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Rhetoric - AP® English Definition

Reviewed by: Nick Redgrove

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Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively and persuasively. In AP English, students learn that rhetoric involves the choices a writer or speaker makes to influence an audience, such as tone, structure, diction, and figurative language.

Studying rhetoric helps students understand how arguments are built and how language can be used to persuade, inform, or inspire. It’s a key focus in rhetorical analysis essays on the AP English Language and Composition exam.

Example of rhetoric in an AP English text

In 'Speech to the Second Virginia Convention' by Patrick Henry, he uses powerful rhetoric to persuade his audience to fight for independence:

“Give me liberty, or give me death!”

This famous line combines emotional appeal (pathos) and strong, memorable diction to leave a lasting impact and rally support for the American Revolution.

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Nick Redgrove

Reviewer: Nick Redgrove

Expertise: English Content Creator

Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

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