Rhetoric
Key Terms
Synthesis
Argument
RA
100

The repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences

What is anaphora?

100

The main argument of an essay.

What is a thesis?

100

This type of reasoning connects evidence logically to a claim.

What is line of reasoning?

100

A good thesis must be defensible and do this.

What is take a clear stance?


100

This answers why the author wrote the text.

What is purpose?


200

This term refers to the writer’s word choice.

What is diction?

200

Specific proof used to support a claim.

What is evidence?

200

You need at least this many sources to support your argument.

What is 3 sources?

200

This phrase, often seen in AP Q3 prompts, asks you to think about the situations in which a claim is true.

What is "To what extent?"

200

For each strategy you say the author uses, what's the minimum number of examples you should cite from the text?

What is 1-2?

300

This describes the writer’s attitude toward the subject.

What is tone?

300

Explanation of how evidence supports the claim.

What is commentary?

300

Merely summarizing sources instead of connecting them results in losing this point.

What is commentary?

300

What is the maximum number of paragraphs recommended for a high-scoring argument essay, ensuring deep development?

(Introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, Conclusion). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] 

300

Describe the components of an effective intro./thesis for a rhetorical analysis.

1. author's name (first and last) 2. text title 3. purpose of the text 4. two-three specific strategies author uses to achieve purpose

400

This is the intended reader or listener.

What is audience?

400

The specific goal the speaker wants to achieve (what they want the audience to think, feel, or do).  

What is purpose? 

400

This happens when you blend a quote into your own sentence.

What is embedding a quote?

400

This strengthens your argument by addressing opposing views.

What is a counterargument?

400

Define the parts of SOAPSTONE.

What is subject, occasion, audience, purpose, speaker, and tone. 

500

This is the context or situation in which the writing occurs.

What is exigence?

500

a mild, indirect, or polite expression substituted for one considered too harsh, blunt, or unpleasant

What is euphemism?

500

Describe 2 things you should annotate for as you read each source

What is... whether the source supports the topic? Refutes it? Qualifies it? What is the source's central argument about the topic at hand?

500

Define each section of CHORES.

Current Events, Historical Events, Outside knowledge, Readings, Experience and Science and Tech

500

This is the most common mistake students make in RA essays.

What is summarizing instead of analyzing?