Purpose, Appeals & Thesis (College Board AP® English Language & Composition): Flashcards
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Define rhetorical appeal.
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Cards in this collection (44)
Define rhetorical appeal.
A rhetorical appeal is a way a writer or speaker attempts to influence an audience.
Define ethos.
Ethos is an appeal based on credibility, character and trust.
True or False?
Ethos depends primarily on a writer's job title or reputation.
False.
Ethos does not depend primarily on a job title or reputation. Writers can also create credibility through the choices they make within the text.
Can a writer use several rhetorical appeals at once?
Yes. Writers frequently combine the appeals, sometimes within the same paragraph or even the same sentence.
Define shared values.
Shared values are principles or ideals that the writer and audience both recognize or claim to respect.
Define pathos.
Pathos is an appeal to an audience's emotions, values or senses.
True or False?
Pathos always signals sadness.
False.
Pathos can create many emotions, such as fear, anger, pride, guilt or moral outrage, not only sadness.
How can repetition contribute to pathos?
Repetition can contribute to pathos by intensifying an emotion.
Define logos.
Logos is an appeal based on logic, evidence and reasoning.
True or False?
Every fact or statistic in a text creates logos.
False.
A fact or statistic does not automatically create logos. Writers build logos by presenting ideas clearly and logically and by supporting claims with relevant evidence.
Define kairos.
Kairos is an appeal based on timing and circumstance — presenting an argument at the most opportune moment.
Kairos is often called the "timely ____ appeal."
Kairos is often called the "timely fourth appeal."
What question does kairos ask about an argument?
Kairos asks "Why is this the right argument for this particular moment?"
How can a writer who begins with professional credibility weaken their ethos?
A writer who begins with professional credibility can weaken their ethos by exaggerating evidence or dismissing reasonable concerns.
Is one rhetorical appeal more important than the others?
No appeal is more important than another. The most effective appeal depends on the rhetorical situation.
Define defensible thesis.
A defensible thesis is a main claim that responds to the prompt and can be supported with reasoning and evidence.
True or False?
A thesis that repeats the prompt is defensible because it responds directly to the task.
False.
A defensible thesis should not simply repeat the prompt. It must present a clear position that requires proof or defense.
Which two parts can a strong thesis combine?
A strong thesis can combine an idea, the important concept connected to the prompt, with a perspective, the writer's position on that idea.
How does the Row A thesis requirement for FRQ 2 differ from FRQ 1 and FRQ 3?
In FRQ 1 and FRQ 3, the thesis must respond to the prompt with a defensible position, whereas in FRQ 2 it must respond with a defensible thesis that analyzes the writer's rhetorical choices.
Define thesis.
A thesis is the main, overarching claim a writer seeks to defend or prove by using reasoning supported by evidence.
Define thesis statement.
A thesis statement is a directly expressed sentence that states the writer's thesis.
Define open thesis.
An open thesis is a thesis statement that states the writer's overall position without listing the supporting reasons or rhetorical choices the essay will develop.
When can an open thesis be useful?
An open thesis can be useful when the writer wants flexibility in how the essay will develop.
Define closed thesis.
A closed thesis is a thesis statement that states the writer's position and previews the reasons or rhetorical choices that will structure the argument.
A closed thesis is often helpful in ___ essays because it clearly establishes the argument's direction.
A closed thesis is often helpful in timed essays because it clearly establishes the argument's direction.
Define counterargument thesis.
A counterargument thesis is a thesis statement that acknowledges an opposing view before presenting the writer's position.
True or False?
A counterargument thesis shows that the writer is uncertain about their position.
False.
A counterargument thesis shows that the writer understands the issue has more than one side.
Define opinion.
An opinion is a personal belief or feeling that may begin an argument but is not enough by itself.
Define controlling idea.
A controlling idea is the central idea that unifies an argument.
True or False?
A thesis can be written as a question.
False.
A thesis should not be a question. It should state the writer's position in response to the prompt.
Define evidence-based argument.
An evidence-based argument is an argument supported by relevant, specific and sufficient evidence.
How does evidence usually support a thesis?
Evidence usually supports a thesis by supporting one of the reasons contained within it.
Define alignment in an argument.
Alignment is the clear relationship among a thesis, supporting reason, evidence and commentary.
Evidence is aligned when it supports the ___ idea expressed in the supporting reason.
Evidence is aligned when it supports the exact idea expressed in the supporting reason.
True or False?
THE SPECS is a checklist of evidence categories that every argument must cover.
False.
THE SPECS is a brainstorming tool, not a checklist. Writers should choose the evidence that best supports their claim.
Define appropriate evidence.
Appropriate evidence is evidence that is well matched to the claim it supports and to the audience being persuaded.
What kinds of evidence can help a writer establish a pattern?
Evidence that can help a writer establish a pattern includes a second example, a fact or a historical parallel.
How many supporting reasons should an evidence-based paragraph develop?
An evidence-based paragraph should develop one clear supporting reason.
True or False?
Each paragraph of an evidence-based argument needs a fixed number of pieces of evidence.
False.
There is no fixed number. The amount of evidence depends on the claim, the quality of the evidence and how thoroughly the writer explains it.
More than one piece of evidence may be necessary when the claim is broad or _____.
More than one piece of evidence may be necessary when the claim is broad or complex.
Define specific evidence.
Specific evidence is precise information, details or examples that can be clearly identified and explained.
Readers are more likely to trust a writer who explains evidence without __________ it.
Readers are more likely to trust a writer who explains evidence without exaggerating it.
Define arrangement in an argument.
Arrangement is the purposeful order in which reasons and evidence are presented.
Can one piece of evidence support multiple claims?
Yes, one piece of evidence can support multiple claims, but the writer must explain each connection separately.
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