Understanding Rhetoric

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. In AP English Language, you'll encounter a variety of rhetorical devices and strategies that writers use to sway their audiences. These tools can be subtle or bold, and recognizing them is key to analyzing texts.

Common Rhetorical Devices

• Metaphor: Comparing two different things to create vivid imagery.
• Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
• Allusion: A brief reference to a well-known person, event, or place.

Why It Matters

Spotting and understanding rhetorical strategies helps you figure out not just what a writer is saying, but how they're saying it—and why it works. This skill is essential for both analysis and your own writing.

Practice Analyzing

When you read, ask yourself: What is the writer trying to achieve? What techniques are they using to get their point across? Noticing these details will boost both your comprehension and your writing skills.