AP Lang Rhetorical Devices

Connotation

The implied meaning of a word; words can broadly have positive, negative, or neutral

Denotation

The literal, dictionary-definition meaning of a word.

Synthesis

Combining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point.

Alliteration

Using words with the same first letter repeatedly close together in a phrase or sentence.

Allusion

Making a brief reference to a known cultural item- famous person, work of art, book, film, etc.

Anecdote

Offering a brief narrative/story to illustrate a point

Concession

Agreeing with the opposing viewpoint on a certain smaller point (but not in the larger argument).

Didactic

A text with an instructive purpose, often moral.

Euphemism

Referring to something with a veiled phrase instead of saying it directly

Exemplification

Providing examples in service of a point.

Hyperbole

Overstating a situation for humorous or dramatic effect.

Parallelism

Repeated structural elements in a sentence. Eg. We found the notes; we copied the notes; we studied the notes.

Satire

A genre of humorous and mocking criticism to expose the ignorance and/or ills of society.

Understatement

Deliberately minimizing something, usually for humorous effect.

Rebuttal

Refuting a counterargument or concession;

Argument

Claims and evidence in an organized line of reasoning to support a side of a debate

Tone

The writer's personal views or feelings about the subject at hand. Revealed through choice of diction

Audience

Who the author is directing his or her message towards.

Context

Background- in an essay, set up to thesis. In analysis, understanding the environment in which the text is being delivered.

Counterargument

The argument(s) against the author's position.

Diction

The style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation. Can be formal or informal

Ethos

Appeal as credible and trustworthiness

Imagery

Any descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something; includes figurative language.

Implication

When something is suggested without being concretely stated.

Irony

The opposite of what is expected - situational, verbal, or dramatic

Juxtaposition

Placing two things side by side for purpose of comparison

Logos

Appealing to someone's sense of concrete facts and logic. using true premises and valid arguments. This is generally considered the strongest form of persuasion.

Exigence

The reason or moment for writing or speaking; what made the author say what they are saying

Organization

How the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech.

Pathos

Involves appealing to someone's emotions.

Purpose

The author's persuasive intention.

Repetition

Re-using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphasis.

Style

The author's own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece; similar to voice.

Symbolism

Using a symbol to refer to an idea or concept.

Syntax

The way sentences are grammatically constructed.

Rhetoric

the art of using language effectively and persuasively

Antithesis

the direct opposite, a sharp contrast

Allegory

A work that functions on a symbolic level, often moral or political

Antecedent

the word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers

Colloquialism

A word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y'all, ain't)

Transition

A word or phrase that links one idea to the next and carries the reader from paragraph to paragraph

logical fallacy

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid

Synthesis essay

Essay #1 in Lang exam. Read prompt and determine what you are responding to. Read sources, determining + or - on issue, highlighting facts or issues you can use. Compose essay as argument essay with strong thesis with claims. Incorporate at least three sources for evidence in body paragraphs. You may include a counterargument with rebuttal. Conclusion summarizes and offers a So What-

Rhetorical analysis essay

Essay #2 Read prompt and determine what you are asked to look for in pice. Read pice, highlighting rhetorical choices, getting an idea of overall purpose and style. Craft essay with an intro including SOAPS and thesis that expresses purpose and major choices. Body paragraphs move chronologically through the article. Bodies tell where you are, what that part is about, and choices author uses to reflect her purpose. Conclusion is a brief summary of argument.

Argument essay

Essay #3 Read prompt and determine issue you are to take a side on. Determine your position on issue. Plan a strong thesis that includes three claims you will use to prove it. Craft essay with an intro that includes context, any definitions, and ends with thesis. Body paragraphs start with a short clear topic sentence that states claim. Any set up or explanation of claim next, then evidence that shows truth of claim. Bodies end with a tie -in that connect claim and evidence to thesis. You may choose to include a counterargument with rebuttal. Conclusion is a summary of argument with a 'so what' sentiment at end

Metaphor

A phrase comparing two unlike things without using like or as.

Analogy

A similarity or comparison between two things expressing the similarity between them

Simile:

Using words such as "like" or "as" to make a direct comparison between two very different things. "My feet are so cold they feel like popsicles."

Personification:

Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human. "The tired old truck groaned as it inched up the hill."

Pun -

When a word that has two or more meanings is used in a humorous way. "My dog has a fur coat and pants!" "I was stirred by his cooking lesson.

Rhetorical Question -

Question not asked for information but for effect. "The angry parent asked the child, 'Are you finished interrupting me?'" In this case, the parent does not expect a reply, but simply wants to draw the child's attention to the rudeness of interrupting.

Sarcasm -

A generally bitter comment that is ironically or satirically worded. However, not all satire and irony are sarcastic. It is the bitter, mocking tone that separates sarcasm from mere verbal irony or satire.

Syntax/sentence variety -

Grammatical arrangement of words. First, a reader should examine the length of sentences (short or long). How does sentence length and structure relate to tone and meaning. Are they simple, compound, compound-complex sentences? How do they relate to one another? Syntax is the grouping of words, while diction refers to the selection of individual words.

Pathos

(emotional) means persuading by appealing to the reader's emotions. (Also see the fallacy of appeal to emotion). An argument that relies too much on emotion, without any corroborating logos, can become a fallacy.

Ad hominem:

Latin for "against the man". Personally attacking your opponents instead of their arguments. It is an argument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, feeling rather than intellect.

Syllogism

A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion. All humans breathe air; Sharon is Human; Sharon breathes air

compare and contrast essay

Essay style that highlights surprising similarities or surprising differences between two things

narrative essay

Tells a story; beginning, middle, and end structured in a way that someone else can experience it

descriptive essay

provides specific details through imagery and figurative language to create an impression of a person, an object, or an experience

Process Analysis

A method of paragraph or essay development by which a writer explains step by step how something is done or how to do something.; recreates process for reader

Cause and Effect Essay

An essay format in which a writer analyzes and informs the reader of the reasons for—and/or the consequences of—an action, event, or decision

Analysis Essay

An essay that reveals how the parts of something function. A review of a situation- something explained

Paradox -

A seemingly contradictory situation which is actually true."You can't get a job without experience, and you can't get experience without getting a job."

Oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase. Icy hot; sweet sorrow

Invective -

A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language.

Ellipsis -

The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author. Usually indicated with "..."