AP Lang Vocab 1 (Rhetorical Analysis)

Rhetoric-the art of effective persuasion

Analyze-examine methodically for a purpose 

Rhetorical analysis-to break down an author's rhetoric or persuasion 

Argument-a claim or assertion, often controversial 

Implicit argument-an implied or underlying claim or assertion

Explicit argument- argument that is directly stated 

Speaker-creator or person who is trying to get the message across

Primary audience-the original intended listener, reader, or viewer 

Secondary audience- a listener, reader, or viewer who is not the origibal intended audience 

Occasion-describes the circumstance of the text 

Exigence- what compelled the author to create the text 

Purpose -what the author wants the audience to know 

Purpose Format- to+verb+argument 

Tone-the mood implied by the author's rhetorical device choices

Mood-the emotional atmosphere that a work of literature creates for the reader

Diction-an authors word choice to create an effect 

Denotative diction-dictionary definition

Connotative diction- emotional associations of a word

Imagery- appeals to the 5 senses

Details-a particular item of information

Figurative language-the form of communication that rhetorical devices fall under 

Syntax- sentence construction

Repetition-the repeating of something as rhetorical tool

Contrast-literary device that explores the difference between two things 

Patterns-rhetorical tool that involves the patterning of something 

Shifts-rhetorical device in which author switches between one thing and another 

Anecdote- a short story that illustrates a point

Analogy-a comparison between 2 unlike things with an explanation

Juxtaposition-2 things placed next to each other for contrast

Rhetorical question- a question for effect rather than for a direct answer

Hyperbole-an exaggeration

Allusion-a reference to something/someone well known outside of a text 

Invest-the commitment of resources to achieve later benefits

Appeal to pathos-the emotional appeal

Appeal to logos-appeal to logic and reason

Appeal to ethos- appeal to credibility and shared values