Rhetorical Analysis Tip Sheet

This is a difficult question. To analyze language, style, tone, syntax and even diction
requires you to do more than just identify terms. You need to understand that the choices
an author makes are unique. They are focused on personal, social, political, even global
arguments. When answering a rhetorical strategies question, follow the tips below in
order to successfully engage the prompt. Be sure that you are doing more than simply
identifying the evidence.
Time: 5 minutes for planning - 40 minutes for writing
THE PROMPT
Annotate the prompt. Determine immediately what is being asked of you (i.e. diction and
syntax are used in order to.?) If you do not know what the prompt is asking you, you
will not know what to examine.
Read and Chunk
Now aptly armed with your task, divide the accompanying passage into chunks. A chunk
of text must be determined on the following:
Use of language and style
Major idea or argument
Consider chunking your text based on the shifts (diction, syntax, tone, etc.) that you
identify. Any larger shift should suggest a new chunk of text.

Annotation
After youve divided the text look at each section individually and construct annotations
that relate to your task in this writing. These should be focused on syntax and diction in
this prompt type.
Writing
Your writing for this type of prompt should include:
Intro paragraph with claim that speaks to the prompt
DO NOT:
o Repeat the prompt
o Use clichs
o Present your cited/specific evidence.
Body paragraphs (2-3)
o Follow the claim/evidence/commentary format
Be careful that you do not simply paraphrase the passage. This
is an AP sin.
Concluding Paragraph
o Provide big picture discussion
o Add new insight that has not been discussed

AP is a registered trademark of the College Board. The College Board was not involved in the production of
and does not endorse this product. 2013 by NMS. All rights reserved.

Overall you must thoughtfully engage the prompt, not just summarize it. If the College
Board wanted summary, they would read the original.

AP is a registered trademark of the College Board. The College Board was not involved in the production of
and does not endorse this product. 2013 by NMS. All rights reserved.