Rhetorical Devices
A comparison using “like” or “as”
What is a simile?
A statement that takes a clear position on an issue
What is a defensible thesis?
The number of sources typically provided on the exam
What is 6–7 sources?
The focus of rhetorical analysis essays
What is how an author makes meaning or persuades?
First step in understanding a passage
What is reading the question first?
Repetition of the beginning of clauses for emphasis
What is anaphora?
In an argumentative essay, this paragraph acknowledges an opposing viewpoint and then explains why the writer’s position is still stronger.
What is a concession paragraph?
The goal of the synthesis essay
What is to form an argument using multiple sources?
Explaining how evidence supports a writer’s purpose
What is commentary?
Eliminating clearly wrong answers
What is the process of elimination?
A question asked for effect, not answer
What is a rhetorical question?
A viewpoint that goes against your argument
What is a counterclaim?
A key requirement when using sources in synthesis
What is citing?
A writer describes a devastating natural disaster using words like “cruel,” “relentless,” and “heartbreaking” to emphasize emotional impact and shape how the audience feels about the event.
What is tone?
Answers that use extreme words like “always” or “never” are usually this
What are distractors?
The combination of credibility, emotion, and logic in persuasion
Rhetorical Situation
This part of an AP Lang essay connects claims, evidence, and commentary into a clear progression of ideas.
What is line of reasoning?
One source argues that social media harms teen mental health by increasing anxiety, while another source responds that social media can improve mental health by providing support communities and reducing isolation.
What are sources talking to each other?
Identifying techniques used to persuade an audience
What is diction, syntax, and rhetorical devices?
The best way to handle unfamiliar vocabulary in passages
What are context clues?
A writer describes a war-torn city filled with rubble and silence immediately followed by a scene of children laughing and playing in the streets.
What is juxtaposition?
A student argues that social media negatively affects teenagers and supports the claim by referencing rising anxiety rates reported in national health studies.
What is statistics/data or statistical evidence?
In a synthesis essay, this is a common mistake where a student simply summarizes each source one at a time instead of combining them to build an argument.
What is a summary?
The biggest scoring mistake in rhetorical analysis essays
What is summarizing instead of analyzing?
The most important thing to remember in AP Lang MCQs
What is everything must be supported by the passage?