Study AP English Language and Composition with flashcards covering rhetorical devices, appeals, and key terms for the MCQ and essay sections.
Must-Know AP Lang Rhetorical Terms
- Ethos: Appeal to credibility or character. Author establishes authority or trustworthiness (credentials, shared values, tone of expertise).
- Pathos: Appeal to emotion. Author uses emotional language, vivid imagery, or personal anecdotes to create an emotional connection with the audience.
- Logos: Appeal to logic and reason. Author uses data, statistics, evidence, and logical arguments.
- Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Creates emphasis and rhythm ("We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds…").
- Juxtaposition: Placing two contrasting elements side by side to highlight the differences between them.
- Diction: The author's word choice. Formal vs. informal, denotative vs. connotative, concrete vs. abstract. Diction shapes tone and audience perception.
- Rhetorical Question: A question asked for effect, not to obtain an answer. Forces audience to consider the implied point.
- Concession and Refutation: Acknowledging a counterargument (concession) then dismantling it (refutation). Strengthens argument by showing awareness of opposing views.
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