AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Struggles

Rhetorical analysis for AP Lang always trips me up. It's something about identifying the rhetorical devices and analyzing their effect. Any tips on how to approach these kind of questions or good studying resources? Would really appreciate some help.

You're certainly not alone in your struggles - rhetorical analysis can be difficult to grasp initially but gets easier with practice and the right approach. One tip is to ensure that you're not merely identifying the rhetorical devices, but also aligning them with the author's purpose or argument. It's not enough to simply identify a metaphor or allusion; you should be commenting on why the author might have chosen that specific device and how it contributes to the broader argument they are making.

When you begin approaching the text, focus first on understanding the overall argument the author is making before zeroing in on the rhetorical devices. From there, consider how these devices contribute to this argument or help shape the reader's understanding.

Here's a breakdown of the steps you could follow:

1. Identify the author’s purpose or main argument.

2. Look for rhetorical devices and note what effects they could have on the reader or how they help express the argument.

3. Draw a direct link between the rhetorical device, its effect/role, and the overall argument or aim of the text.

As for resources, your AP Lang textbook should have plenty of examples for practice. Try to find as many practice rhetorical analysis essays as you can and read high-scoring student samples to see what effective rhetorical analysis looks like.

Remember, consistency and practice are key. The more you practice analyzing how rhetoric works in different contexts, the better you will become at it.