Rhetorical Analysis
The specific circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.
Context
The minimum number of sources you must cite in an AP Lang Synthesis essay to earn the evidence point.
Three
A figure of speech that makes a direct comparison using "like" or "as."
Simile
A tone word describing a speaker who is objective, neutral, and lacks personal bias.
Detatched
Instead of "The author shows," use this verb to describe making something clear or visible.
Illustrates
The acronym used to analyze the rhetorical situation (Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject).
SOAP
This type of citation includes the author's name or source letter in parentheses at the end of a sentence.
Parenthetical Citation
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
Anaphora
A tone that is meant to teach or instruct, often in a way that feels "preachy."
A verb used when an author suggests or hints at something without stating it directly.
Implies
An appeal to the audience’s emotions, often using vivid sensory details or anecdotes.
Pathos
Instead of letting the sources drive the essay, the student’s own ____ should remain the focus.
Argument (or Thesis)
A brief reference to a person, place, event, or passage from another text or history.
Allusion
A dark, biting, or bitter tone intended to mock or convey contempt.
Sardonic
This verb describes how an author treats a complex subject by breaking it down into parts.
Analyzes
The "rhetorical triangle" consists of these three elements that must be in balance for effective persuasion.
Speaker, audience, subject
The act of combining parts from different sources to create a new, complex whole.
Synthesis
Sentence structure that places two contrasting ideas side-by-side to highlight their differences.
Juxtaposition
A tone characterized by a mournful, melancholy, or sorrowful quality, often regarding the past.
Elegaic
Use this verb when an author strongly supports or argues in favor of a specific cause or policy.
Advocates
The term for the "opportune moment" or the timeliness of an argument.
Kairos
A source that presents a viewpoint directly opposite to the writer's thesis.
Counterargument
A question asked for effect rather than to get an answer; it often nudges the audience toward a specific conclusion.
Rhetorical question
A tone that sounds respectful, submissive, or showing deep regard for a subject.
Reverent
A verb used to describe when an author calls into question the truth or validity of an opponent's claim.
Challenges