AP Question 2

Preparing for the AP Essays: Connotation and the Rhetorical Analysis

English 11

Open Ended

How does connotation tie into what we know about rhetoric? How might they overlap/ connect?

Think about ethos, logos, pathos.

-The feelings and ideas invoked by a word or phrase in addition to its original meaning.

• They can be neutral, positive or negative

• Think abstract

Connotation

-Literal meaning of a word, the dictionary definition used to define the word

Denotation

Reminder

How connotation connects with rhetoric

• Ethos: People can have connotation/ feelings/ ideas associated with them as well and it can affect the way a message is received.

• Logos: When trying to seem most logical you'll want to choose your words wisely so your message can be well received. This means you'll want to use words, facts, and research with connotations that match up with your intentions. (Citing wikipedia vs citing a medical book)

• Pathos: Pathos appeals to viewer's emotional response connects to connotations appeals to people's feelings and ideas that are associated with certain words. (youthful vs. immature)

Overlapping and Connecting Ideas

Vocabulary you should be using in responses, discussions, essays, etc.

• Nuance (shades of meaning)

• Word choice

• Intention

• Inference/ Assume

• Tone

• figurative language

  • metaphor, simile, repetition, hyperbole, personification, onomatopoeia, etc.

• Positive, negative, neutral, associations.

Annotate the passage for Question 2

• Highlight every word or phrase that carries a connotative meaning whether it be neutral, positive, or negative.

• Circle and label the areas you see any rhetorical devices being used. This might overlap with the connotations.

• Underline any other important choices like figurative language or mention of historical events.

Open Ended

What is Margaret Thatcher's message and how well did she do in getting it across? What rhetorical tools did she use to convey her message?