AP English Language and Composition

Cards (24)

• 1
  Front

  What is rhetorical analysis?

  Back

  The examination of how an author uses rhetorical strategies (ethos, pathos, logos, style, structure, etc.) to achieve a specific purpose with a particular audience.

• 2
  Front

  What does SOAPS stand for in rhetorical analysis?

  Back

  Subject, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Speaker — a framework for analyzing the rhetorical situation of a text.

• 3
  Front

  What is ethos as a rhetorical appeal?

  Back

  An appeal to credibility or character; the author establishes trustworthiness or authority to persuade the audience.

• 4
  Front

  What is pathos as a rhetorical appeal?

  Back

  An appeal to the audience's emotions, values, or sympathies to persuade them.

• 5
  Front

  What is logos as a rhetorical appeal?

  Back

  An appeal to logic and reason, using facts, statistics, evidence, and rational argument to persuade.

• 6
  Front

  What is a claim in argumentation?

  Back

  The central assertion or thesis that the writer is trying to prove; the main point the argument defends.

• 7
  Front

  What is a warrant in argumentation?

  Back

  The underlying assumption or reasoning that connects the evidence (grounds) to the claim, often unstated but necessary for the argument to hold.

• 8
  Front

  What is the Toulmin model of argument?

  Back

  A framework consisting of Claim, Grounds (evidence), Warrant, Backing, Qualifier, and Rebuttal used to analyze and construct arguments.

• 9
  Front

  What is a concession in an argument?

  Back

  Acknowledging the validity or merit of an opposing viewpoint before explaining why your own position is still stronger.

• 10
  Front

  What is a rebuttal?

  Back

  A response that counters or refutes an opposing argument, demonstrating why it is flawed, insufficient, or less convincing.

• 11
  Front

  What is synthesis in AP English Language writing?

  Back

  Combining ideas and evidence from multiple sources to support, qualify, or complicate an original argument, going beyond mere summary.

• 12
  Front

  What is the difference between summary and synthesis?

  Back

  Summary restates a source's content; synthesis integrates information from multiple sources to develop the writer's own argument or perspective.

• 13
  Front

  What is anaphora as a rhetorical device?

  Back

  The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, used for emphasis and rhythm.

• 14
  Front

  What is antithesis as a rhetorical device?

  Back

  The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in parallel grammatical structures to highlight the contrast and create emphasis.

• 15
  Front

  What is a rhetorical question?

  Back

  A question asked for effect rather than to elicit an answer, often used to engage the audience or emphasize a point.

• 16
  Front

  What is chiasmus?

  Back

  A rhetorical device where the second part of an expression is balanced against the first, but with the elements reversed (e.g., 'Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country').

• 17
  Front

  What is an ad hominem fallacy?

  Back

  A logical fallacy that attacks the character or personal traits of an opponent rather than addressing their argument.

• 18
  Front

  What is a hasty generalization fallacy?

  Back

  Drawing a broad conclusion from an insufficient or unrepresentative sample of evidence.

• 19
  Front

  What is a straw man fallacy?

  Back

  Misrepresenting an opponent's argument in a weakened or distorted form so it is easier to attack.

• 20
  Front

  What is the classical essay structure (for argumentation)?

  Back

  Introduction (with thesis), Background/Narration, Confirmation (supporting arguments), Concession/Refutation, and Conclusion.

• 21
  Front

  What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an AP Lang essay?

  Back

  To present a defensible, specific claim that responds to the prompt and can be supported with evidence and reasoning throughout the essay.

• 22
  Front

  What is diction and why does it matter in rhetorical analysis?

  Back

  Diction refers to word choice. Analyzing diction reveals the author's tone, attitude, and intended effect on the audience.

• 23
  Front

  What is tone in the context of AP English Language?

  Back

  The author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through diction, syntax, and rhetorical choices (e.g., sarcastic, solemn, urgent).

• 24
  Front

  What is the difference between a primary and secondary source in synthesis essays?

  Back

  A primary source is an original firsthand account or document; a secondary source analyzes, interprets, or comments on primary sources.