Rhetorical Devices
Name the device: repeating a word or phrase at the start of successive clauses for emphasis.
Anaphora
This allusion of Greek origin names a hidden weakness despite overall strength.
Achilles’ heel
From George W. Bush’s 9/11 Address — “Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.”
These short, direct sentences create a tone of...
Urgency (short sentences for emphasis)
What sentence type uses a comma + coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses?
Compound sentence
Which claim type answers whether something is true or false?
Claim of fact
Device that gives human traits to nonhuman things
Personification
Which Biblical allusion refers to offering something valuable to those who can’t appreciate it.
Pearls before swine
Example: From Malala’s 2013 UN Speech — a brief personal anecdote about being shot followed by her global call for girls’ education and references to rights
This helps create this appeal...
Pathos
Name the pattern where the verb is omitted in the second clause because it would repeat the first clause verb (often uses semicolon)
Pattern 2 OR Compound Sentence with Elliptical Construction
Identify the claim type: “School uniforms improve student focus and reduce bullying.” Fact, value, or policy?
Claim of policy (argues for a course of action)
Identify the rhetorical device where a statement seems self‑contradictory but reveals a deeper truth (example: “Less is more”).
Paradox
This historical allusion means an irreversible decision with no turning back.
Crossing the Rubicon
Example: From Frederick Douglass’s Narrative — Douglass’s description of the sound of the slaveholder’s whip and the scene on the plantation uses vivid _________ to evoke pathos.
Imagery/Sensory Description
Provide a one‑sentence example that demonstrates variation by combining two short related sentences into one compound sentence.
Answers will vary (30 seconds)
Which thesis form explicitly states the opposing view and then refutes it within the thesis?
Counterargument (or thesis with counterargument)
Device that contrasts two opposing ideas in balanced phrases.
Antithesis
This Shakespearean allusion from "The Scottish Play" refers to a great, tumultuous uproar that ultimately signifies nothing.
Sound and Fury
After Orwell suggests writing cannot exists purely as "art" divorced from its political context when he says:
"It seems to me nonsense, in a period like our own, to think that one can avoid writing of [political] subjects... It is simply a question of which side one takes and what approach one follows. And the more one is conscious of one’s political bias, the more chance one has of acting politically without sacrificing one’s aesthetic and intellectual integrity.
This is an example of a... (Hint - we learned about this rhetorical device in our argumentative notes last week)
Refutation
Why vary sentence length and pattern in AP essays?
Possible Answers:
To show stylistic maturity, emphasize points, and improve readability—contributes to sophistication
Convert this closed thesis into an open thesis — Closed thesis: “The school must ban energy drinks because they harm student health
You have 1 minute to write an open Thesis statement.
Survey says...
Device that substitutes a milder or less direct word/phrase for one considered harsh or blunt (e.g., “passed away”).
Euphemism
Odysseus would understand this allusion that names a tempting, destructive lure.
Sirens
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
In this excerpt of his inaugural address, JFK uses _______________ to create rhythm and build a sense of _____________ for his audience.
Possible answers for 1st blank"
2nd Blank:
Unity
Revise the choppy paragraph below into a single, polished sentence using the omitted‑verb/elliptical pattern (maintain parallel structure). You have 1 minute to write down your answer!
Choppy paragraph: Maria planned the menu. Jose organized the music. Lena handled the decorations. Sam took care of the invitations.
Maria planned the menu; Jose, the music; Lena, the decorations; Sam, the invitations.
For the prompt “Should high schools require a semester‑long course on civic media literacy?”, write an open thesis (not closed or counterargument)
You have 1 minute...
Possible Answer:
Requiring a semester of civics media literacy could strengthen students’ critical thinking and civic engagement.