Attitude - AP® English Definition

Attitude in AP English refers to the writer’s or speaker’s feelings toward the subject, which are shown through their word choice and tone. It is the emotional quality or viewpoint that comes across in a piece of writing.

Understanding attitude helps students analyse how a writer expresses opinions or emotions, and how this influences the reader. Writers may show a serious, sarcastic, joyful, or angry attitude, depending on what they want to communicate or how they want the audience to respond.

Example of attitude in an AP English text

In 'A Modest Proposal' by Jonathan Swift, the attitude is sarcastic and bitter.

Swift suggests the shocking idea of eating babies to solve poverty, but his real attitude criticises how the rich treat the poor in Ireland. The extreme suggestion and formal tone help reveal his frustration and anger about the issue, showing his true attitude through satire.