SPACE (Rhetorical Situation)
Figurative Language
Rhetorical Appeals
CAT
Rubric
100

This part of SPACE asks who created the text and what we know about them that shapes the message.

Speaker

100

In “I Have a Dream,” Martin Luther King Jr. calls the Emancipation Proclamation a “light of hope” for millions. This is an example of what device?

Metaphor

100

In his “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King Jr. references the Constitution and Declaration of Independence to establish this appeal.

Ethos

100

A speaker chooses to open with a personal story about failing a test to connect with students. What rhetorical choice is the speaker using?

Anecdote 

100

A student’s rhetorical analysis essay not only explains how a writer uses evidence but also explores the broader implications of the writer’s argument, showing how the text reflects larger social tensions beyond the immediate context. Which part of the AP Lang rubric does this demonstrate?

Sophistication 

200

This part of SPACE focuses on what is happening in the world during the time the text was written.

Context

200

In “Ain’t I a Woman?” Sojourner Truth begins multiple clauses with the phrase “and ain’t I a woman” throughout her speech to drive home her argument. What is this an example of?

Anaphora (repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences) 

200

In her “The Danger of a Single Story” TED Talk, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie uses statistics about African media representation to build this appeal.

Logos

200

In Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” he asks, “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me?” not to get an answer, but to challenge his audience’s moral blindness. What rhetorical choice is he using?

Rhetorical Question

200

In the Synthesis Essay, students must integrate at least ____ sources effectively to earn points in this rubric row.  

3

300

This part of SPACE asks who the text is directed toward and what assumptions the writer makes about them.

Audience

300

In his “The Strenuous Life” speech, Theodore Roosevelt insists that without hard work, the nation will face “nothing but ruin and decay,” using this choice to emphasize the urgency of action. What choice is this an example of?

Hyperbole

300

In his “The Man in the Arena” speech, Theodore Roosevelt stirs emotion by praising the courage of ordinary citizens who struggle and fail. This is an example of what appeal?

Pathos

300

A speech uses emotionally charged language like “heartbreaking,” “devastating,” and “unbearable.” What rhetorical appeal is being used?

Pathos

300

In the Argument Essay, students earn points in this rubric row by using specific, relevant information from their own reading, experience, or observations. What rubric skill is this?

Evidence
400

In “Ain’t I a Woman?” Sojourner Truth speaks to challenge sexist and racist assumptions, aiming to persuade her audience to recognize the full humanity and capability of Black women. Which part of SPACE does this describe?

Purpose

400

In Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, he says, "…with this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together…” to emphasize unity. What device is he using here?

Repetition (the intentional reuse of a word or phrase to emphasize an idea)

400

In Barack Obama’s 2008 Victory Speech, he strengthens his argument by citing the stories of everyday Americans he met on the campaign trail, building credibility through this appeal.

Ethos

400

An author adopts a calm, measured voice to reassure an anxious audience during a crisis. Which part of CAT does this describe?

Tone

400

How many questions are on the multiple choice section of the exam?

45 questions

500

In “The Gettysburg Address,” Abraham Lincoln speaks during the Civil War after one of its bloodiest battles, responding to the nation’s grief and the urgent need to redefine the war’s purpose. Which part of SPACE does this describe?

Exigence

500

In “I Have a Dream,” Martin Luther King Jr. alludes to “the architects of our republic” and the “promissory note” of the Constitution to connect his message to foundational American texts.

Allusion

500

In Greta Thunberg’s UN Climate Action Summit speech, she uses scientific data about rising temperatures and emissions to rely on this appeal.

Logos

500

In his “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King Jr. places images of “the manacles of segregation” beside visions of “the table of brotherhood.” Which rhetorical choice is he using here? 

Juxtaposition 

500

What is the duration of the AP English Language and Composition Exam?

3 hours and 15 minutes

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