Looking for AP Lang rhetorical analysis examples

Hi! I'm working on my rhetorical analysis skills for the AP Language and Composition test. Does anyone have any standout examples of successful rhetorical analyses I could look at? It can be really helpful to see what others have done.

Sure, I'd be happy to share a brief outline on what a successful rhetorical analysis might look like. Keep in mind I won't relay a full essay here, but give you a scheme that you could apply to various texts.

1. Introduction: Begin with a brief summary of the work that you're analyzing. Mention the author, the targeted audience, and the purpose of the text. Then, compose a thesis that encapsulates your primary argument, which should be about how the author uses specific rhetorical devices to achieve their purpose.

2. Analysis of Rhetorical Devices: Break down the text into smaller parts and analyze each of them separately. You could divide it by rhetorical appeal such as ethos (ethical appeal), pathos (emotional appeal), logos (logical appeal), and kairos (appeal to timeliness). You might also choose to divide it by literary techniques such as imagery, diction, syntax, and tone. Explain how the author uses these devices to persuade their audience or achieve their purpose.

3. Connecting Rhetorical Strategies to the Purpose of the Text: It's crucial not just to identify the rhetorical strategies but also to demonstrate how they contribute to the overall purpose of the text. Try to connect individual instances of rhetorical strategies to the broader argument or purpose.

4. Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your analysis, reiterate your thesis in light of the evidence you've discussed, and possibly discuss the implications of the author’s arguments.

Remember, the AP Lang exam is not just about finding rhetorical strategies, but explaining their effect and how they contribute to the author's argument. Analyzing rhetorical strategies in a vacuum won't yield a very high score - the key is consistently linking these strategies back to the author's purpose. For practice, you might want to look up past AP Lang free-response questions and sample essays to see how this framework is applied to different texts. Good luck in your preparation!