AP Language RHETORICAL ANALYSIS Test Strategy

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AP Language RHETORICAL ANALYSIS Test Strategy

• Olson and Bailey

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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 authors attitude, opinion,
  or conviction about some topic.
• The analysis question does NOT ask the writer to
  agree, disagree, or qualify.

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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.

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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

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PELIDS

• P pathos
• Most ads are emotional
• Speeches use imagery and high connotation
• Cannot say author uses pathos alone
• Need to discuss purpose
• E Ethos
• Credibility
• Need to discuss purpose
• L Logos
• Rational and reasonable
• Is evidence valid?

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PELIDS part 2

• I Inductive
• 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
• S Syllogism
• Provides two premises and then offers a
  conclusion
• God Created mankind, all of Gods creations are
  good, mankind is good