Overview
This lecture addresses common challenges students face on the AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay, focusing on the difference between rhetorical devices and rhetorical choices and how to effectively write a choice-driven thesis.
History and Evolution of the AP Lang Exam
- The AP Lang exam has evolved since the 1980s, with a major change in 2007 adding the synthesis essay.
- Prior to recent years, prompts used varied wording, often asking about style, strategies, or devices.
- Since the 2010s, prompts consistently ask students to analyze rhetorical choices made to convey message or purpose.
Common Student and Teacher Pitfalls
- Many teachers still emphasize rhetorical devices (like metaphor, parallelism, appeals) due to older training.
- Students often list devices rather than analyzing what the author does with them.
- Device-driven essays are common but can be less dynamic and more limited.
Devices vs. Choices: Key Distinction
- Rhetorical device is a noun (e.g., metaphor, alliteration); it's something the author uses.
- Rhetorical choice is a verb (e.g., narrates, repeats, parodies); it's something the author does to convey meaning.
- Writing about choices requires describing the author's actions and their intended effects.
Transforming Thesis Statements
- Avoid vague device-based statements like "uses diction" or "uses parallel structure."
- Make thesis statements precise by using active verbs (e.g., "narrates," "repeats," "parodies") that describe the author's specific actions.
- Example: Instead of "uses anecdotes and parallel structure," write "narrates a story of religious prejudice, repeats exclusionary phrases, and parodies preachers."
Writing Strong Rhetorical Analysis Essays
- Identify the author's message and the rhetorical choices made to convey that message.
- Each choice should be clearly tied to its effect on the audience or message.
- Precise thesis statements set up dynamic, high-scoring essays.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Rhetorical device — a specific technique (noun) an author uses in writing (e.g., metaphor, alliteration).
- Rhetorical choice — an action (verb) taken by the author to achieve a purpose (e.g., narrates, mocks, repeats).
- Parallel structure — the repeated use of similar grammatical patterns in writing.
- Anecdote — a short, personal story used to illustrate a point.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read Frederick Douglass's speech for practice.
- Revise existing thesis statements to focus on rhetorical choices using precise verbs.
- Access the worksheet and guided materials linked in the video description for practice.