What are your chances of acceptance?
Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.
Your chancing factors
Extracurriculars.
How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Essay
Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications.
See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now ā it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free.
Show me what areas I need to improve
Whatās Covered:
What is the ap lang rhetorical essay, tips for writing the ap lang rhetorical essay.
- AP Lang Rhetorical Essay Example
How Will AP Scores Affect College Chances?
The AP English Language Exam is one of the most common AP exams you can take. However, the average score on the exam in 2020 was a 2.96 out of 5. While this may seem a bit low, it is important to note that over 550,000 students take the exam annually. With some preparation and knowing how to study, it is totally possible to do well on this AP exam.
The AP Lang Rhetorical Essay is one section of the AP English Language Exam. The exam itself is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, and is broken into two sections. The first part of the exam is a 60 minute, 45-question multiple-choice section. The questions on this part of the exam will test your ability to read a passage and then interpret its meaning, style, and overall themes. After the multiple-choice section, there is a section lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes with three āfree responseā essays. This includes the synthesis essay, the rhetorical analysis essay, and the argument essay.Ā
- In the synthesis essay , you will have to develop an argument using pieces of evidence provided to you.Ā
- The argumentative essay will have you pick a side in a debate and argue for or against it.
- The rhetorical essay requires that you discuss how an authorās written passage contributes to a greater meaning or theme.Ā
The rhetorical essay is perhaps the most unique of all AP Lang exam essays because it requires the test taker to analyze and interpret the deeper meanings of the passage and connect them to the authorās writing style and writing syntax in only 40 minutes. This essay can be the trickiest because it requires you to have knowledge of rhetorical strategies and then apply them to a passage youāve never seen before.
1. Outline Your Essay Before Writing
One of the most important parts of the AP Lang essays is structuring your essay so that it makes sense to the reader. This is just as important as having good content. For this essay in particular, youāll want to read the passage first and write a brief outline of your points before you begin the essay. This is because you will want to write the essay using the passage chronologically, which will be discussed in detail below.
2. Understand Rhetorical StrategiesĀ
If you feel like you donāt know where to start as you prepare to study for the rhetorical essay portion of the exam, you arenāt alone. It is imperative that you have a grasp on what rhetorical strategies are and how you can use them in your essay. One definition of rhetoric is ālanguage carefully chosen and arranged for maximum effect.ā This can include types of figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification, pun, irony, etc.) elements of syntax (parallelism, juxtaposition, anthesis, anaphora, etc), logical fallacies, or persuasive appeals. Overall, there are many elements that you can analyze in an essay and having a good grasp on them through practice and memorization is important.
3. Keep the Essay Well StructuredĀ
Even if you understand the various rhetorical strategies you can use, where do you begin? First of all, youāll want to write a strong introduction that outlines the purpose of the piece. At the end of this introduction, you will write a thesis statement that encapsulates all the rhetorical strategies you discuss. Perhaps these are style elements, tone, or syntax. Be sure to be specific as you list these.
Next, you will create your body paragraphs. As you discuss the rhetorical elements in the piece and tie them back to the workās meanings, be sure to discuss the points in chronological order. You donāt have to discuss every single strategy, but just pick the ones that are most important. Be sure to cite the line where you found the example. At the end of the essay, write a short conclusion that summarizes the major points above.
4. Be Sure to Explain Your Examples
As you write the essay, donāt just list out your examples and say something like āthis is an example of ethos, logos, pathos.ā Instead, analyze how the example shows that rhetoric device and how it helps the author further their argument. As you write the rhetorical essay, youāll want to be as specific and detail-focused as possible.Ā
Discover your chances at hundreds of schools
Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admissionāand how to improve them.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
Below is a prompt and example for a rhetorical essay, along with its score and what the writer did well and could have improved:
The passage below is an excerpt from āOn the Want of Money,ā an essay written by nineteenth-century author William Hazlitt. Read the passage carefully. Then write an essay in which you analyze the rhetorical strategies Hazlitt uses to develop his position about money.
Student essay example:
In his essay, Hazlitt develops his position on money through careful use of adjectives and verbs, hypothetical situations, and images. His examples serve to impress upon the reader the highly negative consequences of being in āwant of money.ā
Hazlittās word choice in his opening phrase provides an example of his technique in the rest of the essay. It is not necessary to follow āliterallyā with ātrulyā yet his repetition of the same ideas emphasizes his point. In his next sentence, one that lasts forty-six lines, Hazlitt condignly repeats similar ideas, beating into his audience the necessity of having money in this world. The parallelism throughout that one long sentence, āit is not to be sent for to court, or asked out to dinnerā¦it is not to have your own opinion consulted or sees rejected with contempt..ā ties the many different situations Haziltt gives together. What could have become a tedious spiel instead becomes a melodious recitation, each example reminding you of one before it, either because of the similarities in structure or content. Hazlitt addresses many different negative effects of not having money but manages to tie them together with his rhetorical strategies.Ā
The diction of the passage fully relays Hazlittās position about money. In every example he gives a negative situation but in most emphasizes the terrible circumstance with strong negative adjectives or verbs. āRejected,ā ācontempt,ā ādisparaged,ā āscrutinized,ā āirksome,ā ādeprived,ā āassailedā āchagrin;ā the endless repetition of such discouragement shows how empathetically Hazlitt believes money is a requisite for a happy life. Even the irony of the last sentences is negative, conveying the utter hopelessness of one without money. Through one may have none in life, pitiless men will proceed to mock oneās circumstances, āat a considerable expenseā after death!Ā
In having as the body of his essay one long sentence, Hazlitt creates a flow that speeds the passage along, hardly giving the reader time to absorb one idea before another is thrown at him. The unceasing flow is synonymous with Hazlittās view of the life of a person without money: he will be ājostledā through life, unable to stop and appreciate the beauty around him or to take time for his own leisure.Ā
The score on this essay was a 6 out of 6. This essay started out very strong as the student had a concrete thesis statement explaining the strategies that Hazlitt used to develop his position on money as well as Hazlittās belief on the topic. In the thesis statement, the student points out that adjectives, verbs, hypothetical situations, and images help prove Hazlittās point that wanting money can be problematic.Ā
Next, the student broke down their points into three main subsections related to their thesis. More specifically, the student first discusses word choice of repetition and parallelism. When the student discusses these strategies, they list evidence in the paragraph that can be found chronologically in Hazlittās essay. The next paragraph is about diction, and the student used specific adjectives and verbs that support this idea. In the last paragraph, the student emphasized how the speed and flow of the essay helped describe Hazlittās viewpoint on life. This last concluding sentence is particularly thoughtful, as it goes beyond the explicit points made in the essay and discusses the style and tone of the writing.Ā
It is important to remember that in some ways, the rhetorical essay is also an argumentative essay, as the student must prove how certain rhetorical strategies are used and their significance in the essay. The student even discussed the irony of the paragraph, which is not explicit in the passage.
Overall, this student did an excellent job organizing and structuring the essay and did a nice job using evidence to prove their points.Ā
Now that youāve learned about the AP Lang rhetorical essay, you may be wondering how your AP scores impact your chances of admission. In fact, your AP scores have relatively little impact on your admissions decision , and your course rigor has much more weight in the application process.
If youād like to know your chances of admission, be sure to check out our chancing calculator! This tool takes into account your classes, extracurriculars, demographic information, and test scores to understand your chances at admission at over 600 schools. Best of all, it is completely free!
Related CollegeVine Blog Posts
Calculate for all schools
Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, crafting a solid thesis for ap lang rhetorical analysis.
Hey everyone, I'm having trouble coming up with a strong thesis statement for the rhetorical analysis essay in AP Lang. Any tips on how to create a clear and effective thesis that won't leave me rambling?
I understand that crafting a solid thesis statement can be a challenge, but it's an important part of your essay as it will guide your analysis and keep you focused. Here are some tips to help you create a clear and effective thesis for your AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay:
1. Identify the author's main argument: Begin by understanding the author's main point or claim. This should become the basis for your thesis, as you'll be discussing how the author constructs this argument using rhetorical strategies.
2. Analyze rhetorical strategies: Determine which rhetorical strategies the author uses, such as ethos, pathos, or logos, and consider how the strategies relate to the author's overall argument. You'll want to narrow down your focus to a few key strategies to avoid overloading your thesis with too much information.
3. Be concise and specific: An effective thesis statement should be clear and concise, while still providing enough information to guide your analysis. Try to summarize the author's main argument and the rhetorical strategies they use in a single sentence, if possible.
4. Use strong, active verbs: To ensure your thesis is clear and direct, use strong, active verbs that accurately describe the author's use of rhetorical strategies. For example, instead of saying "The author tries to persuade," you could write "The author effectively employs pathos to evoke empathy from the reader."
5. Review and revise: Don't be afraid to revise your thesis as you work on the analysis. It's common for your understanding of the text and its rhetorical strategies to evolve as you write, so make sure your thesis reflects your most current thoughts.
Here's an example to help illustrate the process:
Original text: Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech
Thesis: In his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, Martin Luther King Jr. eloquently employs rhetorical strategies such as allusion, repetition, and pathos to persuade his audience to strive for racial equality and work together towards a more just and unified society.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your initial attempts aren't perfect. Keep working on crafting your thesis, and you'll get better with time!
About CollegeVineās Expert FAQ
CollegeVineās Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.
Get the Reddit app
Choose Your Test
- Search Blogs By Category
- College Admissions
- AP and IB Exams
- GPA and Coursework
The 55 AP Language and Composition Terms You Must Know
Advanced Placement (AP)
One of the competencies you need to develop for AP Language and Composition is a thorough understanding of rhetorical strategies and techniques. This is because you will both be expected to identify these strategies and techniques in the writing of others and to use them in your own writing.
But given the huge number of rhetorical terms there are, how do you know which ones you need to know and understand? Do you need to know what anaphora is? What about synecdoche?
In this article I'll provide two lists: one of essential key AP Language and Composition terms to know for the exam, and one list of useful bonus words that will serve you well on the exam. Then I'll advise how to learn and use these terms for AP success!
Essential AP Language and Composition Terms
The following list of 37 terms, based on consulting both the AP English Language and Composition Course and Exam Description and free-response material from past years, provides an important overview of the major AP Lang rhetorical devices and techniques you need to know. With all of this AP Language and Composition vocabulary at your disposal, you'll be a top-notch rhetorical analyst in no time!
Each entry has a definition and example or further explanation. Don't be intimidated by the size of this listāmany of these are terms you are probably already familiar with!
Essential Rhetorical Analysis Terms
| Analogy | Explaining something complex by comparing it to something more simple. | "An amateur playing in a professional game is like an ibex stepping into a lion's den." |
| Argument | The combination of reasons, evidence, etc that an author uses to convince an audience of their position. | Too comprehensive a concept for a single example! In effective rhetoric, every phrase serves to further build the argument. |
| Aristotelian appeals | Three different methods of appealing to an audience to convince themāethos, logos, and pathos. | See ethos, logos and pathos. |
| Attitude | The writer's personal views or feelings about the subject at hand. | Difficult to convey in a short example, but something like "the deplorable state of this school" would convey that the author has a negative attitude towards the school. |
| Audience | Who the author is directing his or her message towards | When you create a resume, your audience is potential employers. |
| Compare and contrast | Discussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose. | "Hybrid cars have a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional midsize vehicles." |
| Connotation | The implied meaning of a word; words can broadly have positive, negative, or neutral connotations. | conscientious = positive connotation fussy = negative connotation |
| Context | The extra-textual environment in which the text is being delivered. | If I am delivering a congratulatory speech to awards recipients, the immediate context might be the awards presentation ceremony; the broader context might be the purpose or significance of the awards themselves. |
| Counterargument | The argument(s) against the author's position. | If I want to eliminate the dress code, a counterargument might be that this will place a burden on students of a lower socioeconomic status, who must now afford an entire school wardrobe or risk unwanted attention. |
| Deductive reasoning | A form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case. | If all planets orbit a star, and Theta II is a planet, then it must orbit a star. |
| Denotation | The literal, dictionary-definition meaning of a word. | The denotation of "chair" is "a place to sit." |
| Diction | The style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation. | You might say "What's up, loser?" to your little brother, but you would probably say "How are you doing today?" to your principal. |
| Ethos | Setting up a source as credible and trustworthy. | "Given my PhD in the subject and years of experience in the field" is an appeal to ethos. |
| Evidence | The information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author's position. | If I were arguing that Anne is a good student, I might reference her straight-A report card and her 1500 SAT score as pieces of evidence. |
| Figurative language | The use of language in a non-literal way; i.e. metaphor, simile, etc. | "The sky's like a jewel box tonight!" |
| Genre | The specific type of work being presented. | Broader categories include "novel" and "play," while more specific genres would be things like "personal essay" or "haiku." |
| Any descriptive language used to evoke a vivid sense or image of something; includes figurative language. | "The water was a pearl-studded sea of azure tipped with turquoise." | |
| Implication | When something is suggested without being concretely stated. | "Watch your wallet around Paul," implies that Paul is a thief without coming out and saying "Paul is a thief." |
| Inductive reasoning | Making a generalization based on specific evidence at hand. | All of the planets in this solar system orbit a star, so all planets probably orbit stars. |
| Irony | At the most basic sense, saying the opposite of what you mean; also used to describe situations in which the results of an action are dramatically different than intended. | "I do so hope there are more papers to sign," is something that might be said ironically. |
| Juxtaposition | Placing two very different things together for effect. | "There they stood together, the beggars and the lords, the princesses and the washerwoman, all crowding into the square." |
| Logos | Appealing to someone's sense of concrete facts and logic. | Citing peer-reviewed scientific studies is an appeal to logos. |
| Occasion | The reason or moment for writing or speaking. | When giving a graduation speech, the occasion is graduation. |
| Organization | How the different parts of an argument are arranged in a piece of writing or speech. | Think about the outlines you write in preparation for drafting an argumentative essay and you'll have an idea of what organization is. |
| Pathos | An Aristotelian appeal. Involves appealing to someone's emotions. | Animal shelters ads with pictures of cute sad animals and dramatic music are using pathos. |
| Purpose | The author's persuasive intention. | If you are trying to convince your mother you should get a dog, your purpose in addressing an essay on the subject to her would be to convince her that you should get a dog. |
| Repetition | Re-using a word or phrase repeatedly for effect or emphasis. | "We run, and we run, and we run, like rats on a wheel." |
| Rhetoric | The use of spoken or written word (or a visual medium) to convey your ideas and convince an audience. | Almost everything is an example of rhetoric! |
| Rhetorical triangle | The relationship between the author, the audience, the text/message, and the context. | The author communicates to the reader via the text; and the reader and text are surrounded by context. |
| Speaker | The persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author. | Similar to the difference between author and narrator in a work of fiction. |
| Style | The author's own personal approach to rhetoric in the piece; similar to voice. | We might say the Taylor Swift's songwriting style is straightforward and emotive. |
| Symbolism | Using a symbol to refer to an idea or concept. | "Fire" is commonly used a symbol for passion and/or anger. |
| Syntax | The way sentences are grammatically constructed. | "She likes pie," is syntactically simple. On the other hand, "As it so happened, when Barbara got out of class early she liked to have a piece of pieākey lime or pecan, alwaysāat the corner diner; while she was there she watched the people passing by the window and imagined herself inside each of their lives, riding in their heads for moments and moments until the afternoon was whiled away and she'd become fifty people," is syntactically complicated. |
| Synthesis | Combining sources or ideas in a coherent way in the purpose of a larger point. | A typical research paper involves synthesizing sources to make a broader point about the topic. |
| Themes | Overarching ideas or driving premises of a work. | Some themes you will probably hear in your high school graduation speech include leaving behind a legacy, moving into the great unknown, becoming an adult, and changing the world. |
| Tone | The use of stylistic devices to reveal an author's attitude toward a subject. | Only a narrow distinction from attitude. The phrase "the deplorable state of this school" reveals a negative attitude, but . |
| Voice | An author's unique sound. Similar to style. | Think of the way that you can recognize a pop singer on the radio without hearing who it is first. |
Let your voice be heard!
Bonus AP Language and Composition Terms
Here are 18 bonus AP Language vocabulary terms that, while not absolutely essential to your success on the exam, will be very helpful. They identify some common but obscurely named rhetorical techniques and some additional rhetorical and argumentative strategies.
These terms also each have a definition and an example or explanation.
Bonus Rhetorical Terms
| Alliteration | Using words with the same first letter repeatedly close together in a phrase or sentence. | "She purchased the pretty purple parka." |
| Allusion | Making a brief reference to the cultural canonāe.g. the Bible, Shakespeare, classical mythology, etc. | "Like Eve in the Garden of Eden, George was not good at resisting temptation." |
| Anecdote | Offering a brief narrative episode. This device can serve many functions in a textāfor example, introducing an issue, serving as evidence, to illustrate a point, and so on. | "When I went to buy my morning coffee, I ran into an old friend. He told me he had won the lottery and he was about to buy a yacht. Two months later I heard he had declared bankruptcy." |
| Concession | Agreeing with the opposing viewpoint on a certain smaller point (but not in the larger argument). | "While I admit that hybrid cars have higher carbon production costs than conventional automobiles, this is dramatically offset by the much-smaller lifetime carbon footprint of the vehicles." |
| Didactic | A text with an instructive purpose, often moral. | Aesop's fables are an example of a didactic work. |
| Euphemism | Referring to something with a veiled phrase instead of saying it directly | "She let Bob go," is a euphemism for "she fired Bob." |
| Exemplification | Providing examples in service of a point. | "The Town Beautification Funds are being sorely misused; the streets are full of litter, the parks are full of broken equipment, and City Hall's facade is drab and crumbling." |
| Hyperbole | Overstating a situation for humorous or dramatic effect. | "My backpack weighs tons!" |
| Idiom | A commonly used phrase that signifies something very different than its literal meaning. | "This costs an arm and a leg!" is an idiom which means "This is very expensive." |
| Onomatopoeia | Using "sound-effect" words (e.g. "clap," "buzz). | "We heard an ominous hiss from the kitchen." |
| Paradox | A phrase or assertion that appears to contradict itself (but the contradiction itself may have its own meaning). | Paradoxical phrases include "dark angel," "fresh rot," "blissful hell," etc. |
| Parallelism | Repeated structural elements in a sentence. | "We went to sea; we went to war; we went to bed." |
| Parody | Using the form of something to mimic and make fun of it. | Weird Al is the master of the musical parody genre. |
| Giving human characteristics to a nonhuman object or idea. | "The sun was shining happily today." | |
| Sarcasm | Mockingly stating the opposite of what you mean. Easier to convey in the spoken word than via writing. | "Did you come up with that all by yourself?" might be delivered sarcastically after someone delivers a poorly-thought out idea. |
| Satire | A genre of humorous and mocking criticism to expose the ignorance and/or ills of society. | Stephen Colbert is a popular modern satirist. |
| Synecdoche | Referring to one part of something as a way to refer to the whole. | "Ask for her hand" is a synecdoche for marriage; the "hand" stands in for the whole woman. |
| Understatement | Deliberately minimizing something, usually for humorous effect. | "My mom's a little bit irritated I crashed the carāI'm grounded for the next twenty-four months." |
The Angry Storm: a story of personification.
How to Learn and Use AP Language Terms
You might be tempted to bust out some flashcards, do some aggressive memorization, and call yourself finished. However, that's really only the first step of the three-step process of actually learning AP Lang terms.
Step 1: Learn Rhetorical Terms
As you initially try to familiarize yourself with these terms and what they mean, it's fine to make flashcards. You could use the term on one side and the definition on the other, or the definition and the example from the chart on one side and the term on the otherāwhatever's easier for you.
You can make physical flashcards if you like to learn things with a tactile element involved, but for the sake of convenience, you might consider making online flashcards at a site like Quizlet, where a free account lets you make and save flash cards and then quiz yourself with a variety of games and strategies.
When you know the terms and their definitions inside and out, you're ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Identify Rhetorical Strategies and Devices
Next, you need to work on identifying rhetorical strategies and devices in actual written works. Make an effort when you read to seek out examples of the different rhetorical techniques at work.
Think about the larger context of the piece: what's the author's purpose in writing this piece? Is the speaker the same as the author? What genre is it? What devices are being used repeatedly? You might try jotting down your thoughts about how pieces you read are using rhetorical devices.
When you feel you can consistently identify these strategies at work in the writing of others, it's time to try your hand at using them yourself.
Step 3: Deploy Rhetorical Strategies and Devices
Once you feel you have a handle on identifying a given device/concept in other pieces, it's time to think about using it in your own writing. Consider your own purpose and argument when you write. Think about audience. Deploy hyperbole and irony.
See what works and what doesn't. Trying to apply the terms will help you learn the concepts much better than simple memorization.
Deploy rhetorical parachutes!
Final Thoughts: AP Language and Composition Terms
There are so many rhetorical terms that it can be hard to determine which ones you need to know for AP Language and Composition! This list gives you an overview of all the essential AP English Language and Composition vocabulary.
When you're trying to learn these concepts, it's better to try to apply themāby seeing how other authors use them and using them in your own writingāthan to just memorize the terms and their definitions. The important thing is to understand the concepts, not just know the terms!
What's Next?
Need to familiarize yourself with the format of the AP Lang test? We go over exactly what's included on the AP Language test and how to tackle the multiple choice section here . Plus, check out our complete list of released practice AP Language tests .
If you're also taking AP Literature, see our ultimate guide to the AP English Literature test and our AP Literature Reading List .
Studying poetry in class? Whether you're reading " Do not go gentle into that good night " by Dylan Thomas or a Shakespearean sonnet, you're going to want to make sure you know important poetic devices and terms like assonance and iambic pentameter , just to name a few.
We can help if you're not sure how to study for AP exams .
Looking for other practice AP tests? See our complete lists for AP Human Geography , AP Literature , AP US History , AP Chemistry , AP Biology , AP Psychology , and AP World History . Or see our guide to finding the best AP practice tests for any exam .
Trending Now
How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League
How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA
How to Write an Amazing College Essay
What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?
ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?
When should you take the SAT or ACT?
Get Your Free
Find Your Target SAT Score
Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests
How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer
Score 800 on SAT Math
Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing
How to Improve Your Low SAT Score
Score 600 on SAT Math
Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing
Find Your Target ACT Score
Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests
How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer
Get a 36 on ACT English
Get a 36 on ACT Math
Get a 36 on ACT Reading
Get a 36 on ACT Science
How to Improve Your Low ACT Score
Get a 24 on ACT English
Get a 24 on ACT Math
Get a 24 on ACT Reading
Get a 24 on ACT Science
Stay Informed
Get the latest articles and test prep tips!
Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.
Ask a Question Below
Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!
All Subjects
2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam Guide
11 min read ā¢ june 18, 2024
Your guide to the 2025 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 2025 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day.Ā Unlock Cram Mode Ā for access to our cram eventsāstudents 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.
Format of the 2025 AP English Language and Composition exam
This year, all AP exams will cover all units and essay types. The 2025 AP English Language and Composition exam format will be:
- 45 questions in 1 hour
- 1 synthesis essay
- 1 rhetorical analysis essay
- 1 argument essay
Scoring Rubric for the 2025 AP Lang Essays
Synthesis Essay
- 1 point for a defensible thesis that responds to the prompt
- Max of 4 points for providing evidence from at least 3 sources that support the line of reasoning AND commentary that explains and analyzes the evidence
- Sophistication : - 1 point any of the following: - Creating a nuanced argument - Showing the limitations of the argument - Making effective rhetorical choices - Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive Rhetorical Analysis Essay
- 1 point for a defensible thesis that analyzes rhetorical choices
- Max of 4 points for providing specific evidence AND consistently explaining how the evidence relates to the line of reasoning AND showing how the rhetorical choices contribute to the author's message .
- Explaining the significance of the rhetorical choices ( rhetorical situation )
- Explaining the complexities of the passage and their purpose
- Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive Argument Essay
- 1 point for a defensible thesis
- Max of 4 points for providing specific evidence AND consistently explaining the relevance of that evidence.
- Crafting a nuanced argument by identifying complexities
- Explaining the limitations of the argument by placing it in a broader context
- Making rhetorical choices 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 2025 AP English Language and Composition Exam and How Do I Take It?
The exam will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM your local time. Ā
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 theĀ AP English Language Cheatsheet PDF Ā - 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. Weāve 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 questionsĀ [object Object]
- 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 viaĀ 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.
š„ 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.Ā
š 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!
š 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.
š 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!
2025 AP Lang Study Guide
š§ unit 1 foundations of rhetoric: analysis of the rhetorical situation and claims., 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 evidence used to support that claim, and determining the function of the āchunksā 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:
š Read these study guides:
Unit 1 Overview: Claims, Reasoning, and Evidence
1.1 Identifying the purpose and intended audience of a text
1.2 Examining how evidence supports a claim
1.3 Developing paragraphs as part of an effective argument š„ Watch these videos: Ā
College Boardās Instructional Video:Ā Overview of The Rhetorical Situation .- FiveableāsĀ How to Read Like an AP Student .- Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Statements - Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraphs āļø Practice:
Use theĀ Fiveable ASPECTS Guidesheet to help you break down a complex text. šŗ Can you identify these rhetorical devices?
You wonāt be asked to name drop on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. TryĀ this Quizlet to help prepare.
Unit 2 Foundations of Argument: Analysis of an authorās choices in appeals and evidence
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 purpose of the given argument. The unit then moves into the developing thesis statements and building your own arguments with a clear line of reasoning.
Unit 2 Overview: Organizing Information for a Specific Audience
2.1 Analyzing audience and its relationship to the purpose of an argument
2.2 Building an argument with relevant and strategic evidence
2.3 Developing thesis statements
2.4 Developing structure and integrating evidence to reflect a line of reasoning š„ Watch these videos: Ā
College Boardās Instructional Video:Ā Identify Rhetorical Situation in a Pre 20th Century Text .Ā
Fiveableās video onĀ How to Find Rhetorical Devices š° Check out these articles:
Hereās aĀ list of recommended rhetorical devices with definitions and examples! āļø Practice:
Use theĀ Fiveable Rhetorical Precis Guidesheet to help you break down a complex text. šŗ Can you identify these elements of practical argument?
You wonāt be asked to name drop of the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. TryĀ this Quizlet to help prepare.
š„ Unit 3 Confluence: Synthesis of multiple sources in argumentation
Unit 3 approaches multiple perspectives in argument through the lens of synthesis (thatās FRQ 1). In this study, you learn to identify effective and faulty reasoning while integrating a variety of evidence from credible resources that is properly cited in an original text.
Unit 3 Overview: Perspectives and How Arguments Relate
3.1 Interpreting character description and perspective
3.2 Identifying and avoiding flawed lines of reasoning
3.3 Introducing and integrating sources and evidence
3.4 Using sufficient evidence for an argument
3.5 Attributing and citing references
3.6 Developing parts of a text with cause-effect and narrative methods š„ Watch these videos:
Fiveableās Introduction intoĀ Synthesis Essays andĀ How to Begin Your Argument
College Boardās Instructional Video:Ā Complexity in Argument . šŗ Can you identify these elements of synthesis?
š Unit 4 Reasoning: Analysis of argument from introduction to conclusion
Unit 4 includes a greater depth of focus on the writing of effective arguments -- the line of reasoning 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.Ā
Unit 4 Overview: How writers develop arguments, intros, and conclusion
4.1 Developing and connecting thesis statements and lines of reasoning
4.2 Developing introductions and conclusions
4.3 Adjusting an argument to address new evidence š„ Watch these videos: Ā
College Boardās Instructional Video:Ā Understanding a Line of Reasoning .
FiveableāsĀ Effective Annotations . āļø Practice: Ā
Try FiveableāsĀ Guide to LOR Body Paragraphs . šŗ Can you identify the rhetorical modes?
You wonāt be asked to name drop them on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. TryĀ this Quizlet to help prepare.
š§ Unit 5 Commentary and Analysis: Analysis of complex argument and intentional rhetoric
In Unit 5, the skills look at the minutiae involved in argumentation: development of the line of reasoning that produces strong commentary and maintains the primary claim through all parts of the writing. To achieve these goals, this unit includes a focus on transitions , modifiers , and qualifications for argumentative perspective .Ā Ā
Unit 5 Overview
5.1 Maintaining ideas throughout an argument
5.2 Developing commentary throughout paragraphs
5.3 Using modifiers to qualify an argument and convey perspective
5.4 Using transitions š„ Watch these videos: Ā
Fiveableās video onĀ How to Improve Analysis Part 1 andĀ Part 2 - As well as how toĀ Embed Quotes into Body Paragraphs - Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraphs - Synthesis Essay Body Paragraphs - Argument Essay Body Paragraphs š° Check out these articles:
Tara Sealeās adaptation forĀ Creating a Line of Reasoning . āļø Practice:
Try FiveableāsĀ Guide to LOR Body Paragraphs .
šāāļø Unit 6 Rhetorical Risks: Analysis of multiple perspectives, bias, and shifts with new evidence
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.Ā For greater depth, this unit moves to modify a current argument to include new evidence.
Unit 6 Overview: Position, Perspective, and Bias
6.1 Incorporating multiple perspectives strategically into an argument
6.2 Recognizing and accounting for bias
6.3 Adjusting an argument to new evidence
6.4 Analyzing tone and shifts in tone š„ Watch these videos: Ā
College Boardās Instructional Video:Ā Creating a Nuanced Argument .Ā
Fiveableās video onĀ Tracking an Authorās Argument
š Unit 7 Complex Argumentation: Analysis of effective arguments, including concession and refutation
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.Ā Though many teachers will have addressed counterarguments, concessions, and refutations before reaching this unit, those skills are highly scrutinized in this segment of learning.
Unit 7 Overview: Successful and Unsuccessful Arguments
7.1 Examining complexities in issues
7.2 Considering how words, phrases, and clauses can modify and limit an argument
7.3 Examining how counterargument or alternative perspectives affect an argument
7.4 Exploring how sentence development affects an argument š„ Watch these videos: Ā
Fiveableās video onĀ Arguments and Counterarguments
College Boardās Instructional Video:Ā How Argument Demonstrates Understanding . āļø Practice:
Check your progress withĀ Fiveableās AP Language Skills Matrix .
š Unit 8 Style: Analysis of how style influences the audience movement
Unit 8 covers how to understand the influence style has on the audience , and the purpose behind each decision. By analyzing these various tactics, students are able to understand the authorās audience, and how to effectively persuade them. Style is an important part in connecting the rest of the course and understanding how the rhetorical choices and devices are used to accomplish a purpose.
Unit 8 Overview: Stylistic Choices
8.1 Choosing comparisons based on an audience
8.2 Considering how sentence development and word choice affect how the writer is perceived by an audience
8.3 Considering how all choices made in an argument affect the audience
8.4 Considering how style affects an argument š„ Watch these videos: Ā
FiveableāsĀ Analysis of the Mindset of the Audience - College Boardās Instructional video:Ā Analyzing and Understanding the Audience š° Check out these articles:
College Boardās explanation ofĀ Elements and Context for Style āļø Practice:
Review this quizlet onĀ Elements of Style for more practice.
āļø Unit 9 Craft: Creation of your own complex argument with synthesis and rhetoric
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.Ā Ā Ā
Unit 9 Overview: Developing a Complex Argument
9.1 Strategically conceding, rebutting, or refuting information
9.2 Crafting an argument through stylistic choices like word choice and description š„ Watch these videos: Ā
Fiveableās video onĀ Creating your own Synthesis Arguments
College Boardās video onĀ Complexities within Arguments andĀ How to Create a Nuanced Argument
Key Terms to Review ( 38 )
Ā© 2024 fiveable inc. all rights reserved., apĀ® and satĀ® are trademarks registered by the college board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website..
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
3 sentences of Relevant Commentary / Analysis: 1b. your commentary/analysis should focus on how the the speaker's choice appeals to the 6 universal topics. six universal topics. moral, political, social, psychological, spiritual, historical. Transitional Sentence. compose a sentence that transitions smoothly from the 1st rhetorical choice ...
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay. First Sentence: intro. Click the card to flip š. "With skillful use of rhetorical strategy 1, the writer and title of piece presents a tone in which he asserts claim .". Click the card to flip š. 1 / 6.
AP Lang: Rhetorical Analysis Essay Notes. Understanding the Task. Click the card to flip š. - Understand how an author uses rhetorical choices to develop an argument, achieve a purpose, or convey a message. - Rhetorical choices refer to what an author is doing; repeats, describes, provides examples, compares, contrasts, flatters, criticises ...
AP English Language and Composition Exam Questions
4. Be Sure to Explain Your Examples. As you write the essay, don't just list out your examples and say something like "this is an example of ethos, logos, pathos.". Instead, analyze how the example shows that rhetoric device and how it helps the author further their argument. As you write the rhetorical essay, you'll want to be as ...
Here are some tips to help you create a clear and effective thesis for your AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay: 1. Identify the author's main argument: Begin by understanding the author's main point or claim. This should become the basis for your thesis, as you'll be discussing how the author constructs this argument using rhetorical strategies. 2.
Rhetorical Analysis (2019) Sample Student Responses
3. The third sentence explains how the rhetorical strategies you discussed in the previous sentences help the writer achieve his purpose by using an in order to statement. He joins in this time of mourning in order to unify the nation and humbly admit that "we share this pain with all of the people of our country" (4).
AP English Language and Composition Course - AP Central
Introduction: The only thing you absolutely need is a thesis that answers the prompt. Anything more than that can help, but if you can't think of anything else, don't stress it. I was just at an AP training with a reader who said that some readers prefer a one-sentence intro. Body: Write about what the author does and how it achieves their point.
The 55 AP Language and Composition Terms You Must ...
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What are Rhetorical choices?, Some examples of Rhetorical choices?, Examples of showing a tone shift and more. ... AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay. Flashcards; Learn; Test; Match; Q-Chat; Flashcards; Learn;
apĀ® english language and composition 2006 scoring ...
Sydney Tsay AP Language and Composition Jessica Weiss 31 October 2022. The Great Influenza. The 1918 influenza flu epidemic proved to be an exceptionally devastating event in history, leaving scientists in the midst of uncertainty and desperate for an answer or cure.
2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam Guide
AP Language and Composition Glossary of Literary and ...
Sample: 2A Score: 8. This essay effectively identifies and analyzes three of Cesar Chavez's rhetorical choices ā striking diction, juxtaposition, and appeals to reader's fundamental moral beliefs ā to argue that "nonviolence is the best and most moral way to bring change.". Providing convincing evidence and analysis (for example ...
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Aesthetic, Allegory, Alliteration and more.
AP English Language and Composition Student Samples from ...
Your knowledge of these terms will be expected for answering multiple-choice questions, analyzing prose passages, and composing your essays in AP English Language and Composition. Allegory - a literary work in which characters, objects, or actions represent abstractions. Alliteration - the repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant ...
Every analysis paragraph must: (4 things) Identify the part of the text you are analyzing by using transition words and strong verbs, identify the strongest rhetorical strategies used by incorporating specific text examples into your own words, clearly explain how the rhetorical strategies are used to help the write achieve his purpose and ...
AP English Language Scoring Rubric
Rhetorical Question: A question asked solely to produce an effect and not to elicit a reply. 27.Refutation: When a writer delivers relevant opposing arguments. 28.Allegory: A narrative in which character, action, and setting represent abstract concepts apart from the literal meaning of a story. The underlying meaning usually has a moral, social,