Methods of Development and Rhetorical Terms for AP Lang Exam

đź“š 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."