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  3. AP Lang - Rhetorical Analysis: Tracking Arguments

ap lang - rhetorical analysis: tracking arguments

originally streamed in 2021 with Kevin SteinhauserTeacher
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Learn how to track and analyze an author's argument for the AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay. This video breaks down how to identify claims, evidence, and reasoning patterns while avoiding common pitfalls like summarizing or overusing terminology. ...more

curriculum note

This video references a 1–9 scoring scale for the rhetorical analysis essay. The current AP English Language rubric uses a 6-point scale, so specific score references (e.g., 'a six, seven, eight, or nine') may be outdated.

covered in this stream

units
The Rhetorical Analysis EssayExam SkillsAP English Language Exam
topics
Rhetorical Analysis, Part VII - Track the Author's ArgumentRhetorical Analysis, Part I - Annotating SourcesRhetorical Analysis, Part V - Body ParagraphsRhetorical Analysis, Part IV - Intro Paragraphs10.2 Selecting and Analyzing Evidence for Rhetorical Analysis Essay10.3 Demonstrating Sophistication for Rhetorical Analysis Essay10.4 Writing the Complete Rhetorical Analysis Essay

timestamps

  • 0:00

    Introduction to Session

  • 0:32

    Review of Past Topics

  • 1:04

    Tracking Author's Argument

  • 2:09

    AP Reader Experience

  • 2:39

    Rhetorical Triangle Review

  • 3:41

    Speaker Assumptions

  • 4:12

    Rhetorical Analysis Task

  • 4:45

    Key Steps Overview

  • 5:45

    Identifying Writing Choices

  • 6:46

    Audience-Subject Relationship

  • 7:51

    Hypothetical Prompt Example

  • 8:54

    Beginning-Middle-End Analysis

  • 9:27

    Essay Time Breakdown

  • 11:00

    Writing Effective Intro

  • 12:03

    Body Paragraph Strategy

  • 13:06

    Quick Conclusion Tips

  • 14:08

    Overall Time Plan

  • 15:12

    Sample Prompt Annotation

  • 16:43

    Avoid Terminology Focus

  • 17:43

    Logical Pattern Search

  • 18:46

    Passage Background Context

  • 19:16

    Reading First Paragraph

  • 20:50

    Underlining Core Phrases

  • 22:24

    Paragraph Comprehension

  • 23:28

    Annotation vs Summary

  • 25:02

    Second Paragraph Analysis

  • 26:04

    Third Paragraph Flaws

  • 27:43

    Fourth Paragraph Critique

  • 29:15

    Transition to Final

  • 31:19

    Primary Purpose Emphasis

  • 33:53

    Passage Big Picture

  • 35:59

    Beginning Chunk Breakdown

  • 37:03

    Myth vs Truth Juxtaposition

  • 39:09

    Audience Self-Identification

  • 41:47

    Middle Section Dangers

  • 43:20

    Accepting Mindset Change

  • 44:27

    Ending Emphasis

  • 45:58

    Organizational Approach Benefits

  • 47:32

    Audience Focus Reminders

  • 49:09

    Q&A Session

  • 50:44

    Terminology Importance

  • 52:49

    Conclusion Strategies

  • 54:21

    Labeling Devices Advice

  • 55:56

    Historical Situation Inclusion

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Study Content & Tools

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Company

What's New?PricingBulk DiscountsTestimonialsFAQsEmail us

Resources

AP Exam Schedule 2027AP ClassesAP ClassroomEasiest AP ClassesHardest AP ClassesAP vs IBAP vs Dual EnrollmentAP vs Honors ClassesAP Scholar Awards

history

🌎 ap world history🇺🇸 ap us history🇪🇺 ap european history

social science

✊🏿 ap african american studies🗳️ ap comparative government🚜 ap human geography💶 ap macroeconomics🤑 ap microeconomics🧠 ap psychology👩🏾‍⚖️ ap us government

english & capstone

✍🏽 ap english language📚 ap english literature🔍 ap research💬 ap seminar

arts

🎨 ap art & design🖼️ ap art history🎵 ap music theory

science

🧬 ap biology🧪 ap chemistry♻️ ap environmental science🎡 ap physics 1🧲 ap physics 2💡 ap physics c: e&m⚙️ ap physics c: mechanics

math & computer science

🧮 ap calculus ab♾️ ap calculus bc📐 ap precalculus📊 ap statistics💻 ap computer science a⌨️ ap computer science p

world languages

🇨🇳 ap chinese🇫🇷 ap french🇩🇪 ap german🇮🇹 ap italian🇯🇵 ap japanese🏛️ ap latin🇪🇸 ap spanish language💃🏽 ap spanish literature

career kickstart

💼 ap business with personal finance🔒 ap cybersecurity

go beyond AP

high school exams

✏️ PSAT🎓 Digital SAT🎒 ACT

honors classes

🍬 honors algebra II🫀 honors anatomy🐇 honors biology👩🏽‍🔬 honors chemistry💲 honors economics📐 honors geometry⚾️ honors physics📏 honors pre-calculus📊 honors statistics🗳️ honors us government🇺🇸 honors us history🌎 honors world history

college classes

👩🏽‍🎤 arts👔 business🎤 communications🏗️ engineering📓 humanities➗ math🧑🏽‍🔬 science💶 social science

hs classes

🏛️ alabama history⛰️ appalachian studies🌴 california history🌍 earth science🌐 ethnic studies🐊 florida history🍑 georgia history🌎 global studies🌺 hawaiian studies📰 journalism🪶 native american studies🌵 new mexico history🤠 oklahoma history⚗️ physical science🎙️ speech and debate🤝 texas government🤠 texas history🌲 washington state history🕊️ world religions
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© 2026 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.