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

• 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?

PELIDS part 2

• I Inductive– Uses examples to convince reader of logical validity– Ask if examples are valid, then the validity of the claim

• D 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 God’s creations are good, mankind is good