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AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
AP language exams are held for numerous subjects. Students have to choose a specific subject and get higher scores. The higher the score, the higher the chance of pursuing the best 700 colleges or universities overall in the world, including the United States and Canada.
When it comes to AP English language, it involves a section called rhetorical analysis essay. This is a part of three free-response essays that have to be answered within 2 hours and 15 minutes from the overall 3 hours 15 minutes exam.Â
If you are taking the AP Lang exam this year, guidance on how to answer this part will be useful. This article is specially curated to help you score the best. Read on to learn more about the AP language rhetorical analysis essay and get an idea of how to prepare for the associated exam successfully.
What is the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay ?
AP elaborated that the Advanced Placement is the exam conducted by the College Board in the United States of America. The exam is generally offered at the high school level and helps students to pursue higher education at the university level. The exam holds two sections: MCQs and Rhetorical Essay. MCQ sections are for 1 hour, and the rest of the time is for the essay section. The free-response essay holds three essays: rhetorical analysis essay, synthesis essay, and argumentative essay.Â
- The rhetorical analysis essay in the AP Lang exam involves students having to discuss how the authorsâ contribution to the passage gives a theme or meaning.Â
- A synthesis essay involves students creating arguments on the passage or piece of information delivered to them.
- An argumentative essay requires students to pick a side âfor or against â for an argument or debate.
Since we are here to discuss rhetorical analysis essays in AP language, you must know the essay is added to test studentsâ ability to analyze and interpret the deeper meaning in the provided passage. Through rhetorical essays, the examiner examines how students connect with the authorâs style of writing and syntax within 40 minutes. Some students may face challenges while dealing with this essay because it requires a better understanding of rhetorical strategies and the method to apply them.
Tips to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay AP Lang ?
Since a rhetorical essay is quite tricky in comparison to other essays, it requires certain tips for a better approach to answering. Let us explore the method of writing a rhetorical essay for the AP Lang exam that helps you score well.
- Outline Essay Prior to Writing
Not only good content but providing a readable structure is an important part of the rhetorical analysis essay AP Lang . First, you must read the passage thoroughly and develop a brief outline or key points before writing the essay. This helps you write with respect to the chronology of the given passage and maintain the flow of writing.
- Understand Rhetorical Strategies
You arenât alone in thinking about where to start writing a rhetorical essay. Many students face the same and are required to learn and implement rhetorical strategies. First, understand what rhetoric actually means. It refers to language sensibly chosen and structured for an impressive effect on the audience. This involves persuasive appeal, logical fallacies, and syntax such as anaphora, anthesis, parallelism, and so on. There is a vast range of elements that you can assess in the provided essay and develop a strong grasp with consistent practice.
- Make your Essay Well-Structured
Sometimes, students understand the rhetorical strategies but still get confused about where to initiate. It is recommended to start with an introduction that delivers the purpose of your writing. In the last introductory line, you must talk about the rhetorical strategies you will discuss in the piece. However, there are so many styles, syntax, and tones. You must be specific while listing them and then move to develop a body paragraph.Â
Now, you have to collect all the rhetorical strategies you mentioned in the introduction to discuss your point of view chronologically. Be specific while discussing strategy, as only the crucial ones among them must be discussed. Never forget to cite the line from the original passage. Your write-up must maintain the flow and should include relativity among the paragraphs. End the rhetorical essay by summarising key points.
- Never Forget to Explain your Examples
Do not just state the examples or deliver statements like âthis is an example of pathos or logos.â It is advisable to explain the example you have listed in context to the rhetorical elements you have mentioned and how it aids the author in their viewpoint. Stay detailed yet precise while writing the rhetorical analysis essay AP Lang .
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Rubric
Did you know that the rhetorical analysis essay AP Lang is graded into three rubric categories? Students must pay heed to the categories, as the examiner seeks specific things in each of them. Also, learn about some dos and donâts to score well.
When it comes to grading the thesis of the rhetorical analysis essay AP Lang , there is nothing nebulous. Either you get one point, or you lose one. Thesis points help you get close to higher scores, and thus, you must be mindful of the following points.
- Developing an argument states that your interpretation leads to a risk of disagreement. Thus, your thesis statements must be in context with the authorâs rhetorical choice.Â
- If you create a phrase in your mind initiating with âI think that..â, your phrase should not go in a negative argumentative direction.
- Never provide a thesis with summaries but not an argument.
- Try not to provide the thesis with repeated prompts.
Evidence is provided to prove the argumentative context in the thesis. This rubric category is graded from 0 to 4 points. To score higher, you must follow the points below.
- You must aim to provide multiple types of evidence in your argumentative thesis.
- Each statement you provide must be backed up with evidence in context to the text or arguments about the authorâs theoretical choices.
- Add more and more evidence, which must be specific.
- Examine whether your evidence is linked with your overarching argument.
- Deliver your interpretation and never rely on just quotes or phrases.Â
- Steer clear of generalization for text or author
- Avoid quotes that speak for themselves. You must elaborate on the evidence you provided.
- Sophistication
According to The College Board, this category holds 0 to 1 points. The higher grading in rhetorical analysis essays indicates the delivery of the sophistication of thoughts or a complex understanding of rhetorical elements. In this, you have to mainly focus on the number of semicolons you use and not the fancy terms. Here is what you need to follow:
- Focus on delivering the right connection between the thesis and your evidence.
- Create a brief framework and then proceed with writing the essay in the right flow to stay precise and clear in your piece.
- Do not include arguments that you wonât be able to provide evidence for.
- Ignore complex or fancy words or phrases that are hard to follow.
Ways to Improve Your Rhetorical Analysis Essay AP Lang
Now that you know what a rhetorical analysis essay is and how it is developed, you must be thinking about how tricky it is to understand the passage. Many find themselves in a completely blank position when it comes to where to begin during the exam. They find the rhetorical analysis essay AP Lang quite challenging to deal with and understand the authorâs perspective and viewpoint. Practicing rhetorical strategies does not help if you do not have the right approach, which only comes from the field experts and their guidance. Turito offers a platform where you get mentors to teach you all the concepts and approaches you apply in writing effective rhetorical essays in less time. Their course helps you get higher scores, which you can use to get college admission to your favorite college and country. Hey, you ambitious one, what are you waiting for? Contact us now and give your dreams a flight!
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How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay + Examples
Whatâs covered:, what is the ap language argument essay, tips for writing the ap language argument essay, ap english language argument essay examples, how will ap scores impact my college chances.
In 2023, over 550,148 students across the U.S. took the AP English Language and Composition Exam, and 65.2% scored higher than a 3. The AP English Language Exam tests your ability to analyze a piece of writing, synthesize information, write a rhetorical essay, and create a cohesive argument. In this post, weâll be discussing the best way to approach the argumentative essay section of the test, and weâll give you tips and tricks so you can write a great essay.
The AP English Language Exam as of 2023 is structured as follows:
Section 1: 45 multiple choice questions to be completed in an hour. This portion counts for 45% of your score. This section requires students to analyze a piece of literature. The questions ask about its content and/or what could be edited within the passage.
Section 2: Three free response questions to be completed in the remaining two hours and 15 minutes. This section counts for 55% of your score. These essay questions include the synthesis essay, the rhetorical essay, and the argumentative essay.
- Synthesis essay: Read 6-7 sources and create an argument using at least three of the sources.
- Rhetorical analysis essay: Describe how a piece of writing evokes meaning and symbolism.
- Argumentative essay: Pick a side of a debate and create an argument based on evidence. In this essay, you should develop a logical argument in support of or against the given statement and provide ample evidence that supports your conclusion. Typically, a five paragraph format is great for this type of writing. This essay is scored holistically from 1 to 9 points.
Do you want more information on the structure of the full exam? Take a look at our in-depth overview of the AP Language and Composition Exam .
Although the AP Language Argument may seem daunting at first, once you understand how the essay should be structured, it will be a lot easier to create cohesive arguments.
Below are some tips to help you as you write the essay.
1. Organize your essay before writing
Instead of jumping right into your essay, plan out what you will say beforehand. Itâs easiest to make a list of your arguments and write out what facts or evidence you will use to support each argument. In your outline, you can determine the best order for your arguments, especially if they build on each other or are chronological. Having a well-organized essay is crucial for success.
2. Pick one side of the argument, but acknowledge the other side
When you write the essay, itâs best if you pick one side of the debate and stick with it for the entire essay. All your evidence should be in support of that one side. However, in your introductory paragraph, as you introduce the debate, be sure to mention any merit the arguments of the other side has. This can make the essay a bit more nuanced and show that you did consider both sides before determining which one was better. Often, acknowledging another viewpoint then refuting it can make your essay stronger.
3. Provide evidence to support your claims
The AP readers will be looking for examples and evidence to support your argument. This doesnât mean that you need to memorize a bunch of random facts before the exam. This just means that you should be able to provide concrete examples in support of your argument.
For example, if the essay topic is about whether the role of the media in society has been detrimental or not, and you argue that it has been, you may talk about the phenomenon of âfake newsâ during the 2016 presidential election.
AP readers are not looking for perfect examples, but they are looking to see if you can provide enough evidence to back your claim and make it easily understood.
4. Create a strong thesis statement
The thesis statement will set up your entire essay, so itâs important that it is focused and specific, and that it allows for the reader to understand your body paragraphs. Make sure your thesis statement is the very last sentence of your introductory paragraph. In this sentence, list out the key points you will be making in the essay in the same order that you will be writing them. Each new point you mention in your thesis should start a paragraph in your essay.
Below is a prompt and sample student essay from the May 2019 exam . Weâll look at what the student did well in their writing and where they could improve.
Prompt: âThe term âoverratedâ is often used to diminish concepts, places, roles, etc. that the speaker believes do not deserve the prestige they commonly enjoy; for example, many writers have argued that success is overrated, a character in a novel by Anthony Burgess famously describes Rome as a âvastly overrated city,â and Queen Rania of Jordan herself has asserted that â[b]eing queen is overrated.â
Select a concept, place, role, etc. to which you believe that the term âoverratedâ should be applied. Then, write a well-developed essay in which you explain your judgment. Use appropriate evidence from your reading, experience, or observations to support your argument.
Sample Student Essay #1:
[1] Competition is âoverrated.â The notion of motivation between peers has evolved into a source of unnecessary stress and even lack of morals. Whether it be in an academic environment or in the industry, this new idea of competition is harmful to those competing and those around them.
[2] Back in elementary school, competition was rather friendly. It could have been who could do the most pushups or who could get the most imaginary points in a classroom for a prize. If you couldnât do the most pushups or win that smelly sticker, you would go home and improve yourself â there would be no strong feelings towards anyone, you would just focus on making yourself a better version of yourself. Then as high school rolled around, suddenly applying for college doesnât seem so far away âGPA seems to be that one stat that defines you â extracurriculars seem to shape you â test scores seem to categorize you. Sleepless nights, studying for the next dayâs exam, seem to become more and more frequent. Floating duck syndrome seems to surround you (FDS is where a competitive student pretends to not work hard but is furiously studying beneath the surface just like how a duck furiously kicks to stay afloat). All of your competitors appear to hope you fail â but in the end what do you and your competitorâs gain? Getting one extra point on the test? Does that self-satisfaction compensate for the tremendous amounts of acquired stress? This new type of âcompetitionâ is overrated â it serves nothing except a never-ending source of anxiety and seeks to weaken friendships and solidarity as a whole in the school setting.
[3] A similar idea of âcompetitionâ can be applied to business. On the most fundamental level, competition serves to be a beneficial regulator of prices and business models for both the business themselves and consumers. However, as businesses grew increasingly greedy and desperate, companies resorted to immoral tactics that only hurt their reputations and consumers as a whole. Whether it be McDonaldâs coupons that force you to buy more food or tech companies like Apple intentionally slowing down your iPhone after 3 years to force you to upgrade to the newest device, consumers suffer and in turn speak down upon these companies. Similar to the evolved form of competition in school, this overrated form causes pain for all parties and has since diverged from the encouraging nature that the principle of competition was âfoundedâ on.
The AP score for this essay was a 4/6, meaning that it captured the main purpose of the essay but there were still substantial parts missing. In this essay, the writer did a good job organizing the sections and making sure that their writing was in order according to the thesis statement. The essay first discusses how competition is harmful in elementary school and then discusses this topic in the context of business. This follows the chronological order of somebodyâs life and flows nicely.
The arguments in this essay are problematic, as they do not provide enough examples of how exactly competition is overrated. The essay discusses the context in which competition is overrated but does not go far enough in explaining how this connects to the prompt.
In the first example, school stress is used to explain how competition manifests. This is a good starting point, but it does not talk about why competition is overrated; it simply mentions that competition can be unhealthy. The last sentence of that paragraph is the main point of the argument and should be expanded to discuss how the anxiety of school is overrated later on in life.Â
In the second example, the writer discusses how competition can lead to harmful business practices, but again, this doesnât reflect the reason this would be overrated. Is competition really overrated because Apple and McDonaldâs force you to buy new products? This example couldâve been taken one step farther. Instead of explaining why business structuresâsuch as monopoliesâharm competition, the author should discuss how those particular structures are overrated.
Additionally, the examples the writer used lack detail. A stronger essay wouldâve provided more in-depth examples. This essay seemed to mention examples only in passing without using them to defend the argument.
It should also be noted that the structure of the essay is incomplete. The introduction only has a thesis statement and no additional context. Also, there is no conclusion paragraph that sums up the essay. These missing components result in a 4/6.
Now letâs go through the prompt for a sample essay from the May 2022 exam . The prompt is as follows:
Colin Powell, a four-star general and former United States Secretary of State, wrote in his 1995 autobiography: â[W]e do not have the luxury of collecting information indefinitely. At some point, before we can have every possible fact in hand, we have to decide. The key is not to make quick decisions, but to make timely decisions.â
Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Powellâs claim about making decisions is valid.Â
In your response you should do the following:
- Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.Â
- Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.Â
- Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.Â
- Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
Sample Student Essay #2:
Colin Powell, who was a four star general and a former United States Secretary of State. He wrote an autobiography and had made a claim about making decisions. In my personal opinion, Powellâs claim is true to full extent and shows an extremely valuable piece of advice that we do not consider when we make decisions.
Powell stated, âbefore we can have every possible fact in hand we have to decideâŚ. but to make it a timely decisionâ (1995). With this statement Powell is telling the audience of his autobiography that it does not necessarily matter how many facts you have, and how many things you know. Being able to have access to everything possible takes a great amount of time and we donât always have all of the time in the world. A decision has to be made with what you know, waiting for something else to come in while trying to make a decision whether that other fact is good or bad you already have a good amount of things that you know. Everyoneâs time is valuable, including yours. At the end of the day the decision will have to be made and that is why it should be made in a âtimelyâ manner.
This response was graded for a score of 2/6. Letâs break down the score to smaller points that signify where the student fell short.
The thesis in this essay is clearly outlined at the end of the first paragraph. The student states their agreement with Powellâs claim and frames the rest of their essay around this stance. The success in scoring here lies in the clear communication of the thesis and the direction the argument will take. Itâs important to make the thesis statement concise, specific, and arguable, which the student has successfully done.
While the student did attempt to provide evidence to support their thesis, itâs clear that their explanation lacks specific detail and substance. They referenced Powellâs statement, but did not delve into how this statement has proven true in specific instances, and did not provide examples that could bring the argument to life.
Commentary is an essential part of this sectionâs score. It means explaining the significance of the evidence and connecting it back to the thesis. Unfortunately, the studentâs commentary here is too vague and does not effectively elaborate on how the evidence supports their argument.
To improve, the student could use more concrete examples to demonstrate their point and discuss how each piece of evidence supports their thesis. For instance, they could discuss specific moments in Powellâs career where making a timely decision was more valuable than waiting for all possible facts. This would help illustrate the argument in a more engaging, understandable way.
A high score in the âsophisticationâ category of the grading rubric is given for demonstrating a complex understanding of the rhetorical situation (purpose, audience, context, etc.), making effective rhetorical choices, or establishing a line of reasoning. Here, the studentâs response lacks complexity and sophistication. Theyâve simply agreed with Powellâs claim and made a few general statements without providing a deeper analysis or effectively considering the rhetorical situation.
To increase sophistication, the student could explore possible counterarguments or complexities within Powellâs claim. They could discuss potential drawbacks of making decisions without all possible facts, or examine situations where timely decisions might not yield the best results. By acknowledging and refuting these potential counterarguments, they could add more depth to their analysis and showcase their understanding of the complexities involved in decision-making.
The student could also analyze why Powell, given his background and experiences, might have come to such a conclusion, thus providing more context and showing an understanding of the rhetorical situation.
Remember, sophistication in argumentation isnât about using fancy words or complicated sentences. Itâs about showing that you understand the complexity of the issue at hand and that youâre able to make thoughtful, nuanced arguments. Sophistication shows that you can think critically about the topic and make connections that arenât immediately obvious.
Now that youâve looked at an example essay and some tips for the argumentative essay, you know how to better prepare for the AP English Language and Composition Exam.
While your AP scores donât usually impact your admissions chances , colleges do care a lot about your course rigor. So, taking as many APs as you can will certainly boost your chances! AP scores can be a way for high-performing students to set themselves apart, particularly when applying to prestigious universities. Through the process of self-reporting scores , you can show your hard work and intelligence to admissions counselors.
That said, the main benefit of scoring high on AP exams comes once you land at your dream school, as high scores can allow you to âtest outâ of entry-level requirements, often called GE requirements or distribution requirements. This will save you time and money.
To understand how your course rigor stacks up, check out CollegeVineâs free chancing engine . This resource takes your course rigor, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, to determine your chances of getting into over 1600 colleges across the country!
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Published on: Mar 10, 2023
Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024
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Writing a rhetorical analysis essay can be tough. You want to engage your reader, but you also need to provide clear and concise analysis of the text.
It's hard to know where to start, what information is important, and how to make your argument clear.
Don't fret! We've got you covered.
In this blog post, we'll give you 15+ Rhetorical analysis essay examples to help you craft a winning essay. Plus, we'll give you some tips on how to make your essay stand out.
So without a further delay, let's start!
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Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples
Examples help the readers to understand things in a better way. They also help a writer to compose an essay just like professionals.
Here are some amazing rhetorical analysis examples on different topics. Use them as a helping hand to understand the concept and write a good essay.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: AP Language
Rhetorical analysis done in AP Language and Composition is one of the biggest tasks a student can ever get. On the same hand, drafting it in a proper way is also necessary to get good grades.
Look at these rhetorical analysis essay example AP language given below to see how a well-written rhetorical essay is written.
AP Rhetorical analysis essay example
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Ap Lang 2020
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Ap Lang 2021
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example AP Lang 2022
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example AP Lang 2023
These rhetorical analysis essay example college board will help you to win over your panel in no time!
Want to start from the basics? Head over to our Rhetorical essay guide to solidify your base.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Ted Talk
A rhetorical analysis can be done on nearly anything. Here is a good example of a rhetorical essay in which a ted talk is being analyzed.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Ethos, Pathos, Logos
The first impression of these three terms sounds just like a conjuration in some kind of a magical story. But in fact, these elements of persuasion were created by Aristotle and have been used for a very long time.
According to Aristotle, they were the primary persuasive strategies that authors should use in their papers. These elements are further elaborated as follows:
- The ethos appeals to ethics.
- Pathos appeals to emotions.
- Logos mean the use of rational thinking.
Here is an example of a rhetorical essay written using these elements.
Understand Ethos,Pathos and Logos to write a compelling essay.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example for College
College students often get to write a rhetorical analysis essay. They find it hard to write such an essay because it is a bit more technical than other essay types.
Here is an example of a well-written rhetorical essay for college students.
Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
A rhetorical analysis essay can be written to show a comparison between two objects. Here is a compare-and-contrast rhetorical analysis essay example.
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Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
The visual rhetorical essay determines how pictures and images communicate messages and persuade the audience. Usually, visual rhetorical essays are written for advertisements. They use strong images to convince the audience to behave in a certain way.
Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Pdf
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Letter from Birmingham Jail
Here is another good example of a rhetorical essay. Most of us know about the history of âÂÂletter from a Birmingham jailâÂÂ. Read the given example to see how rhetorical analysis is done on it.
Struggling for a similar good topic? Check out our amazing rhetorical essay topics to select the perfect theme for your essay.
Great Influenza: Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
Influenza has been one of the scariest pandemics the world has faced in history. Here is a rhetorical essay on great influenza.
Great influenza: Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
Condoleezza Rice Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
The speech given by Condoleezza Rice has become a classic example of effective oratory. Here is an example of a rhetorical analysis essay on the speech given by Condoleezza Rice at a commencement ceremony.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Condoleezza RiceâÂÂs Commencement Speech
This example explores the effectiveness of Rice's speech and features an in-depth analysis.Â
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example High School
High school essays involve the analysis of different texts and the application of rhetorical tools to those texts. Here is an example that focuses on a high school essay about the effects of television on society.Â
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example (Pdf)
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example MLA
MLA format is one of the most commonly used formats for essays. Here is an example of a rhetorical essay written in MLA format that focuses on the effectiveness of advertisements.Â
MLA Rhetorical Analysis Essay PDF
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Outline
Outline helps to organize the ideas and arguments that you want to present in your essay. Here is a sample outline that can help you write an effective rhetorical analysis essay.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Outline sample
Hop on to our rhetorical essay outline guide to learn the step-by-step process of crafting an exemplary outline.
How to Start a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
When starting a rhetorical analysis essay, it is important to provide a brief overview of the topic that you are analyzing. This should include the overall message being conveyed, the target audience and the rhetorical devices used in the text.Â
Here is a rhetorical analysis introduction example for your ease.
Thesis Statement Example for Rhetorical Analysis Essay
The thesis statement of a rhetorical analysis essay should explain the primary argument being made in the text. Here is an example of a thesis statement for a rhetorical analysis essay for your ease.
Example of Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Statement
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Conclusion
The conclusion of a rhetorical analysis essay is an important part of the overall essay. It should summarize your main points and provide some final thoughts on the topic.Â
Here is an example of conclusion for a rhetorical analysis essay for your ease.
Download this  Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Manual to help gather all the relevant guidance for your rhetorical essay.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Manual (PDF)
Watch this video to understand how to select Rhetorical analysis essay evidences.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Tips
To write a rhetorical analysis essay, you must have good writing skills. Writing a rhetorical essay is a technical task to do. This is why many students find it really difficult.
There are the following things that you should do to write a good rhetorical analysis essay. Those important things are as follows:
- Determine the Rhetorical Strategy
To write a rhetorical essay, the writer needs to follow a specific method for research. The typical research methods used for this particular essay are as follows:
- Choose a Topic
For any essay type, it is very important to have a good topic. A good topic seeks the readers of attention and convinces them to read the complete essay.
- Create a Rhetorical Analysis Outline
An outline is an essential part of essay writing. The outline provides a definite structure to the essay and also guides the reader throughout the essay. A rhetorical analysis outline  has the following elements in it:
- Introduction
- Body paragraphs
These three elements let you describe the entire idea of your rhetorical analysis essay. These three elements are further written with the help of sub-elements.
- Develop a Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is yet another important part of essay writing. It is the essence of the entire essay. It may be a sentence or two explaining the whole idea of your essay. However, not give background information about the topic.
- Proofread and Edit
The formal terminology used for essay revision is known as proofreading. To make sure that your essay is error-free, repeat this process more than once.
Now let's wrap up , shall we?
So far we have provided you with the best rhetorical analysis examples that are sure to win over your panel. With our help, you can surely sfe guard your academic success journey in no time!
In case you think you can not write such an essay on your own, consult an essay writing service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 parts of rhetorical analysis.
The three parts of rhetorical analysis are:
- Ethos
- Logos
- Pathos
What are the elements of a rhetorical analysis?
The main elements of a rhetorical analysis essay are:
- Situation
- Audience
- Purpose
- Medium
- Context
Is there any difference between AP lang rhetorical analysis essay example 2020 and AP lang rhetorical analysis essay example 2021?
Yes, there are differences between 2020 and 2021 AP Language and Composition rhetorical analysis essay examples.
- In 2020 the essay prompts revolved around various social issues related to public discourse. In 2021 they mainly focused on the ideas of justice or progress.
- In 2020 students were encouraged to write a multi-paragraph essay shifting back and forth between creative devices of rhetoric. While in 2021 more emphasis was placed on analyzing how well an author's argument is structured.
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How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example)
December 14, 2023
Weâd like to let you in on a little secret: no one, including us, enjoys writing timed essays. But a little practice goes a long way. If you want to head into your AP English Exam with a cool head, youâll want to know what youâre getting into ahead of time. We canât promise the AP Lang Argument Essay will ever feel like an island vacation, but we do have tons of hand tips and tricks (plus a sample essay!) below to help you do your best. This article will cover: 1) What is the AP Lang Argumentative Essay? 2) AP Lang Argument Rubric 3) AP Lang Argument Sample Prompt 4) AP Lang Argument Essay Example 5) AP Lang Argument Essay Example: Answer Breakdown.
What is the AP Lang Argument Essay?
The AP Lang Argument Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions. Once you complete the multiple-choice section, you move on to three equally weighted essays that ask you to synthesize, analyze, and interpret texts and develop well-reasoned arguments. The three essays include:
Synthesis essay: Youâll review various pieces of evidence and then write an essay that synthesizes (aka combines and interprets) the evidence and presents a clear argument. Read our write-up on How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay here.
Argumentative essay: Youâll take a stance on a specific topic and argue your case.
Rhetorical essay: Youâll read a provided passage, then analyze the authorâs rhetorical choices and develop an argument that explains why the author made those rhetorical choices. Read our write-up on How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Essay here.
AP Lang Argument Essay Rubric
The AP Lang Argument Essay is graded on 3 rubric categories : Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, and Sophistication . How can you make sure you cover all three bases in your essay? Weâll break down each rubric category with dos and donâts below:
- Thesis (0-1 point)
When it comes to grading your thesis, AP Exam graders are checking off a box: you either have a clear thesis or you donât. So, what crucial components of a thesis will get you your check mark?
- Make sure your thesis argues something . To satisfy your graders, your thesis needs to take a clear stance on the issue at hand.
- Include your thesis statement in your intro paragraph. The AP Lang Argumentative essay is just that: an essay that makes an argument, so make sure you present your argument right away at the end of your first paragraph.
- A good test to see if you have a thesis that makes an argument for your AP Lang Argumentative Essay: In your head, add the phrase âI agree/disagree thatâŚâ to the beginning of your thesis. If what follows doesnât logically flow after that phrase (aka if what follows isnât an agreement or disagreement), itâs likely youâre not making an argument.
- In your thesis, outline the evidence youâll cover in your body paragraphs.
AP Lang Argument Essay Rubric (Continued)
- Avoid a thesis that merely restates the prompt.
- Avoid a thesis that summarizes the text but does not make an argument.
- Avoid a thesis that weighs the pros and cons of an issue. Your job in your thesis is to pick a side and stick with it.
- Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points)
This rubric category is graded on a scale of 0-4 where 4 is the highest grade. Unlike the rhetorical and synthesis essays, the evidence you need to write your AP Lang Argument Essay is not provided to you. Rather, youâll need to generate your own evidence and comment upon it.
What counts as evidence?
Typically, the AP Lang Argument Essay prompt asks you to reflect on a broad cultural, moral, or social issue that is open to debate. For evidence, you wonât be asked to memorize and cite statistics or facts. Rather, youâll want to bring in real-world examples of:
- Historical events
- Current-day events from the news
- Personal anecdotes
For this essay, your graders know that youâre not able to do research to find the perfect evidence. Whatâs most important is that you find evidence that logically supports your argument.
What is commentary?
In this essay, itâs important to do more than just provide examples relevant evidence. After each piece of evidence you include, youâll need to explain why itâs significant and how it connects to your main argument. The analysis you include after your evidence is commentary .
- Take a minute to brainstorm evidence that logically supports your argument. If you have to go out of your way to find the connection, itâs better to think of different evidence.
- Include multiple pieces of evidence. There is no magic number, but do make sure you incorporate more than a couple pieces of evidence that support your argument.
- Make sure you include more than one example of evidence, too. Letâs say youâre working on an essay that argues that people are always stronger together than apart. Youâve already included an example from history: during the civil rights era, protestors staged group sit-ins as a powerful form of peaceful protest. Thatâs just one example, and itâs hard to make a credible argument with just one piece of evidence. To fix that issue, think of additional examples from history, current events, or personal experience that are not related to the civil rights era.
- After you include each piece of evidence, explain why itâs significant and how it connects to your main argument.
- Donât summarize or speak generally about the topic. Everything you write must be backed up with specific and relevant evidence and examples.
- Donât let quotes speak for themselves. After every piece of evidence you include, make sure to explain and connect the evidence to your overarching argument.
AP Lang Argument Essay (Continued)
- Sophistication (0-1 point)
According to the College Board , one point can be awarded to AP Lang Argument essays that achieve a high level of sophistication. You can accomplish that in four ways:
- Crafting a nuanced argument by consistently identifying and exploring complexities or tensions.
- Articulating the implications or limitations of an argument by situating it within a broader context.
- Making effective rhetorical choices that consistently strengthen the force and impact of the studentâs argument.
- Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.
In sum, this means you can earn an additional point for going above and beyond in depth, complexity of thought, or by writing an especially persuasive, clear, and well-structured essay. In order to earn this point, youâll first need to do a good job with the fundamentals: your thesis, evidence, and commentary. Then, to earn your sophistication point, follow these tips:
- Outline your essay before you begin to ensure it flows in a clear and cohesive way.
- Include well-rounded evidence. Donât rely entirely on personal anecdotes, for example. Incorporate examples from current events or history, as well.
- Thoroughly explain how each piece of evidence connects to your thesis in order to fully develop your argument.
- Explore broader implications. If what youâre arguing is true, what does that mean to us today? Who is impacted by this issue? What real-world issues are relevant to this core issue?
- Briefly explore the other side of the issue. Are the instances where your argument might not be true? Acknowledge the other side, then return to proving your original argument.
- Steer clear of generalizations (avoid words like âalwaysâ and âeveryoneâ).
- Donât choose an argument you canât back up with relevant examples.
- Avoid complex sentences and fancy vocabulary words unless you use them often. Long, clunky sentences with imprecisely used words are hard to follow.
AP Lang Argument Sample Prompt
The sample prompt below is published online by the College Board and is a real example from the 2021 AP English Exam. The prompt provides background context, essay instructions, and the text you need to analyze.
Suggested timeâ40 minutes.
Many people spend long hours trying to achieve perfection in their personal or professional lives. Similarly, people often demand perfection from others, creating expectations that may be challenging to live up to. In contrast, some people think perfection is not attainable or desirable.
Write an essay that argues your position on the value of striving for perfection.
In your response you should do the following:
- Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
- Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
- Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
- Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
AP Lang Argument Essay Example
As the old phrase says, âPractice makes perfect.â But is perfection something that is actually attainable? Sometimes, pushing for perfection helps us achieve great things, but most often, perfectionism puts too much pressure on us and prevents us from knowing when we have done the best we can. Striving for perfection can only lead us to shortchange ourselves. Instead, we should value learning, growth, and creativity and not worry whether we are first or fifth best.
Students often feel the need to be perfect in their classes, and this can cause students to struggle or stop making an effort in class. In elementary and middle school, for example, I was very nervous about public speaking. When I had to give a speech, my voice would shake, and I would turn very red. My teachers always told me ârelax!â and I got Bs on Cs on my speeches. As a result, I put more pressure on myself to do well, spending extra time making my speeches perfect and rehearsing late at night at home. But this pressure only made me more nervous, and I started getting stomach aches before speaking in public.
Once I got to high school, however, I started doing YouTube make-up tutorials with a friend. We made videos just for fun, and laughed when we made mistakes or said something silly. Only then, when I wasnât striving to be perfect, did I get more comfortable with public speaking.
AP Lang Argumentative Essay Example (Continued)
In the world of art and business and science, perfectionism can also limit what we are able to achieve. Artists, for example, have to take risks and leave room for creativity. If artists strive for perfection, then they wonât be willing to fail at new experiments and their work will be less innovative and interesting. In business and science, many products, like penicillin for example, were discovered by accident. If the scientist who discovered penicillin mold growing on his petri dishes had gotten angry at his mistake and thrown the dishes away, he would never have discovered a medicine that is vital to us today.
Some fields do need to value perfection. We wouldnât like it, for example, if our surgeon wasnât striving for perfection during our operation. However, for most of us, perfectionism can limit our potential for learning and growth. Instead of trying to be perfect, we should strive to learn, innovate, and do our personal best.
AP Lang Argument Essay Example: Answer Breakdown
The sample AP Lang Argumentative Essay above has some strengths and some weaknesses. Overall, we would give this essay a 3 or a 4. Letâs break down whatâs working and what could be improved:
- The essay offers a thesis that makes a clear argument that is relevant to the prompt: âStriving for perfection can only lead us to shortchange ourselves. Instead, we should value learning, growth, and creativity and not worry whether we are first or fifth best.â
- The first body paragraph provides evidence that supports the essayâs thesis. This studentâs personal anecdote offers an example of a time when perfectionism led them to shortchange themselves.
- The second body paragraph provides additional evidence that supports the essayâs thesis. The example describing the discovery of penicillin offers another example of a situation in which perfectionism might have limited scientific progress.
- The writer offers commentary explaining how her examples of public speaking and penicillin illustrate that we should âvalue learning, growth, and creativityâ over perfectionism.
- The essay follows one line of reasoning and does not stray into tangents.
- The essay is organized well with intro, body, and concluding paragraphs. Overall, it is easy to read and is free of grammar errors.
What could be improved:
- Although the second body paragraph provides one good specific example about the discovery of penicillin, the other examples it offers about art and business are only discussed generally and arenât backed up with evidence. This paragraph would be stronger if it provided more examples. Or, if this writer couldnât think of examples, they could have left out mentions of art and business altogether and included alternate evidence instead.
- This writer would more thoroughly support their argument if they were able to offer one more example of evidence. They could provide another personal anecdote, an example from history, or an example from current events.
- The writer briefly mentions the other side of the argument in their concluding paragraph: âSome fields do need to value perfection. We wouldnât like it, for example, if our surgeon wasnât striving for perfection during our operation.â Since itâs so brief a mention of the other side, it undermines the writerâs overall argument. This writer should either dedicate more time to reflecting on why even surgeons should âvalue learning, growth, and creativityâ over perfectionism, or they should leave these sentences out.
AP Lang Argument Essay ExampleâMore Resources
Looking for more tips to help you master your AP Lang Argumentative Essay? Brush up on 20 Rhetorical Devices High School Students Should Know and read our Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension .
If youâre ready to start studying for another part of the AP English Exam, find more expert tips in our How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis and How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Essay blog posts.
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Christina Wood
Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeneyâs , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story âThe Astronautâ won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a âDistinguished Storiesâ mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.
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Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example - Free Samples
11 min read
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Rhetorical Analysis Essay - A Complete Guide With Examples
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics â 120+ Unique Ideas
Crafting an Effective Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline - Free Samples!
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos - Structure, Usage & Examples
Writing a rhetorical analysis essay for academics can be really demanding for students. This type of paper requires high-level analyzing abilities and professional writing skills to be drafted effectively.
As this essay persuades the audience, it is essential to know how to take a strong stance and develop a thesis.
This article will find some examples that will help you with your rhetorical analysis essay writing effortlessly.
- 1. Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
- 2. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example AP Lang 2023
- 3. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples for Students
- 4. Writing a Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay with Example
- 5. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Tips
Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
The step-by-step writing process of a rhetorical analysis essay is far more complicated than ordinary academic essays. This essay type critically analyzes the rhetorical means used to persuade the audience and their efficiency.
The example provided below is the best rhetorical analysis essay example:
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Sample
In this essay type, the author uses rhetorical approaches such as ethos, pathos, and logos . These approaches are then studied and analyzed deeply by the essay writers to weigh their effectiveness in delivering the message.
Letâs take a look at the following example to get a better idea;
The outline and structure of a rhetorical analysis essay are important.
According to the essay outline, the essay is divided into three sections:
- Introduction
- Ethos
- Logos
A rhetorical analysis essay outline is the same as the traditional one. The different parts of the rhetorical analysis essay are written in the following way:
Rhetorical Analysis Introduction Example
The introductory paragraph of a rhetorical analysis essay is written for the following purpose:
- To provide basic background information about the chosen author and the text.
- Identify the target audience of the essay.
An introduction for a rhetorical essay is drafted by:
- Stating an opening sentence known as the hook statement. This catchy sentence is prepared to grab the audienceâs attention to the paper.
- After the opening sentence, the background information of the author and the original text are provided.
For example, a rhetorical analysis essay written by Lee Jennings onâThe Right Stuffâ by David Suzuki. Lee started the essay by providing the introduction in the following way:
Analysis of the Example:
- Suzuki stresses the importance of high school education. He prepares his readers for a proposal to make that education as valuable as possible.
- A rhetorical analysis can show how successful Suzuki was in using logos, pathos, and ethos. He had a strong ethos because of his reputation.
- He also used pathos to appeal to parents and educators. However, his use of logos could have been more successful.
- Here Jennings stated the background information about the text and highlighted the rhetorical techniques used and their effectiveness.
Thesis Statement Example for Rhetorical Analysis Essay
A thesis statement of a rhetorical analysis essay is the writerâs stance on the original text. It is the argument that a writer holds and proves it using the evidence from the original text.
A thesis statement for a rhetorical essay is written by analyzing the following elements of the original text:
- Diction - It refers to the authorâs choice of words and the tone
- Imagery - The visual descriptive language that the author used in the content.
- Simile - The comparison of things and ideas
In Jennings's analysis of âThe Right Stuff,â the thesis statement was:
Example For Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Statement
Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraph Example
In the body paragraphs of your rhetorical analysis essay, you dissect the author's work, analyze their use of rhetorical techniques, and provide evidence to support your analysis.
Let's look at an example that analyzes the use of ethos in David Suzuki's essay:
Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion Example
All the body paragraphs lead the audience towards the conclusion.
For example, the conclusion of âThe Right Stuffâ is written in the following way by Jennings:
In the conclusion section, Jennings summarized the major points and restated the thesis statement to prove them.
Rhetorical Essay Example For The Right Stuff by David Suzuki
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example AP Lang 2023
Writing a rhetorical analysis for the AP Language and Composition course can be challenging. So drafting it correctly is important to earn good grades.
To make your essay effective and winning, follow the tips provided by professionals below:
Step #1: Understand the Prompt
Understanding the prompt is the first thing to produce an influential rhetorical paper. It is mandatory for this academic writing to read and understand the prompt to know what the task demands from you.
Step #2: Stick to the Format
The content for the rhetorical analysis should be appropriately organized and structured. For this purpose, a proper outline is drafted.
The rhetorical analysis essay outline divides all the information into different sections, such as the introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should explicitly state the background information and the thesis statement.
All the body paragraphs should start with a topic sentence to convey a claim to the readers. Provide a thorough analysis of these claims in the paragraph to support your topic sentence.
Step #3: Use Rhetorical Elements to Form an Argument
Analyze the following things in the text to form an argument for your essay:
- Language (tone and words)
- Organizational structure
- Rhetorical Appeals ( ethos, pathos, and logos)
Once you have analyzed the rhetorical appeals and other devices like imagery and diction, you can form a strong thesis statement. The thesis statement will be the foundation on which your essay will be standing.
AP Language Rhetorical Essay Sample
AP Rhetorical Analysis Essay Template
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example AP Lang
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples for Students
Here are a few more examples to help the students write a rhetorical analysis essay:
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Outline
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example College
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example APA Format
Compare and Contrast Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
How to Start Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example High School
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example APA Sample
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Of a Song
Florence Kelley Speech Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example MLA
Writing a Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay with Example
The visual rhetorical analysis essay determines how pictures and images communicate messages and persuade the audience.
Usually, visual rhetorical analysis papers are written for advertisements. This is because they use strong images to convince the audience to behave in a certain way.
To draft a perfect visual rhetorical analysis essay, follow the tips below:
- Analyze the advertisement deeply and note every minor detail.
- Notice objects and colors used in the image to gather every detail.
- Determine the importance of the colors and objects and analyze why the advertiser chose the particular picture.
- See what you feel about the image.
- Consider the objective of the image. Identify the message that the image is portraying.
- Identify the targeted audience and how they respond to the picture.
An example is provided below to give students a better idea of the concept.
Simplicity Breeds Clarity Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Tips
Follow the tips provided below to make your rhetorical writing compelling.
- Choose an engaging topic for your essay. The rhetorical analysis essay topic should be engaging to grab the readerâs attention.
- Thoroughly read the original text.
- Identify the SOAPSTone. From the text, determine the speaker, occasions, audience, purpose, subject, and tone.
- Develop a thesis statement to state your claim over the text.
- Draft a rhetorical analysis essay outline.
- Write an engaging essay introduction by giving a hook statement and background information. At the end of the introductory paragraph, state the thesis statement.
- The body paragraphs of the rhetorical essay should have a topic sentence. Also, in the paragraph, a thorough analysis should be presented.
- For writing a satisfactory rhetorical essay conclusion, restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points.
- Proofread your essay to check for mistakes in the content. Make your edits before submitting the draft.
Following the tips and the essay's correct writing procedure will guarantee success in your academics.
We have given you plenty of examples of a rhetorical analysis essay. But if you are still struggling to draft a great rhetorical analysis essay, it is suggested to take a professionalâs help.
MyPerfectWords.com can assist you with all your academic assignments. The top essay writer service that we provide is reliable. If you are confused about your writing assignments and have difficulty meeting the deadline, get help from the legal essay writing service .
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Rhetorical Devices List w/ Examples
37 min read ⢠may 10, 2022
List of Rhetorical Devices & Terms
Taking AP English Language? This is a list of main rhetorical device terms that you should know for the exam as well as definitions & examples for each. These terms will mostly show up on the multiple-choice section, so itâs important to be able to identify them in a work of writing, but you wonât actually have to use the device in your own writing. Each term includes a definition, an example of the rhetorical device being used in a text, and an example of analysis that might be used in an essay.
In your essays, you will need to identify which devices are used and their effect on the work as a whole. Sometimes, a writer will use a device (for example: alliteration), but it doesnât have a huge effect on the work or the writerâs argument. In that case, don't spend an entire paragraph talking about alliteration. You need to focus on what matters most, and you need to specifically show how  these choices make the work effective, and why they are so important. Yes, the rhetorical analysis essay is an argument essay just like the other two.
You aren't required to use rhetorical vocabulary in your essays at all â in fact, itâs probably better if you donât. If you force the vocabulary into your essay, you risk sounding clunky, and the vocabulary almost always leads you to switch to passive voice. Instead, just describe what is happening! (ex: The author uses imagery â The authorâs vivid images). This method also ensures that you are showing how the device is contributing to the work, rather than simply identifying it.
And, without further ado⌠Here are some rhetorical devices you should know for the AP Lang exam:
1. aesthetic
Definition: This rhetorical device references to artistic elements or expressions within a textual work
Example of aesthetic:Â
âThe Flapperâ by Dorothy Parker (1922)
The Playful flapper here we see,
The fairest of the fair.
She's not what Grandma used to be, â
You might say, au contraire.Her girlish ways may make a stir,
Her manners cause a scene,
But there is no more harm in her
Than in a submarine.
She nightly knocks for many a goal
The usual dancing men.
Her speed is great, but her control
Is something else again.
All spotlights focus on her pranks.
All tongues her prowess herald.
For which she well may render thanks
To God and Scott Fitzgerald.
Her golden rule is plain enough â
Just get them young and treat them
Analysis:  Parker describes the aesthetic  of flapper culture in her poem in order to support women who defied social norms and who adopted more liberal attitudes towards makeup, drinking, smoking, and sex.
Note: aesthetic is not necessarily a specific device; it is the bigger picture. An author would use a rhetorical device (e.g. imagery, allusions, etc.) to achieve a certain aesthetic.
2. allegory
Definition: This rhetorical device references the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence
Allegory Example: Â
Animal Farm  by George Orwell (1945)
All that year the animals worked like slaves. But they were happy in their work; they grudged no effort or sacrifice, well aware that everything they did was for the benefit of themselves and those of their kind who would come after them, and not for a pack of idle, thieving human beings.
Analysis:  In George Orwellâs allegorical  novel Animal Farm , overworked farm animals rise up against their owner and subscribe to the concepts of Animalism, which proclaims that âall men are enemiesâ and âall animals are comrades.â The animals, who now work âlike slavesâ for the âbenefit of themselves and those of that their kind,â run a society that mirrors that of the Russian Revolution. Orwellâs use of animals to describe contemporary political events creates distance between his novel and his potentially incendiary critique of the rise of Communism, which makes the topic more approachable.
3. alliteration Â
Definition: This rhetorical device references the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of successive words
Alliteration Example: Â
Ronald Reaganâs Address at the Vietnam Veteranâs Memorial (1988)
Our liberties, our values â all for which America stands â is safe today because brave men and women have been ready to face the fire at freedom's front. And we thank God for them.
Analysis: Â Reagan acknowledges that the veterans of the Vietnam War were prepared to âface the fire at freedomâs front.â Through his use of alliteration , Reagan emphasizes the soldiersâ willingness to sacrifice themselves for freedom, focusing the audienceâs attention on the value of the veteransâ deeds.
4. allusion
Definition: This rhetorical device is a reference, explicit or implicit, to something in previous literature or history
Allusion Example: Â
âI Have a Dreamâ by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.
Analysis:  King begins his speech with both an indirect and direct allusion  to Abraham Lincolnâs âEmancipation Proclamation.â The first phrase of Kingâs speech, âFive score years ago,â directly mirrors Lincolnâs historic speech, which opens with âfour score and seven years ago.â By associating himself with a prominent figure in the fight against injustice, King implies that he shares Lincolnâs values and establishes a sympathetic relationship with his audience.
5. ambiguity
Definition: This rhetorical device references a word, phrase, or sentence whose meaning can be interpreted in more than one way
Ambiguity Example: Â
The Awakening  by Kate Chopin (1899)
Exhaustion was pressing upon and overpowering her.
"Good-byâ because I love you." He did not know; he did not understand. He would never understand. Perhaps Doctor Mandelet would have understood if she had seen him â but it was too late; the shore was far behind her. And her strength was gone.
Analysis:  At the end of Kate Chopinâs The Awakening , Edna lends herself to the tide with the vague last words, âgood-byâ because I love you,â leaving Victor to question whether her death was intentional. Chopinâs use of ambiguity  to depict Endaâs death illustrates Victorâs lack of closure and his feeling of utter helplessness and confusion as he watches his loved one, both physically and metaphorically, swept away by the current.
Definition: This rhetorical device references an extended comparison between two things/instances/people etc. that share some similarity to make a point
Analogy Example: Â
âWhat True Education Should Doâ by Sydney J. Harris (1994)
Pupils are more like oysters than sausages. The job of teaching is not to stuff them and then seal them up, but to help them open and reveal the riches within. There are pearls in each of us, if only we knew how to cultivate them with ardor and persistence.
Analysis: Â Harris compares students to oysters whom we should help âopen and reveal the riches within.â Through her analogy , Harris establishes a basis on which readers can shift their perspective. Rather than simply listing specific traits of students, Harris helps her readers change their perception of how students should be treated, and gives readers a concrete and memorable lense through which readers should view the classroom.
7. anaphora
Definition: This rhetorical device references repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or lines
Anaphora Example: Â
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
Analysis:  King repeats the phrase, âI have a dreamâ to emphasize his vision for racial equality in the United States. By employing anaphora  to underscore his beliefs, King connects his ideas with a common motif, helping his audience follow his speech and make it more memorable. King thus invites his audience to share in his âdream,â as he reminds them that it is their dreams for a more equal future that unite their movement.
8. anecdote
Definition: This rhetorical device references a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident
Anecdote Example: Â
âGender Equality is Your Issue Tooâ by Emma Watson (2014)
I started questioning gender-based assumptions when at eight I was confused at being called âbossy,â because I wanted to direct the plays we would put on for our parentsâbut the boys were not. When at 14 I started being sexualized by certain elements of the press. When at 15 my girlfriends started dropping out of their sports teams because they didnât want to appear âmuscly.â When at 18 my male friends were unable to express their feelings. I decided I was a feminist and this seemed uncomplicated to me.
Analysis:  By sharing a short anecdote  about being âsexualizedâ and called âbossy,â while acknowledging her male friends being âunable to express their feelings,â Watson establishes her authority to speak on gender-related issues, and she appeals to her audienceâs sense of emotion and empathy as she aims to establish a common experience between both men and women in the United Nations.
9. antithesis
Definition: This rhetorical device references the rhetorical contrast of ideas by means of parallel arrangements of words, clauses, or sentences
Antithesis Example: Â
Neil Armstrongâs moon landing (1969)
âThatâs one small step for man; one giant leap for mankindâ
Analysis:  Armstrongâs antithesis  serves to highlight the monumental impact that the moon landing will have on the human race. By contrasting his âsmall stepâ with the âgiantâ effect that this step will have, he emphasizes its significance.
10. assonance
Definition: the repetition of vowel sounds but not consonant sounds
Assonance Example: Â
The Color Purple  by Alice Walker (1982)
She got sicker an sicker.
Finally, she ast Where it is?
I say God took it.
He took it. He took it while I was sleeping. Kilt it out there in the woods. Kill this one too, if he can.
Analysis: Â In her second letter to God, Celie describes her mother getting âsicker an sickerâ and the way God âkiltâ her first child in the woods. The repetition of the âiâ sound creates a staccato and rhythmic quality to the letter while still creating a thin, ill-sounding intonation.
Note: assonance is often associated with euphony : soothing and pleasant sounds.
11. asyndeton
Definition: conjunctions are omitted, producing a fast-paced and rapid prose
Asyndeton Example: Â
âDuty, Honor, Countryâ by General Douglas MacArthur (1962)
Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.
Analysis: In his speech, MacArthur rallies the United States army with three simple words: âduty, honor, country.â MacArthurâs asyndeton  creates a powerful and concise phrase that galvanizes his men through its simplicity. Because the conjunctions have been omitted, MacArthurâs phrase reads like a chant in which each word is emphasized equally. This rhythmic phrase is thus very easy to remember and to repeat, which allows MacArthur to invigorate and prepare his army.
12. chiasmus
Definition: repetition of ideas in inverted order
Example: Â John F. Kennedyâs Inaugural Address (1971)
The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it â and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you â ask what you can do for your country.
Analysis: Â In his 1971 Inaugural Address, Kennedy encourages his audience to have faith in their generation and in their country in the midst of a trying Cold War. Kennedy attempts to unite the audience under a national identity and purpose, inviting them to consider not what their âcountry can do forâ them, but what they âcan do forâ their country. By employing chiasmus , Kennedy highlights the difference between an archaic mentality and the attitude that he wants the country to adopt moving forward. Because Kennedy repeats the same simple ideas, he also creates a memorable phrase that allows his message to spread easily among the American people.
13. colloquial
Definition: characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech
Example: Â Barack Obamaâs message about political âwokenessâ (2019)
This idea of purity and youâre never compromised and youâre always politically woke and all that stuff; you should get over that quickly. The world is messy. There are ambiguities.
Analysis:  In his commentary regarding the call-out culture on the current socio-political stage, Obama uses the term âwokeâ to describe those who believe they are more aware of social injustices. By adopting a colloquial  expression, Obama molds his message to resonate with young Americans. Obama is thus able to connect with his audience by mimicking their language.
14. connotation
Definition: the set of associations implied by a word in addition to its literal meaning
Example: Â âBlack Men in Public Spaceâ by Brent Staples (1986)
My first victim was a white woman, well dressed, probably in her early twenties. I came upon her late one evening on a deserted street in Hyde Park, a relatively affluent neighborhood in an otherwise mean, impoverished section of Chicago. As I swung onto the avenue behind her, there seemed to be a discreet, noninflammatory distance between us. Not so. She cast back a worried glance. To her, the youngish black man â a broad six feet two inches with a beard and billowing hair, both hands shoved into the pockets of a bulky military jacket â seemed menacingly close.
Analysis: Â In his essay âBlack Men in Public Space,â Brent Staples refers to the woman who runs away from him as his âvictimâ to whom he is âmenacingly close,â which connotes violence and criminal activity. However, the actions that ensue do not match such connotations ; rather than attacking the woman, Staples simply walks down the avenue. By breaking the audienceâs expectations, Staples highlights the misleading dialogue surrounding African-American men and forces his readers to confront their own racial biases.
Note: connotation and tone are very closely related. Often, an author will use words that carry certain connotations to establish a tone. You can use this idea in your essays to demonstrate tone by citing the connotative words the author uses to establish such a tone.
15. consonance
Definition: the repetition of consonant sounds, but not vowels, as in assonance
Example: âJabberwockyâ by Lewis Caroll (1871)
âBeware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!â
Analysis:  In Lewis Carolâs poem âJabberwocky,â he warns against the Jabberwockâs âjawsâ and the âJubjub bird,â repeating the âjâ sound. Carol uses consonance  to create dissonant and almost disorienting sounds through harsh, hard tones, which emphasize the obnoxious nature of the Jabberwocky. Because of the abundance of consonants, the poem reads similar to a tongue-twister, which further serves to disorient the reader and make them feel as if they are in a completely different world.
Note: consonance can be associated with cacophony, or harsh, discordant sounds, if it uses âexplosive consonantsâ such as B, C, CH, D, G, J, K, P, Q, T, X.
16. deductive reasoning
Definition: reasoning that works from the more general to the more specific, beginning with a theory that becomes a hypothesis, and using observations to confirm the original theory (top-down approach)
Example: Â Mahatma Gandhiâs letter to British Viceroy Lord Irwin (1930)
If I have equal love for your people with mine, it will not long remain hidden. It will be acknowledged by them, even as the members of my family acknowledged after they had tried me for several years. If the people join me, as I expect they will, the sufferings they will undergo, unless the British nation sooner retraces its steps, will be enough to melt the stoniest hearts. The plan through civil disobedience will be to combat such evils as I have sampled out. If we want to sever the British connection it is because of such evils. When they are removed, the path becomes easy. Then the way to friendly negotiation will be open. If the British commerce with India is purified of greed, you will have no difficulty in recognizing our independence.
Analysis: Â In his letter to Lord Irwin, Gandhi uses a series of if-then statements to defend Indiaâs call for independence through civil disobedience. Gandhi begins by establishing his âequal loveâ for the British people and mentioning that if they join him in his protests, it will âmelt the stoniest of heartsâ in the British government, forcing the British to âretrace their stepsâ and remove the âevilsâ in the current British regime. If the evils are removed, Gandhi promises, the âway to friendly negotiation will be open.â By articulating his position with deductive reasoning , Gandhi appeals to Lord Irwinâs logic and maintains that the Indian people are not acting irrationally. Gandhi provides Lord Irwin with only one logical option: purify the British commerce system of greed and open the table to negotiate with India.
17. denotation
Definition: the literal meaning of a word, the dictionary definition
Example: Â âGender Equality is Your Issue Tooâ by Emma Watson (2014)
I was appointed six months ago and the more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realized that fighting for womenâs rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop.
For the record, feminism by definition is: âThe belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.
Analysis:  By explicitly defining feminism as âthe belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities,â Watson juxtaposes the denotation  of feminism with the connotations with which it is associated. Watson directly confronts the misconceptions regarding feminism to quell any opposition regarding such misconceptions, and she appeals to a credible source â the dictionary â to support her claims and establish her own authority over the matter.
Note: denotation is almost always used in contrast with connotation. Authors will often define a word to clarify its meaning, which suggests that the connotations of the term do not match how the author wants the audience to view that term.
18. diction
Definition: a writer's choice of words, phrases, sentence structures, and figurative language, which combine to help create meaning
Example: Â âOn Dumpster Divingâ by Lars Eighner (1992)
Canned goods are among the safest foods to be found in Dumpsters but are not utterly foolproof. Although very rare with modern canning methods, botulism is a possibility. Most other forms of food poisoning seldom do lasting harm to a healthy person, but botulism is almost certainly fatal and often the first symptom is death. Except for carbonated beverages, all canned goods should contain a slight vacuum and suck air when first punctured. Bulging, rusty, and dented cans and cans that spew when punctured should be avoided, especially when the contents are not very
acidic or syrupy.
Analysis:  Eighner employs empirical diction  to describe the process of dumpster diving, which is generally considered a dishonorable and crude practice. Eighner details the âfatalâ effects of âbotulism,â and provides a practical assessment of âmodern canning methods,â instructing readers to avoid âbulging, rusty, and dented cansâ and to look for a âslight vacuumâ in canned goods. By analyzing the process of dumpster diving through a scientific lens, Eighner emphasizes that those who dumpster dive are not inferior to their store going counterparts, and he suggests that dumpster diving can be a practical hobby for anyone, even if it is not done out of necessity.
19. didactic
Definition: tone; instructional, designed to teach an ethical, moral, or religious lesson
Example: Â âAdvice to Youthâ by Mark Twain (1882)
First, then. I will say to you my young friends â and I say it beseechingly, urgently â Always obey your parents, when they are present. This is the best policy in the long run because if you donât, they will make you. Most parents think they know better than you do, and you can generally make more by humoring that superstition than you can by acting on your own better judgment.
Analysis:  In his satire âAdvice to Youth,â Twain adopts a didactic  tone that mimics that of many parents chastising their children. He instructs youth to âalways obey [their] parentsâ because âmost parents think they know better thanâ their children. By using a familiar instructional tone while mocking parental attitude, Twain appeals to his credibility by establishing that he too has faced criticism from his parents. By recognizing a common experience, Twain builds a rapport with his young audience, making them more receptive to his message.
Note: Generally, essays with a very didactic tone are ineffective, so they donât have much rhetorical merit. Twainâs speech is instead a satire of the didactic tone many parents adopt, which allows him to connect with his audience in their mutual scorn for some parentsâ sanctimonious attitude.
20. elegiac
Definition: a tone involving mourning or expressing sorrow for that which is irrecoverably past
Example: Â Ronald Reaganâs address following the explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle (1986)
Today is a day for mourning and remembering. Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss. For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we're thinking about you so very much.
Analysis:  At the beginning of his address, Reagan adopts an elegiac  tone, declaring that âtoday is a day for mourning and remembering.â He describes the deaths of the astronauts as a ânational lossâ that pains âall of the peopleâ in the United States. By taking the time to recognize the tragic loss of the astronauts and by empathizing with the American peopleâs shock at the explosion, Reagan appeals to his audienceâs grief and establishes an emotional connection with them before he begins speaking about the future of the United States space exploration program.
21. epistrophe
Definition: ending a series of lines, phrases, clauses, or sentences with the same word or words
Example: Â Madelynn Albrightâs commencement speech for Mount Holyoke College (1997)
As you go along your own road in life, you will, if you aim high enough, also meet resistance, for as Robert Kennedy once said, âif thereâs nobody in your way, itâs because youâre not going anywhere.â But no matter how tough the opposition may seem, have courage stillâand persevere.
There is no doubt, if you aim high enough, that you will be confronted by those who say that your efforts to change the world or improve the lot of those around you do not mean much in the grand scheme of things. But no matter how impotent you may sometimes feel, have courage still â and persevere.
It is certain, if you aim high enough, that you will find your strongest beliefs ridiculed and challenged; principles that you cherish may be derisively dismissed by those claiming to be more practical or realistic than you. But no matter how weary you may become in persuading others to see the value in what you value, have courage stillâand persevere.
Inevitably, if you aim high enough, you will be buffeted by demands of family, friends, and employment that will conspire to distract you from your course. But no matter how difficult it may be to meet the commitments you have made, have courage stillâand persevere.
Analysis: Â In her commencement speech, Albright encourages women to stand firm and to âaim high,â despite the prevalence of gender inequality. Albright recognizes that women face opposition and glass ceilings, but she urges them to âhave courage stillâ and persevere,â repeating the phrase after each challenge she discusses. Like her attitude towards success, Albrightâs speech always returns to the idea that women must âhave courage still â and persevere,â regardless of the obstacles presented to her. Albrightâs motto to âhave courage stillâand persevereâ is the most prominent part of her speech, and remains consistent even when the rest of her speech shifts, which mirrors the outlook that Albright endorses.
Definition: appealing to credibility
Example: Â âLetter from a Birmingham Jailâ by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)
I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham since you have been influenced by the view which argues against "outsiders coming in." I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty-five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. Frequently we share staff, educational and financial resources with our affiliates. Several months ago the affiliate here in Birmingham asked us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promise. So I, along with several members of my staff, am here because I was invited here. I am here because I have organizational ties here.
Analysis: Â King mentions that he is the âpresident of the Southern Christian Leadership Conferenceâ that operates in âevery southern stateâ and has âeighty-five affiliated organizations across the South.â He also emphasizes that he is in Birmingham because he was âinvitedâ due to âorganizational ties.â King spends a significant amount of time describing his credentials and his affiliation with the Church, which not only creates a common experience among the clergymen and himself but also establishes King as a respectable man with significant accomplishments. Because many white southerners believed that African Americans were inferior to themselves, King takes the time to appeal to his own credibility and authority in hopes that the clergymen will view him as their equal and will respect his message.
Note: please donât write âappeals to ethos/pathos/logos.â Instead, try âappeals to credibility/emotion/logic,â or go further to describe specifically which emotion or credentials the author appeals to.
23. extended metaphor
Definition: differs from a regular metaphor in that several comparisons similar in theme are being made
Example: Â âIs Google Making Us Stupid?â by Nicholas Carr (2008)
Over the past few years Iâve had an uncomfortable sense that someone, or something, has been tinkering with my brain, remapping the neural circuitry, reprogramming the memory. My mind isnât goingâso far as I can tellâbut itâs changing. Iâm not thinking the way I used to think. I can feel it most strongly when Iâm reading. Immersing myself in a book or a lengthy article used to be easy. My mind would get caught up in the narrative or the turns of the argument, and Iâd spend hours strolling through long stretches of prose.
Analysis: Carr employs an extended metaphor  to liken his brain to a machine, suggesting that something âhas been tinkeringâ with his brain, âremappingâ and âreprogrammingâ his âneural circuitry.â By comparing his brain to a machine, Carr conveys his feeling that he is a slave to his computer and his sense of disconnectedness from his brain. Rather than being in harmony with his mind, he describes his brain as a separate entity. Carrâs metaphor also highlights the increasing influence of technology in modern life â so much so that our brains themselves have become computers.
24. imagery
Definition: descriptive language that provides vivid images that evoke the senses
Example:  Last Child in the Woods  by Richard Louv (2008)
In our useful boredom, we used our fingers to draw pictures on fogged glass as we watched telephone poles tick by. We saw birds on the wires and combines in the fields. We were fascinated with roadkill, and we counted cows and horses and coyotes and shaving-cream signs. We stared with a kind of reverence at the horizon, as thunderheads and dancing rain moved with us. We held our little plastic cars against the glass and pretended that they, too, were racing toward some unknown destination. We considered the past and dreamed of the future, and watched it all go by in the blink of an eye.
Analysis: Â Louv recounts his experience staring out of the car window as a child with vivid imagery , describing watching âtelephone poles tick by,â âbirds on the wires,â âcows and horses and coyotes,â and âshaving-cream signs.â Louv jots seemingly disconnected images in short snippets, mimicking a car whizzing past an ever-changing landscape. The sharp images appeal to the readerâs sense of nostalgia as Louv allows them to witness their own youth âgo by in the blink of an eye.â
25. inductive reasoning
Definition: reasoning that moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories; uses observations to detect patterns and regularities, and develops a hypothesis and later broader theories based on these observations (bottom-up approach)
Example: Â âOn Being a Crippleâ by Nancy Mairs (1986)
"Cripple" seems to me a clean word, straightforward and precise. As a lover of words, I like the accuracy with which it describes my condition: I have lost the full use of my limbs. "Disabled," by contrast, suggests any incapacity, physical or mental. And I certainly don't like "handicapped," which implies that I have deliberately been put at a disadvantage, by whom I can't imagine (my God is not a Handicapper General), in order to equalize chances in the great race of life. These words seem to me to be moving away from my condition, to be widening the gap between word and reality. Most remote is the recently coined euphemism "differently-abled," which partakes of the same semantic hopefulness that transformed countries from "undeveloped" to "underdeveloped," then to "less developed," and finally to "developing" nations. People have continued to starve in those countries during the shift. Some realities do not obey the dictates of language.
Analysis: Mairs begins by outlining her views on the word âcripple,â which âdescribes [her] conditionâ in a âstraightforward and precise manner,â unlike vague terms such as âhandicappedâ and âdifferently-abled,â which widen âthe gap between word and reality.â Much like âpeople have continued to starveâ in underdeveloped nations despite the shift in nomenclature, Mairs scorns the âsemantic hopefulnessâ that has led people to use less precise words to describe her condition, even though the disability itself cannot change. Mairs uses inductive reasoning  to conclude that âsome realities do not obey the dictates of languageâ as she appeals to readersâ logic to deduce that using euphemisms to describe unfavorable circumstances is irrational and only serves to dilute the rectitude of precise language.
Definition: stating the opposite of what is said or meant
I hope you will treasure up the instructions which I have given you, and make them a guide to your feet and a light to your understanding. Build your character thoughtfully and painstakingly upon these precepts, and by and by, when you have got it built, you will be surprised and gratified to see how nicely and sharply it resembles everybody elseâs.
Analysis: Twain instructs youth to âtreasureâ his instructions and to construct their âcharacter thoughtfully and painstakingly uponâ the precepts they have read. However, Twain mentions that if they do so, they will be âsurprised and gratified to see how nicely and sharply it resembles everybody elseâs.â Twainâs irony  warns youth that if they simply obey their parents, they will not become a unique individual, and the unexpected ending to his satire reinforces his position that one should not mold themselves to meet societal norms.
27. juxtaposition
Definition: placing two or more things side by side for comparison or contrast
Example:  Silent Spring  by Rachel Carson (1962)
Along the roads, laurel, viburnum, and alder, great ferns and wildflowers delighted the travelerâs eye through much of the year. Even in winter, the roadsides were places of beauty, where countless birds came to feed on the berries and on the seed heads of the dried weeds rising above the snow. The countryside was, in fact, famous for the abundance and variety of its birdlife, and when the flood of migrants was pouring through in spring and fall people traveled from great distances to observe them. Others came to fish the streams, which flowed clear and cold out of the hills and contained shady pools where trout lay. So it had been from the days many years ago when the first settlers raised their houses, sank their wells, and built their barns.
Then a strange blight crept over the area and everything began to change. Some evil spell had settled on the community: mysterious maladies swept the flocks of chickens; the cattle and sheep sickened and died. Everywhere was a shadow of death. The farmers spoke of much illness among their families. In the town the doctors had become more and more puzzled by new kinds of sickness appearing among their patients. There had been several sudden and unexplained deaths, not only among adults but even among children, who would be stricken suddenly while at play and die within a few hours.
Analysis:  In her novel Silent Spring , Rachel Carson describes the beautiful American town with the cold, vapid town that it is destined to become due to climate change. She juxtaposes  the townâs âgreat ferns and wildflowers,â âbirdlife,â and âclear and coldâ streams with the âstrange blightâ that cast an âevil spellâ on the community and the animals who have âsickened and diedâ from âmysterious maladies.â By creating such a sharp contrast between the present and the future, Carson coveys the magnitude of the climate crisis and emphasizes the urgency with which we must address it. Carsonâs starkly contrasting images aim to evoke a strong emotional response in the reader that appeals to their sense of responsibility and citizenship.
Definition: appealing to logic
Example: Â Greta Thunbergâs speech at the National Assembly in Paris (2019)
A lot of people, a lot of politicians, business leaders, journalists say they don't agree with what we are saying. They say we children are exaggerating, that we are alarmists. To answer this I would like to refer to page 108, chapter 2 in the latest IPCC report. There you will find all our "opinions" summarized because there you find a remaining carbon dioxide budget. Right there it says that if we are to have a sixty-seven percent chance of limiting the global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees, we had on January 1st, 2018, 420 gigatons of carbon dioxide left in our CO2Â budget. And of course, that number is much lower today. We emit about 42 gigatons of CO2Â every year.
Analysis: Â In her address to the National Assembly in Paris, Thunberg cites the 2018 âIPCC reportâ that outlines a total âremaining carbon dioxide budgetâ of â420 gigatonsâ in order to âhave a sixty-seven percent chance of limiting the global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees,â while âwe emit about 42 gigatons of CO2Â each year.â By citing specific data from a reputable scientific journal, Thunberg appeals to her audienceâs logic; the data proves that the only viable option is to limit carbon dioxide emissions.
29. metonymy
Definition: a figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated
Example: Â Margaret Thatcherâs eulogy for Ronald Reagan (2004)
Yet his ideas, so clear, were never simplistic. He saw the many sides of truth. Yes, he warned that the Soviet Union had an insatiable drive for military power and territorial expansion, yet he also sensed that it was being eaten away by systematic failures impossible to reform. Yes, he did not shrink from denouncing Moscowâs evil empire, but he realized that a man of goodwill might nonetheless emerge from its dark corridors.
Analysis:  In her eulogy for United States President Ronald Reagan, Thatcher refers to the Soviet Union as âMoscowâs evil empire.â Her metonymy  explicitly communicates a disdain for the Soviet Union, which establishes common ground between the United States and the United Kingdom, which helps Thatcher strengthen relations with the United States while eulogizing a friend.
Definition: the speed at which a piece of writing flows â use when discussing organization; point out where action/syntax begins to speed up, slow down, is interrupted, etc.
Example: Â Notes on âCampâ Â by Susan Sontag (1964)
1. To start very generally: Camp is a certain mode of aestheticism. It is one way of seeing the world as an aesthetic phenomenon. That way, the way of Camp, is not in terms of beauty, but in terms of the degree of artifice, of stylization.
2. To emphasize style is to slight content, or to introduce an attitude which is neutral with respect to content. It goes without saying that the Camp sensibility is disengaged, depoliticized â or at least apolitical.
Analysis:  Sontag writes Notes on âCampâ  as a âseries of jottingsâ rather than in paragraph format in order to mimic the spontaneous and ever-changing nature of Camp. By presenting her notes as a numbered list, Sontag develops a quick, irregular pace  that is more fitting to describe the eccentricities of Camp. Because the notes are presented as a list, the ideas move by quickly, which further mirrors the whimsicality that is so characteristic of Camp.
31. paradox
Definition: apparently self-contradictory statement, the underlying meaning of which is revealed only by careful scrutiny; its purpose is to arrest attention and provoke fresh thought
Example: Â âOn the Writing of Essaysâ by Alexander Smith (1881)
He is the frankest, most outspoken of writers; and that very frankness and outspokenness puts the reader off his guard. If you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness. The Essays are full of this trick. The frankness is as well simulated as the grape-branches of the Grecian artist which the birds flew towards and pecked. When Montaigne retreats, he does so like a skillful general, leaving his fires burning.
Analysis: Â Smith describes Montaigneâs writing style as very frank and outspoken, asserting that âif you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness.â Smithâs paradox , although outwardly nonsensical, forces the reader to pause and ruminate on the conflicting ideas, which naturally places emphasis on these ideas. Through his paradox, Smith suggests that an authorâs works often contain intimate personal revelations that seem obvious, yet are often overlooked by most readers.
32. parallelism (parallel structure)
Definition: a repetition of sentences using the same grammatical structure emphasizing all aspects of the sentence equally
Example: Â âLuckiest Man on the Face of the Earthâ by Lou Gherig (1939)
When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift â that's something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remembers you with trophies â that's something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter â that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body â it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed â that's the finest I know.
Analysis:  Gherig presents a series of parallel  sentences to emphasize his gratitude for the life he has lived. Because each sentence follows the same structure, Gherigâs list builds to a climax, which Gherig uses to enumerate his priorities and to emphasize his love for his family. Gherig further emphasizes his appreciation for his family even above his career by shifting from the phrase âthatâs somethingâ to describe his wifeâs courage as âthe finestâ he knows. By breaking the pattern in his parallel sentences, Gherig focuses the attention on his family and loved ones, humbly placing his own successes on the back burner.
Definition: appealing to emotion
Example: Â Viola Davisâs Womenâs March Speech (2018)
I am speaking today not just for the 'Me Toos,' because I was a 'Me Too,' but when I raise my hand, I am aware of all the women who are still in silence. The women who are faceless. The women who don't have the money and don't have the constitution and who don't have the confidence and who don't have the images in our media that gives them a sense of self-worth enough to break their silence that is rooted in the shame of assault and rooted in the stigma of assault.
Analysis: Â In her speech at the 2018 Womenâs March, Viola Davis recognizes the millions of women who have been silently affected by sexual violence. She describes the women âdonât have the money,â âconstitution,â or âconfidence,â and those who still struggle with the âshameâ and âstigma of assault.â Davis employs anaphora, repeating the phrase âdonât haveâ to evoke a sense of empathy for these women among the audience. By emphasizing that these victims âdonât haveâ the resources that many take for granted, Davis sheds light on the cruel reality that many victims still face due to the stigma surrounding sexual assault and womenâs rights.
34. polysyndeton
Definition: the use of many conjunctions has the effect of slowing the pace or emphasizing the numerous words or clauses
Example: Â âAfter the Stormâ by Ernest Hemingway (1932)
I said, âWho killed him?â and he said, âI donât know who killed him but heâs dead all right,â and it was dark and there was water standing in the street and no lights and windows broke and boats all up in the town and trees blown down and everything all blown and I got a skiff and went out and found my boat where I had her inside Mango Key and she was all right only she was full of water.
Analysis: Â After learning of the murder, the narrator describes as âdark and there was water standing in the street and no lights and windows broke and boats all up in the town,â repeating the conjunction âand.â Hemingway employs
polysyndeton  to illustrate the narratorâs shock and panic following the murder. By inserting âandâ between each phrase, Hemingway slows down the pace of the sentence, conveying the sense of the narratorâs surroundings moving in slow motion after hearing the news.
35. rhetorical question
Definition: a question presented by the author that is not meant to be answered
Example: Â Clare de Booth Luceâs Speech at the Womenâs National Press Club (1960)
For what is good journalism all about? On a working, finite level it is the effort to achieve illuminating candor in print and to strip away cant. It is the effort to do this not only in matters of state, diplomacy, and politics but also in every smaller aspect of life that touches the public interest or engages proper public curiosity.
Analysis: Â In her speech at the Womenâs National Press Club, de Booth asks the rhetorical question : âFor what is good journalism all about?â in order to signal a shift in tone as she moves to describe the purpose of âgood journalism.â By asking the audience a question, she invites them to consider their own motivations as journalists as she explains her own belief that âgood journalismâ is âthe effort to achieve illuminating candor in print.â Rather than simply speaking about her views on journalism, de Booth expertly inserts a rhetorical question in order to evoke a moment of wonder and self-reflection in her audience before she answers her own question.
36. stream of consciousness
Definition: a technique that records the thoughts and feelings of a character without regard to logical argument or narrative sequence; reflects all the forces, internal and external, affecting the character's psyche at the moment
Example: Â âAinât I a Womanâ by Sojourner Truth (1851)
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man â when I could get it â and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
Analysis:  In 1851, Sojourner Truth gave a moving speech at the Womenâs Rights Convention without preparation. Truthâs stream of consciousness  approach to the speech allows her to directly address her audience, beginning by mentioning âthat man over thereâ and refuting his beliefs that women are fragile. Truth then moves to note that she has âploughed and plantedâ more successfully than men, and she moves to the fact that she can âwork as much and eat as much as a man.â She shifts yet again to recount that she has âborne thirteen childrenâ and that ânone but Jesusâ heard her cry with her âmotherâs griefâ when they were sold to slavery. Albeit slightly messy, Truthâs lack of structure is effective because it reflects the never-ending struggles that African American women faced. When the injustices seemed to cease, another injustice would arise in a never-ending cycle of oppression. Truthâs speech thus resonated with many other women who had experienced the same struggles, and Truth became a powerful voice in the fight racial and gender equality.
37. synecdoche
Definition: the rhetorical substitution of a part for the whole
Example: Â âFalling Down is Part of Growing Upâ by Henry Petroski (1985)
We are transported across impromptu bridges of arms thrown up without plans or blueprints between mother and aunt, between neighbor and father, between brother and sister â none of whom is a registered structural engineer. We come to Mama and to Papa eventually to forget our scare reflex and we learn to trust the beams and girders and columns of their arms and our cribs.
Analysis:  Petroski refers to a childâs parents and crib as âbeams and girders and columnsâ that the child must trust, emphasizing the structural aspect of a young childâs support system. Instead of referring to the parents and crib as a whole, Petroski uses synecdoche  to strip away the sentimental connotations associated with a motherâs arms and a babyâs crib, highlighting only the âbeams and girders and columnsâ that prevent the child from falling and returning to his novelâs central topic of engineering.
Definition: the structure of sentences and/or phrases
We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God-given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political independence, but we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, "Wait." But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five-year-old son who is asking: "Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?"; when you take a cross-country drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading "white" and "colored"; when your first name becomes "nigger," your middle name becomes "boy" (however old you are) and your last name becomes "John," and your wife and mother are never given the respected title "Mrs."; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of "nobodiness" â then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait.
Analysis:  In his âLetter from a Birmingham Jail,â King addresses those who instruct him to âwaitâ for racial equality by describing the âstinging pain of segregationâ as seeing âvicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers,â seeing âhate-filled policemen curse, kick, and even kill your brothers and sisters,â and seeing the âtears welling upâ in your six-year-old daughterâs eyes when âshe is told that Funtown is closed to colored children,â among a host of other horrific images. Rather than using several shorter sentences to describe segregation, King uses a single sentence, separated by numerous semicolons. Kingâs choice of syntax  mirrors the never-ending reach of segregation and racial inequality. While the sentence consists of a string of short images, it pauses on a longer phrase in which King describes finding his âtongue-twistedâ as he explains to his âsix-year-old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television,â and seeing âtears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored childrenâ while he watches the âominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental skyâ and her âdistort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people.â By making this phrase significantly longer than his other images, King allows the reader to pause and ruminate on the idea of a young girl losing her innocence to an unjust world. King appeals to the readerâs emotions as he conveys such a heartbreaking image.
Definition: a statement of purpose, intent, or main idea in a literary work
Example: Â Notes on âCampâ Â by Susan Sontag
58. The ultimate Camp statement: it's good because  it's awful . . . Of course, one can't always say that. Only under certain conditions, those which I've tried to sketch in these notes.
Analysis:  Sontag places her thesis  at the end of her Notes on âCampâ , which allows her to summarize her list and to assert that Camp is âgood because  itâs awful.â Sontag concludes the notes by referencing her sporadic list of musings regarding Camp as a whole and declaring them the âconditionsâ under which Camp can be both good and awful.
the use of stylistic devices that reveal an authorâs attitude towards a subject
Example: Â âIf Black English Isnât a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?â by James Baldwin (1979)
I say that the present skirmish is rooted in American history, and it is. Black English is the creation of the black diaspora. Blacks came to the United States chained to each other, but from different tribes: Neither could speak the other's language. If two black people, at that bitter hour of the world's history, had been able to speak to each other, the institution of chattel slavery could never have lasted as long as it did. Subsequently, the slave was given, under the eye, and the gun, of his master, Congo Square, and the Bibleâor in other words, and under these conditions, the slave began the formation of the black church, and it is within this unprecedented tabernacle that black English began to be formed. This was not, merely, as in the European example, the adoption of a foreign tongue, but an alchemy that transformed ancient elements into a new language: A language comes into existence by means of brutal necessity, and the rules of the language are dictated by what the language must convey.
Analysis: Â Baldwin adopts a formal, academic tone , assessing the development of âBlack Englishâ through a historical lens. Baldwin concludes that âBlack English is the creation of the black diasporaâ as âan alchemy that transformed ancient elements into a new language.â By using academic diction, Baldwin approaches the development of Black English not as a cultural or social issue, but simply as a historical phenomenon that should be studied objectively, which allows him to persuade his readers that Black English should be considered a distinct language.
đ Play Kahoot with AP Lang teacher Kathryn Howard as she recaps rhetorical strategies and devices! Â
đ Try using a study timer like the one in Fiveable rooms to maximize your efficiency when preparing for the exam!
One last disclaimer: Fiveable is an educational company without political or religious affiliations and it neither endorses nor opposes any views expressed in the above passages. There you go! When looking at each device and its corresponding example, think of ways and reasons authors integrate these rhetorical devices, styles, and terms into their writing! Thinking that much ahead will pay off when you write the Rhetorical Analysis essay in May! đ
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Hi everyone! I'm looking for some really good examples of rhetorical analysis essays for AP Lang. Would love to see how others have approached this type of essay and learn from them!
Hello! I'm glad you're looking for examples to learn and improve your rhetorical analysis skills. To guide you, I'll point out a few resources and tips that could be helpful.
1. College Board resources: The College Board, which oversees the AP program, provides sample essays and scoring guidelines on their website. You can find past exam questions and sample responses for AP Lang, including rhetorical analysis essays, in their "Free-Response Questions" section. These examples include the grading commentary that explains what makes the essays effective. Here's the link: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-english-language-and-composition/exam/past-exam-questions
2. Analyzing other AP Lang prompts: It's also useful to look at the rhetorical analysis prompts from past exams and try to analyze them yourself. Practice identifying the rhetorical strategies used and make notes on what you think works well and what could be improved. This will help you understand the process of writing an effective rhetorical analysis.
3. Check the AP Lang subreddit or online forums: The AP Lang subreddit and other online forums can be a great place to find examples of rhetorical analysis essays written by other students. Be sure to read the comments, as they often contain valuable feedback and insight from peers and experienced individuals. Remember, though, to take these examples with a grain of salt, as they may not be as high quality or well vetted as official College Board examples.
4. Get feedback: As you practice writing your own rhetorical analysis essays, try to get feedback from your teacher, classmates, or an experienced individual who is familiar with AP Lang expectations. This will help you refine your writing and understand what areas you need to improve.
When examining samples, focus on understanding how the writer:
- Clearly states their thesis, identifying the rhetorical strategies they'll analyze
- Organizes their essay, often using a chronological or point-by-point structure
- Analyzes specific examples from the text and explains their significance
- Uses effective transitions between points and examples
- Builds a coherent and well-supported argument throughout the essay
By studying examples and practicing your own writing, you'll be well equipped to tackle the AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay. Good luck!
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Download free-response questions from past exams along with scoring guidelines, sample responses from exam takers, and scoring distributions. If you are using assistive technology and need help accessing these PDFs in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected]. Note ...
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example (Continued) Toward the end of the speech, Obama states that change happens "not mainly through the exploits of the famous and the powerful, but through the countless acts of often anonymous courage and kindness" (lines 78-81). Through carefully chosen diction that portrays her as a quiet, regular ...
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Below is a prompt and example for a rhetorical essay, along with its score and what the writer did well and could have improved: The passage below is an excerpt from "On the Want of Money," an essay written by nineteenth-century author William Hazlitt. Read the passage carefully.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay. : A rhetorical analysis essay is an essay that examines how an author uses language and persuasive techniques to convey their message and influence the audience. It analyzes the effectiveness of these strategies in achieving the author's purpose. đ˝ Exam Skills study guides written by former AP English Lang students ...
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Practice. Rhetorical Analysis practice is one of the most important ways to prepare for the exam! Review student writing practice samples and corresponding feedback from TA Brandon Wu! While you don't need to memorize every rhetorical device for the exam, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with them.
When it comes to AP English language, it involves a section called rhetorical analysis essay. This is a part of three free-response essays that have to be answered within 2 hours and 15 minutes from the overall 3 hours 15 minutes exam. If you are taking the AP Lang exam this year, guidance on how to answer this part will be useful.
Question 2: The Rhetorical Analysis FRQ. The AP Lang exam's free-response section is a writing section comprised of three essays within 2 hours and 15 minutes. The second essay is on Rhetorical Analysis, in which you look at a variety of nonfiction sources - newspaper articles, essays, letters, et cetera - and make connections between the ...
2. Pick one side of the argument, but acknowledge the other side. When you write the essay, it's best if you pick one side of the debate and stick with it for the entire essay. All your evidence should be in support of that one side. However, in your introductory paragraph, as you introduce the debate, be sure to mention any merit the ...
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: AP Language. Rhetorical analysis done in AP Language and Composition is one of the biggest tasks a student can ever get. On the same hand, drafting it in a proper way is also necessary to get good grades. Look at these rhetorical analysis essay example AP language given below to see how a well-written ...
Sample: 2B Score: 5 This essay advances uneven evidence and explanations in supporting its analysis of Kennedy's rhetorical strategies. The first example uses a family metaphor (father, elder son, and younger son) in order to identify the triangulation of Kennedy, the steel executives, and the American people in the speech. The student's use
Her story "The Astronaut" won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a "Distinguished Stories" mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology. Ap Lang Argumentative Essay - Expert advice on how to pen a winning essay + an AP Lang argument essay example to guide your writing.
AP ÂŽ English Language and Composition Sample Student Responses ... Rhetorical Analysis 6 points . On February 27, 2013, while in office, former president Barack Obama delivered the following address dedicating the Rosa Parks st atue in the National ... Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Obama makes to convey his message. In ...
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example AP Lang 2023. Writing a rhetorical analysis for the AP Language and Composition course can be challenging. So drafting it correctly is important to earn good grades. To make your essay effective and winning, follow the tips provided by professionals below: Step #1: Understand the Prompt
RA Practice: The Perils of Indifference. Directions: Identify Wiesel's argument and purpose. 1. Author's Argument: As a new century approaches, we should reflect upon our past mistakes of being cruel, insensitive, and indifferent to injustices happening across the world and change ourselves to improve and be more compassionate people in order to stand up for equality and natural rights ...
Yes, the rhetorical analysis essay is an argument essay just like the other two. You aren't required to use rhetorical vocabulary in your essays at all â in fact, it's probably better if you don't. If you force the vocabulary into your essay, you risk sounding clunky, and the vocabulary almost always leads you to switch to passive voice.
Hello! I'm glad you're looking for examples to learn and improve your rhetorical analysis skills. To guide you, I'll point out a few resources and tips that could be helpful. 1. College Board resources: The College Board, which oversees the AP program, provides sample essays and scoring guidelines on their website. You can find past exam questions and sample responses for AP Lang, including ...