases?

A: Repetition – used to emphasize ideas or tone

Q: What is a rhetorical question and how does it function?

A: A question asked without expecting an answer; engages the reader or provokes thought

Q: What is parallelism and why is it effective?

A: Repetition of grammatical structure; adds rhythm and emphasizes points

Q: What is an allusion?

A: A reference to a well-known event, person, or text to add meaning or persuasion

Q: How does diction contribute to rhetoric?

A: Word choice helps establish tone and shape the audience’s perception

Q: How does syntax affect rhetorical impact?

A: Sentence structure affects pacing, clarity, and emotional impact

Q: What is imagery and its purpose in rhetoric?

A: Descriptive language appealing to senses; creates mood and clarity

Q: What is juxtaposition?

A: Placing contrasting ideas side by side to highlight differences or tension

Q: What are ethos, pathos, and logos?

A: Ethos: credibility; Pathos: emotion; Logos: logic – all appeal to persuade

Q: How can you quickly identify rhetorical choices while reading?

A: Ask: Is the author telling a story (anecdote)? Making a comparison (analogy)? Repeating structure (parallelism)?

Q: How can you quickly identify a tone shift while reading?

A: Skim the first and last sentences of paragraphs and watch for shift words or emotional changes