How to Answer AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis FRQs

Question 2: The Rhetorical Analysis FRQ

General Information

Break Down the Process

Before the Test

• Know what to expect.  According to the 2019-2020 Course and Exam Description,
• Learn a few key devices.  While naming devices isn’t required, it is helpful to know a few rhetorical terms so you can recognize them in the stimulus text and write about them clearly in your essay.  Learning the device also comes with knowing the effect it SHOULD have, and that means it will be easier for you in building your essay -- if you know WHAT is being done and HOW it should impact the audience, the WHY should be easy to find. We created this list of 40 rhetorical devices for AP Lang to help you out!
• Practice Rhetorical Analysis.  You are going to be doing this in class, but have you considered the rhetorical situation of songs you love?  Practice RA outside of class in places where you see it -- songs, commercials, discussion with other people.  The rhetoric of songs can be fun because you can generally look up the author’s story of the song after you have made your own prediction.
• Use the Rhetorical Precis.  The RP can be a great tool for your introduction paragraph because it offers a tool to organize the tone, purpose, and intended audience right from the start.  Next, it outlines the text, the rhetorical facilities employed, and the impact of the text as a whole.

During the Test

• BAT the prompt to create your writing plan.  When writing the prompt, the College Board will give you plenty of information to jumpstart your analysis of the rhetorical situation.  Look for any background you are given to help set the stage for the text, purpose, audience, or anything else.  Next, pay attention to the advice you are given about what to do and how to do it.  Finally, process the task at hand. Make sure you understand the question, including any implied sections you will need to answer to completely and correctly respond.
• Read and annotate the text.
• Clear flow with headings and subheadings.

After the Test

• Don’t post anything about the content of the exam.
• Post on social media and let us know how prepared you felt.
• Celebrate your success!