Methods of Development and Rhetorical Terms for AP Lang Exam

📚 METHODS OF DEVELOPMENT

• Narration

  • Definition: Telling a story or recounting a series of events.
  • Purpose: To illustrate a point or engage the reader emotionally.

• Description

  • Definition: Using sensory details to help the reader visualize.
  • Purpose: To create a vivid impression; often used with narration.

• Exemplification

  • Definition: Providing examples to support a claim.
  • Purpose: Makes the argument more concrete and persuasive.

• Compare and Contrast

  • Definition: Showing similarities and/or differences between two things.
  • Purpose: To clarify or emphasize certain aspects.

• Cause and Effect

  • Definition: Explaining reasons why something happened or the effects of something.
  • Purpose: To show logical relationships.

• Definition

  • Definition: Explaining the meaning of a term or concept.
  • Purpose: Helps clarify arguments or abstract ideas.

• Process Analysis

  • Definition: Explaining how something works or how to do something.
  • Purpose: Step-by-step instructions or breakdown of a process.

• Classification and Division

  • Definition: Sorting ideas or materials into categories.
  • Purpose: Helps readers understand complex concepts by breaking them down.

✍️ RHETORICAL TERMS

• Ethos

  • Definition: Appeal to ethics and credibility.
  • Example: "As a doctor, I recommend…"

• Pathos

  • Definition: Appeal to emotion.
  • Example: "Think of the children suffering every day…"

• Logos

  • Definition: Appeal to logic and reason.
  • Example: "Studies show that 80% of students benefit from…"

• Diction

  • Definition: Word choice.
  • Purpose: Sets tone and style.

• Syntax

  • Definition: Sentence structure.
  • Purpose: Can affect pacing, tone, and emphasis.

• Tone

  • Definition: The author’s attitude toward the subject.
  • Look for: Word choice, imagery, details.

• Allusion

  • Definition: A reference to another work, event, or figure.
  • Purpose: Adds depth or context.

• Anaphora

  • Definition: Repetition of the beginning of a sentence or clause.
  • Example: "We shall fight… we shall defend… we shall never surrender."

• Juxtaposition

  • Definition: Placing two ideas side by side for contrast.
  • Purpose: Highlights differences.

• Parallelism

  • Definition: Grammatical or structural similarity.
  • Example: "I came, I saw, I conquered."

• Rhetorical Question

  • Definition: A question posed for effect, not an answer.
  • Purpose: Engages reader, provokes thought.

• Antithesis

  • Definition: Opposite ideas in a balanced structure.
  • Example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."