AP Lang Basic Terminology

Front

The voice behind the text; who is writing or speaking.

Back

Speaker

Front

The author’s reason for writing; the goal of the text.

Back

Purpose

Front

The intended group of readers or listeners.

Back

Audience

Front

The time, place, and circumstances in which the text was created.

Back

Context

Front

The situation or problem that prompts the speaker to write.

Back

Exigence

Front

The rhetorical moves the author makes (structure, diction, etc.).

Back

Choices

Front

Strategies of credibility, emotion, and logic.

Back

Appeals

Front

The speaker’s attitude toward the subject or audience.

Back

Tone

Front

The category or form of the text (speech, editorial, etc.).

Back

Genre

Front

Examining how an author uses rhetorical strategies to achieve a purpose.

Back

Rhetorical Analysis