AP Language RHETORICAL ANALYSIS Test Strategy Olson and Bailey

What it is …What it is not The analysis question asks the writer to analyze the methods that author employs in his or her writing to convey the author’s attitude, opinion, or conviction about some topic. The analysis question does NOT ask the writer to agree, disagree, or qualify.

Some things NOT to do Tell the reader the essay was well written Tell the reader the essay held your interest Reference the author by first name only or a nickname, “Honest Abe” – “Uncle Walt” –Whole name on 1st reference, last name after Bulk up a sentence with jargon, complexity –Think and write clearly with appropriately controlled diction and syntax.

Discussion of Rhetorical Strategies Diction –Identify key words –Negative or Positive Connotation –DO NOT say “author uses diction to create meaning” Syntax –Short sentences are always abrupt, intense, and confrontational –Long Sentences are more thoughtful and permit reflection –Parallel Syntax functions like a train gathering steam –Rhetorical Questions manipulate the reader to provide the answer he or she wants –Repetition provides emphasis Figures of Speech –Be versed in the main figures of speech (schemes & tropes) –Know what they do to the reader, for the writer Rhetoric –Use PELIDS to identify and remember basic rhetorical strategies

PELIDS Ppathos –Most ads are emotional –Speeches use imagery and high connotation –Cannot say author uses pathos alone –Need to discuss purpose EEthos –Credibility –Need to discuss purpose L Logos –Rational and reasonable –Is evidence valid?

PELIDS part 2 IInductive –Uses examples to convince reader of logical validity –Ask if examples are valid, then the validity of the claim Deductive –Makes claims then builds an argument based you accepting those claims are true –Ask if claims are valid, then the validity of conclusions made by those claims SSyllogism –Provides two premises and then offers a conclusion God Created mankind, all of God’s creations are good, mankind is good