ap english language live cram sessions 2019 study guides

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Rhetoric involves the art of persuasion through effective communication and language use
• Ethos refers to the credibility and authority of the speaker or writer
  • Established through demonstrating expertise, moral character, and goodwill towards the audience
• Pathos appeals to the emotions and values of the audience to evoke a desired response
  • Achieved through vivid language, personal anecdotes, and emotive examples
• Logos relies on logical reasoning, evidence, and facts to support arguments
  • Includes citing statistics, expert opinions, and logical deductions
• Kairos considers the timeliness and appropriateness of the message for the given context and audience
• Diction refers to the choice of words and phrases used to convey meaning and tone
• Syntax involves the arrangement of words and phrases to create effective sentences and structures
• Tone reflects the attitude and emotional stance of the writer towards the subject and audience

Historical Context and Development

• Classical rhetoric originated in ancient Greece and Rome, with key figures like Aristotle and Cicero
  • Emphasized the importance of public speaking and persuasion in political and legal spheres
• Medieval rhetoric focused on the art of letter writing (ars dictaminis) and preaching (ars praedicandi)
• Renaissance rhetoric revived classical ideals and applied them to various forms of written and oral communication
  • Influential works include Erasmus' "De Copia" and Castiglione's "The Book of the Courtier"
• Enlightenment rhetoric emphasized reason, clarity, and simplicity in language
  • Reflected in the works of John Locke and Thomas Paine
• Modern rhetoric expanded to include visual and digital forms of communication
  • Considers the impact of mass media, advertising, and technology on persuasion

Rhetorical Strategies and Techniques

• Repetition involves repeating words, phrases, or ideas for emphasis and memorability
  • Anaphora repeats words at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences (I have a dream...)
• Metaphor compares two unlike things to highlight similarities and create vivid imagery
  • "Life is a rollercoaster" suggests ups and downs and twists and turns
• Allusion references well-known literary works, historical events, or cultural phenomena
  • "I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio's." implies someone is lying
• Hyperbole uses exaggeration for emphasis or humorous effect
  • "I've told you a million times" stresses the speaker's frustration
• Rhetorical questions engage the audience by posing thought-provoking questions without expecting an answer
  • "Who among us would not fight for freedom?" encourages agreement
• Parallel structure repeats grammatical patterns to create balance and emphasis
  • "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." (JFK)
• Antithesis juxtaposes contrasting ideas to highlight differences or paradoxes
  • "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." (Neil Armstrong)

Analysis of Sample Texts

• Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech:
  • Uses anaphora ("I have a dream") for emphasis and unity
  • Alludes to the Declaration of Independence and Gettysburg Address to evoke shared values
  • Employs vivid metaphors ("justice rolls down like waters") for emotional impact
• Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal":
  • Satirizes English attitudes towards the Irish poor through irony and hyperbole
  • Adopts a detached, reasonable tone to contrast with the absurdity of the proposal
  • Uses logical appeals (calculations of cost savings) to mock heartless rationalism
• Mary Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman":
  • Appeals to logos through reasoned arguments for women's education and equality
  • Challenges prevailing assumptions about gender roles and capabilities
  • Employs parallel structure to emphasize the shared humanity of men and women

Practice Exercises and Drills

• Identify rhetorical devices in famous speeches and essays
  • Analyze how they contribute to the overall persuasive effect
• Write paragraphs employing specific rhetorical strategies (metaphor, antithesis, etc.)
  • Share with peers for feedback and discussion
• Rewrite a passage from different rhetorical perspectives (ethos, pathos, logos)
  • Discuss how the emphasis and tone shift with each approach
• Analyze advertisements for their use of rhetorical appeals and techniques
  • Consider the target audience and intended message
• Practice timed essay writing in response to AP-style prompts
  • Focus on crafting clear thesis statements and supporting arguments
• Engage in rhetorical analysis of visual media (photographs, artwork, films)
  • Examine how elements like composition, color, and symbolism convey meaning

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Overreliance on pathos at the expense of logical reasoning
  • Balance emotional appeals with evidence and rational arguments
• Inconsistent or inappropriate tone for the given context and audience
  • Consider the purpose and expectations of the rhetorical situation
• Lack of clear organization and transitions between ideas
  • Use topic sentences, signposting, and logical connectives to guide the reader
• Failing to anticipate and address counterarguments
  • Acknowledge opposing views and refute them with evidence and reasoning
• Misuse or overuse of rhetorical devices, leading to a forced or artificial style
  • Employ techniques strategically and naturally to enhance rather than distract from the message
• Neglecting the importance of revision and proofreading
  • Allow time for editing to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness

Exam Preparation Tips

• Review key concepts and terminology through flashcards or mind maps
  • Practice defining and applying terms to real-world examples
• Analyze released exam prompts and sample responses
  • Identify common themes, structures, and expectations
• Develop a clear and efficient essay-writing process
  • Outline key points, draft body paragraphs, and refine the introduction and conclusion
• Practice active reading and annotation skills
  • Highlight key ideas, rhetorical devices, and supporting evidence
• Manage time effectively during the exam
  • Allocate sufficient time for planning, writing, and reviewing each essay
• Engage in self-reflection and seek feedback from teachers and peers
  • Identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in your writing

Additional Resources and Further Reading

• "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White
  • Classic guide to clear and effective writing
• "Thank You for Arguing" by Jay Heinrichs
  • Accessible introduction to rhetorical principles and strategies
• "The Art of Rhetoric" by Aristotle
  • Foundational text on the theory and practice of persuasion
• "The Language of Composition" by Renee H. Shea, Lawrence Scanlon, and Robin Dissin Aufses
  • Comprehensive textbook for AP English Language and Composition
• "50 Essays: A Portable Anthology" edited by Samuel Cohen
  • Collection of diverse essays for rhetorical analysis and modeling
• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
  • Online resource with guides to rhetorical situations, devices, and strategies
• The Learning Network by The New York Times
  • Offers lesson plans, writing prompts, and multimedia resources for rhetorical analysis