Rhetorical Appeals
There are this many traditional rhetorical appeals
Three
An indirect reference to something, usually a literary text
Allusion
There are this many free response questions on the AP test.
Three
Latin for "against the man". Personally attacking your opponents instead of their arguments
Ad hominem
The person or group creating the text. Their background, values, and experiences all influence their message.
Writer/Author
An appeal to the reader's emotions, values, or beliefs to evoke feelings such as sympathy, anger, or joy
Pathos
Word choice, particularly as an element of style
Diction
There are this many multiple choice questions on the AP test.
45
Arguing that something is true, good, or right simply because it is popular. The "everyone is doing it" argument.
Bandwagon
The intended group of people the text is directed at that directly impacts their choices.
Audience
An appeal to logic, reason, and intellect
Logos
Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison
Juxtaposition
These are the three types of essays written on the AP Test
Synthesis, Rhetorical Analysis, Argument
Claiming that a relatively small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of related, negative events, without enough evidence.
Slippery Slope
The core idea or central argument of the text. What the writer is actually saying or trying to get across.
Message
An appeal to an author or speaker’s credibility, authority, and character, aimed at convincing an audience that they are qualified to speak on a subject
Ethos
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or clauses in a row
Anaphora
How long the AP test will take in total
3 hours 15 minutes
An argument that begins with the very conclusion it's trying to prove. The reasoning goes in a circle.
Circular Reasoning
The goal of communication. What the writer wants the reader to do or feel after reading the text.
Purpose
Citing statistics, using case studies, presenting cause-and-effect, or using logical, linear arguments would all be examples of an appeal to this.
Logos
Accepting at least part or all of an opposing viewpoint. Often used to make one’s own argument stronger
Concession
Accounting for the suggested 15 minutes to read through provided materials, this is how long you have to write each individual essay
40 minutes
Misrepresenting or exaggerating an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.
Straw Man
The spark or reason the text exists in the first place. The problem, issue, or situation that prompts someone to write or speak.
Exigence