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2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam Guide

12 min readaugust 18, 2023

A Q

A Q

A Q

A Q

Your guide to the 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam

We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but Fiveable has your back! We created a study plan to help you crush your AP English Language and Composition exam. This guide will continue to update with information about the 2024 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day. Unlock Cram Mode for access to our cram events—students who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions. FYI, something cool is coming your way Fall 2023! 👀

Format of the 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam

This year, all AP exams will cover all units and essay types. The 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam format will be:

  • Section I: Multiple Choice - 45% of your score

    • 45 questions in 1 hour

  • Section II: Free Response Section - 55% of your score

    • 2 hours and 15 minutes for:

      • 1

      • 1

      • 1

Scoring Rubric for the 2024 AP Lang Essays

    • Thesis

      • 1 point for a defensible thesis that responds to the prompt

    • and

      • Max of 4 points for providing from at least 3 sources that support the AND that explains and analyzes the

      • 1 point any of the following:

        • Creating a nuanced argument

        • Showing the limitations of the argument

        • Making effective

        • Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive

    • Thesis

      • 1 point for a defensible thesis that analyzes

    • and

      • Max of 4 points for providing specific AND consistently explaining how the relates to the AND showing how the contribute to the .

      • 1 point for any of the following:

        • Explaining the significance of the ()

        • Explaining the complexities of the passage and their

        • Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive

    • Thesis

      • 1 point for a defensible thesis

    • and

      • Max of 4 points for providing specific AND consistently explaining the relevance of that .

      • 1 point for any of the following:

        • Crafting a nuanced argument by identifying complexities

        • Explaining the limitations of the argument by placing it in a broader context

        • Making to improve the argument

        • Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive

Check out our study plan below to find resources and tools to prepare for your AP English Language and Composition exam.

When is the 2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam and How Do I Take It?


How Should I Prepare for the AP Lang Exam?

  • First, take stock of your progress in the course so far. What areas have you excelled and which sections need more focus? Download the AP English Language Cheatsheet PDF - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses!

  • Build your study plan to review every unit and question type, but focus most on the areas that need the most improvement and practice. We’ve put together this plan to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam

    • Practice essays are your best friends! The more essays you write, the more automatic the process will come, and the easier the AP exam will be!

      • Try some of the past exam questions here

  • We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.

  • Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via Cram Mode. Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.

Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment

Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized.

🖥 Create a study space.

Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space. 

📚 Organize your study materials.

Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!

📅 Plan designated times for studying.

The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.

🏆 Decide on an accountability plan.

How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!

🤝 Get support from your peers. 

There are thousands of students all over the world who are preparing for their AP exams just like you! Join Rooms 🤝 to chat, ask questions, and meet other students who are also studying for the spring exams. You can even build study groups and review material together! 


2024 AP Lang Study Guide

🚧 Unit 1 Foundations of Rhetoric: Analysis of the and .

Big takeaways:

Unit 1 is an introductory unit that lays the foundations for the reading skills associated with how to understand and analyze complex texts. Skills here include identifying the ASPECTS of a text, analyzing the claim given and the used to support that claim, and determining the function of the “chunks” in the argument. Because the content in this unit is very foundational, it is looped throughout the rest of the course instruction.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

✍️ Practice:

🗺 Can you identify these rhetorical devices?

  • You won’t be asked to name drop on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try this Quizlet to help prepare.


Unit 2 Foundations of Argument: Analysis of an author’s choices in appeals and

Big takeaways:

Unit 2 is an introductory unit that builds onto the foundations of rhetorical ASPECTS and moves toward planning and writing your own arguments. This unit focuses on the relationships between subject, speaker, and message, including examination of the structure and of the given argument. The unit then moves into the developing thesis statements and building your own arguments with a clear .

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

📰 Check out these articles:

✍️ Practice:

🗺 Can you identify these elements of practical argument?

  • You won’t be asked to name drop of the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try this Quizlet to help prepare.


👥 Unit 3 Confluence: Synthesis of multiple sources in argumentation

Big takeaways:

Unit 3 approaches in argument through the lens of synthesis (that’s FRQ 1). In this study, you learn to identify effective and faulty while integrating a variety of from credible resources that is properly cited in an original text.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

🗺 Can you identify these elements of synthesis?

  • You won’t be asked to name drop on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try this Quizlet to help prepare.


👀 Unit 4 : Analysis of argument from introduction to conclusion

Big takeaways:

Unit 4 includes a greater depth of focus on the writing of effective arguments -- the created in the introduction, built with modes of discourse, and strengthened in the conclusion. An important note about these skills of argumentation is that they build toward all parts of every FRQ. 

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

✍️ Practice:

🗺 Can you identify the rhetorical modes?

  • You won’t be asked to name drop them on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try this Quizlet to help prepare.


🧐 Unit 5 and Analysis: Analysis of complex argument and intentional rhetoric

Big takeaways:

In Unit 5, the skills look at the minutiae involved in argumentation: development of the that produces strong and maintains the primary claim through all parts of the writing. To achieve these goals, this unit includes a focus on , , and for argumentative .  

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

📰 Check out these articles:

✍️ Practice:


🏃‍♂️ Unit 6 Rhetorical Risks: Analysis of , , and shifts with new

Big takeaways:

In Unit 6, you will notice a direct link building on the ideas of Unit 3 as this instruction looks at position and perspectives while synthesizing information strategically to support a claim.  For greater depth, this unit moves to modify a current argument to include new .

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:


🚀 Unit 7 Complex Argumentation: Analysis of effective arguments, including and

Big takeaways:

The skills of Unit 7 are about putting all units of study together to look at the complexity of a given argument and the effectiveness of the pieces built into that argument.  Though many teachers will have addressed counterarguments, concessions, and refutations before reaching this unit, those skills are highly scrutinized in this segment of learning.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

✍️ Practice:


📝 Unit 8 Style: Analysis of how style influences the movement

Big takeaways:

Unit 8 covers how to understand the influence style has on the , and the behind each decision. By analyzing these various tactics, students are able to understand the author’s , and how to effectively persuade them. Style is an important part in connecting the rest of the course and understanding how the and devices are used to accomplish a .

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

📰 Check out these articles:

✍️ Practice:


✏️ Unit 9 Craft: Creation of your own complex argument with synthesis and rhetoric

Big takeaways:

The final unit of AP Language and Composition covers how to effectively form your own arguments by acknowledging and understanding complexities to create a nuanced and sophisticated argument. It focuses on your ability to comprehend and connect multiple sources to create a well reasoned, and detailed argument as well as how to add in your own rhetorical devices and choices to make your writing more persuasive and effective.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

Key Terms to Review (38)

Argument Essay

: An argument essay is an essay in which the writer takes a position on a specific issue or topic and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and persuasive techniques.

Argument Structure

: Argument structure refers to how an argument is organized and presented in writing or speech. It includes elements such as introduction, thesis statement, supporting evidence, counterarguments, and conclusion.

Audience

: The audience refers to the intended recipients or listeners of a message. It is crucial to consider their characteristics, interests, beliefs, and values when crafting effective communication.

Author's Message

: The author's message refers to the main idea or theme that an author wants to convey through their writing. It is what they want readers to understand or take away from their work.

Bias

: Bias refers to a preference or inclination towards a particular perspective, often resulting in unfairness or prejudice. It can influence the way information is presented or interpreted.

Cause-Effect Method

: The cause-effect method is an organizational strategy used in writing to explain the relationship between events or actions. It involves identifying the causes that lead to certain effects or outcomes.

Claims

: Claims are statements or assertions that express a position or viewpoint on a particular topic. They are the main arguments made in an essay or speech.

Commentary

: Commentary refers to a written or spoken explanation or interpretation of an event, situation, or piece of work. It provides analysis and insight to help the audience understand the subject matter better.

Comparisons

: Comparisons refer to the act of examining similarities and differences between two or more things. It involves analyzing various aspects, such as characteristics, qualities, or features, to highlight similarities or contrasts.

Concession

: Concession refers to acknowledging an opposing viewpoint or argument while still maintaining one's own position. It demonstrates fairness and strengthens the overall argument by addressing counterarguments.

Conclusions

: Conclusions are the final thoughts or judgments made based on evidence and reasoning presented in an argument. They summarize the main points and provide closure to an essay or speech.

Counterargument

: A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint or argument that challenges the main claim or thesis of a piece of writing. It provides alternative perspectives and strengthens critical thinking.

Evidence

: Evidence refers to the information or data that supports a claim or argument. It is used to persuade the audience and make the argument more convincing.

Introductions

: Introductions are the opening paragraphs or sections of an essay or written piece that provide background information about the topic and present the thesis statement. They serve as an entry point for readers into the main body of work.

Line of Reasoning

: A line of reasoning refers to the logical progression of ideas or arguments in a piece of writing or speech. It is the way in which evidence and claims are connected to form a coherent and persuasive argument.

Modifiers

: Modifiers are words or phrases that provide additional information about another word in a sentence. They can describe, clarify, limit, enhance, or emphasize the meaning of the word they modify.

Multiple Perspectives

: Multiple perspectives refer to considering various viewpoints on an issue or topic instead of relying solely on one viewpoint. It involves recognizing that there can be multiple valid ways of understanding something.

Narrative Method

: The narrative method refers to the way in which a story is told or presented, including the structure, point of view, and literary techniques used by the author.

Objective Reasoning

: Making judgments based on factual evidence, logical analysis, and unbiased observations rather than personal opinions or emotions.

Perspective

: Perspective refers to a particular point of view or way of looking at things, influenced by personal experiences, beliefs, and values.

Purpose

: Purpose refers to the reason or intention behind an action, decision, or creation. It is the driving force that gives meaning and direction to our endeavors.

Qualifications

: Qualifications refer to the skills, knowledge, and experiences that make a person suitable for a particular job or task. They demonstrate a person's competence and expertise in a specific area.

Reasoning

: Reasoning is the process of using logical thinking and evidence to support a claim or reach a conclusion.

Refutation

: Refutation is the act of proving an argument or claim false or invalid by presenting evidence or counterarguments that contradict it.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

: A rhetorical analysis essay is an essay that examines how an author uses language and rhetoric to persuade or inform their audience. It analyzes the strategies, techniques, and appeals employed by the author to convey their message effectively.

Rhetorical Choices

: Rhetorical choices are deliberate decisions made by an author regarding language, structure, style, and other elements in order to achieve their desired effect on the audience.

Rhetorical Situation

: The rhetorical situation refers to the context in which communication occurs, including factors such as purpose, audience, subject matter, and speaker/writer. It helps shape how messages are crafted and received.

Sentence Development

: Sentence development refers to the process of constructing well-structured and coherent sentences that effectively convey meaning. It involves using a variety of sentence types, lengths, and structures to enhance clarity and impact in writing.

Sophistication

: Sophistication refers to the quality of being refined, cultured, or knowledgeable. It involves having a deep understanding and appreciation for complex ideas or experiences.

Stylistic Choices

: Stylistic choices refer to the deliberate decisions made by a writer regarding language, tone, and structure in order to convey meaning and create a desired effect.

Subjective Reasoning

: Making judgments based on personal opinions, feelings, or beliefs rather than objective evidence.

Synthesis Essay

: A synthesis essay is a type of essay where the writer combines information from multiple sources to develop a unique perspective on a given topic.

Textual Evidence

: Textual evidence refers to specific details, facts, examples, or quotations from a text that support an argument or claim made by a writer. It provides concrete proof for ideas presented in written work.

Thesis Development

: The process of formulating a clear and focused statement that presents the main argument or claim of an essay.

Thesis Statement

: A thesis statement is a clear and concise sentence that presents the main argument or claim of an essay. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the main points that will be discussed in the essay.

Tone Shifts

: Tone shifts refer to changes in the writer's attitude or tone throughout a piece of writing. These shifts can occur due to changes in subject matter, purpose, or intended audience.

Transitions

: Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that connect ideas within a piece of writing. They help create coherence, smoothness, and logical flow between paragraphs or sections.

Word Choice

: Word choice refers to the careful selection of words that best convey the intended meaning or tone. It involves considering factors such as connotation, denotation, precision, appropriateness, and effectiveness.

2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam Guide

12 min readaugust 18, 2023

A Q

A Q

A Q

A Q

Your guide to the 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam

We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but Fiveable has your back! We created a study plan to help you crush your AP English Language and Composition exam. This guide will continue to update with information about the 2024 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day. Unlock Cram Mode for access to our cram events—students who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions. FYI, something cool is coming your way Fall 2023! 👀

Format of the 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam

This year, all AP exams will cover all units and essay types. The 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam format will be:

  • Section I: Multiple Choice - 45% of your score

    • 45 questions in 1 hour

  • Section II: Free Response Section - 55% of your score

    • 2 hours and 15 minutes for:

      • 1

      • 1

      • 1

Scoring Rubric for the 2024 AP Lang Essays

    • Thesis

      • 1 point for a defensible thesis that responds to the prompt

    • and

      • Max of 4 points for providing from at least 3 sources that support the AND that explains and analyzes the

      • 1 point any of the following:

        • Creating a nuanced argument

        • Showing the limitations of the argument

        • Making effective

        • Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive

    • Thesis

      • 1 point for a defensible thesis that analyzes

    • and

      • Max of 4 points for providing specific AND consistently explaining how the relates to the AND showing how the contribute to the .

      • 1 point for any of the following:

        • Explaining the significance of the ()

        • Explaining the complexities of the passage and their

        • Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive

    • Thesis

      • 1 point for a defensible thesis

    • and

      • Max of 4 points for providing specific AND consistently explaining the relevance of that .

      • 1 point for any of the following:

        • Crafting a nuanced argument by identifying complexities

        • Explaining the limitations of the argument by placing it in a broader context

        • Making to improve the argument

        • Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive

Check out our study plan below to find resources and tools to prepare for your AP English Language and Composition exam.

When is the 2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam and How Do I Take It?


How Should I Prepare for the AP Lang Exam?

  • First, take stock of your progress in the course so far. What areas have you excelled and which sections need more focus? Download the AP English Language Cheatsheet PDF - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses!

  • Build your study plan to review every unit and question type, but focus most on the areas that need the most improvement and practice. We’ve put together this plan to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam

    • Practice essays are your best friends! The more essays you write, the more automatic the process will come, and the easier the AP exam will be!

      • Try some of the past exam questions here

  • We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.

  • Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via Cram Mode. Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.

Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment

Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized.

🖥 Create a study space.

Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space. 

📚 Organize your study materials.

Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!

📅 Plan designated times for studying.

The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.

🏆 Decide on an accountability plan.

How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!

🤝 Get support from your peers. 

There are thousands of students all over the world who are preparing for their AP exams just like you! Join Rooms 🤝 to chat, ask questions, and meet other students who are also studying for the spring exams. You can even build study groups and review material together! 


2024 AP Lang Study Guide

🚧 Unit 1 Foundations of Rhetoric: Analysis of the and .

Big takeaways:

Unit 1 is an introductory unit that lays the foundations for the reading skills associated with how to understand and analyze complex texts. Skills here include identifying the ASPECTS of a text, analyzing the claim given and the used to support that claim, and determining the function of the “chunks” in the argument. Because the content in this unit is very foundational, it is looped throughout the rest of the course instruction.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

✍️ Practice:

🗺 Can you identify these rhetorical devices?

  • You won’t be asked to name drop on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try this Quizlet to help prepare.


Unit 2 Foundations of Argument: Analysis of an author’s choices in appeals and

Big takeaways:

Unit 2 is an introductory unit that builds onto the foundations of rhetorical ASPECTS and moves toward planning and writing your own arguments. This unit focuses on the relationships between subject, speaker, and message, including examination of the structure and of the given argument. The unit then moves into the developing thesis statements and building your own arguments with a clear .

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

📰 Check out these articles:

✍️ Practice:

🗺 Can you identify these elements of practical argument?

  • You won’t be asked to name drop of the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try this Quizlet to help prepare.


👥 Unit 3 Confluence: Synthesis of multiple sources in argumentation

Big takeaways:

Unit 3 approaches in argument through the lens of synthesis (that’s FRQ 1). In this study, you learn to identify effective and faulty while integrating a variety of from credible resources that is properly cited in an original text.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

🗺 Can you identify these elements of synthesis?

  • You won’t be asked to name drop on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try this Quizlet to help prepare.


👀 Unit 4 : Analysis of argument from introduction to conclusion

Big takeaways:

Unit 4 includes a greater depth of focus on the writing of effective arguments -- the created in the introduction, built with modes of discourse, and strengthened in the conclusion. An important note about these skills of argumentation is that they build toward all parts of every FRQ. 

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

✍️ Practice:

🗺 Can you identify the rhetorical modes?

  • You won’t be asked to name drop them on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try this Quizlet to help prepare.


🧐 Unit 5 and Analysis: Analysis of complex argument and intentional rhetoric

Big takeaways:

In Unit 5, the skills look at the minutiae involved in argumentation: development of the that produces strong and maintains the primary claim through all parts of the writing. To achieve these goals, this unit includes a focus on , , and for argumentative .  

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

📰 Check out these articles:

✍️ Practice:


🏃‍♂️ Unit 6 Rhetorical Risks: Analysis of , , and shifts with new

Big takeaways:

In Unit 6, you will notice a direct link building on the ideas of Unit 3 as this instruction looks at position and perspectives while synthesizing information strategically to support a claim.  For greater depth, this unit moves to modify a current argument to include new .

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:


🚀 Unit 7 Complex Argumentation: Analysis of effective arguments, including and

Big takeaways:

The skills of Unit 7 are about putting all units of study together to look at the complexity of a given argument and the effectiveness of the pieces built into that argument.  Though many teachers will have addressed counterarguments, concessions, and refutations before reaching this unit, those skills are highly scrutinized in this segment of learning.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

✍️ Practice:


📝 Unit 8 Style: Analysis of how style influences the movement

Big takeaways:

Unit 8 covers how to understand the influence style has on the , and the behind each decision. By analyzing these various tactics, students are able to understand the author’s , and how to effectively persuade them. Style is an important part in connecting the rest of the course and understanding how the and devices are used to accomplish a .

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

📰 Check out these articles:

✍️ Practice:


✏️ Unit 9 Craft: Creation of your own complex argument with synthesis and rhetoric

Big takeaways:

The final unit of AP Language and Composition covers how to effectively form your own arguments by acknowledging and understanding complexities to create a nuanced and sophisticated argument. It focuses on your ability to comprehend and connect multiple sources to create a well reasoned, and detailed argument as well as how to add in your own rhetorical devices and choices to make your writing more persuasive and effective.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

🎥 Watch these videos:

Key Terms to Review (38)

Argument Essay

: An argument essay is an essay in which the writer takes a position on a specific issue or topic and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and persuasive techniques.

Argument Structure

: Argument structure refers to how an argument is organized and presented in writing or speech. It includes elements such as introduction, thesis statement, supporting evidence, counterarguments, and conclusion.

Audience

: The audience refers to the intended recipients or listeners of a message. It is crucial to consider their characteristics, interests, beliefs, and values when crafting effective communication.

Author's Message

: The author's message refers to the main idea or theme that an author wants to convey through their writing. It is what they want readers to understand or take away from their work.

Bias

: Bias refers to a preference or inclination towards a particular perspective, often resulting in unfairness or prejudice. It can influence the way information is presented or interpreted.

Cause-Effect Method

: The cause-effect method is an organizational strategy used in writing to explain the relationship between events or actions. It involves identifying the causes that lead to certain effects or outcomes.

Claims

: Claims are statements or assertions that express a position or viewpoint on a particular topic. They are the main arguments made in an essay or speech.

Commentary

: Commentary refers to a written or spoken explanation or interpretation of an event, situation, or piece of work. It provides analysis and insight to help the audience understand the subject matter better.

Comparisons

: Comparisons refer to the act of examining similarities and differences between two or more things. It involves analyzing various aspects, such as characteristics, qualities, or features, to highlight similarities or contrasts.

Concession

: Concession refers to acknowledging an opposing viewpoint or argument while still maintaining one's own position. It demonstrates fairness and strengthens the overall argument by addressing counterarguments.

Conclusions

: Conclusions are the final thoughts or judgments made based on evidence and reasoning presented in an argument. They summarize the main points and provide closure to an essay or speech.

Counterargument

: A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint or argument that challenges the main claim or thesis of a piece of writing. It provides alternative perspectives and strengthens critical thinking.

Evidence

: Evidence refers to the information or data that supports a claim or argument. It is used to persuade the audience and make the argument more convincing.

Introductions

: Introductions are the opening paragraphs or sections of an essay or written piece that provide background information about the topic and present the thesis statement. They serve as an entry point for readers into the main body of work.

Line of Reasoning

: A line of reasoning refers to the logical progression of ideas or arguments in a piece of writing or speech. It is the way in which evidence and claims are connected to form a coherent and persuasive argument.

Modifiers

: Modifiers are words or phrases that provide additional information about another word in a sentence. They can describe, clarify, limit, enhance, or emphasize the meaning of the word they modify.

Multiple Perspectives

: Multiple perspectives refer to considering various viewpoints on an issue or topic instead of relying solely on one viewpoint. It involves recognizing that there can be multiple valid ways of understanding something.

Narrative Method

: The narrative method refers to the way in which a story is told or presented, including the structure, point of view, and literary techniques used by the author.

Objective Reasoning

: Making judgments based on factual evidence, logical analysis, and unbiased observations rather than personal opinions or emotions.

Perspective

: Perspective refers to a particular point of view or way of looking at things, influenced by personal experiences, beliefs, and values.

Purpose

: Purpose refers to the reason or intention behind an action, decision, or creation. It is the driving force that gives meaning and direction to our endeavors.

Qualifications

: Qualifications refer to the skills, knowledge, and experiences that make a person suitable for a particular job or task. They demonstrate a person's competence and expertise in a specific area.

Reasoning

: Reasoning is the process of using logical thinking and evidence to support a claim or reach a conclusion.

Refutation

: Refutation is the act of proving an argument or claim false or invalid by presenting evidence or counterarguments that contradict it.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

: A rhetorical analysis essay is an essay that examines how an author uses language and rhetoric to persuade or inform their audience. It analyzes the strategies, techniques, and appeals employed by the author to convey their message effectively.

Rhetorical Choices

: Rhetorical choices are deliberate decisions made by an author regarding language, structure, style, and other elements in order to achieve their desired effect on the audience.

Rhetorical Situation

: The rhetorical situation refers to the context in which communication occurs, including factors such as purpose, audience, subject matter, and speaker/writer. It helps shape how messages are crafted and received.

Sentence Development

: Sentence development refers to the process of constructing well-structured and coherent sentences that effectively convey meaning. It involves using a variety of sentence types, lengths, and structures to enhance clarity and impact in writing.

Sophistication

: Sophistication refers to the quality of being refined, cultured, or knowledgeable. It involves having a deep understanding and appreciation for complex ideas or experiences.

Stylistic Choices

: Stylistic choices refer to the deliberate decisions made by a writer regarding language, tone, and structure in order to convey meaning and create a desired effect.

Subjective Reasoning

: Making judgments based on personal opinions, feelings, or beliefs rather than objective evidence.

Synthesis Essay

: A synthesis essay is a type of essay where the writer combines information from multiple sources to develop a unique perspective on a given topic.

Textual Evidence

: Textual evidence refers to specific details, facts, examples, or quotations from a text that support an argument or claim made by a writer. It provides concrete proof for ideas presented in written work.

Thesis Development

: The process of formulating a clear and focused statement that presents the main argument or claim of an essay.

Thesis Statement

: A thesis statement is a clear and concise sentence that presents the main argument or claim of an essay. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the main points that will be discussed in the essay.

Tone Shifts

: Tone shifts refer to changes in the writer's attitude or tone throughout a piece of writing. These shifts can occur due to changes in subject matter, purpose, or intended audience.

Transitions

: Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that connect ideas within a piece of writing. They help create coherence, smoothness, and logical flow between paragraphs or sections.

Word Choice

: Word choice refers to the careful selection of words that best convey the intended meaning or tone. It involves considering factors such as connotation, denotation, precision, appropriateness, and effectiveness.


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.