The Essay of The Essay of AnalysisAnalysisAP English Composition and AP English Composition and LanguageLanguage

What is analysis (for the AP What is analysis (for the AP exam)?exam)?

Take apart a particular passageTake apart a particular passage Divide it into its basic componentsDivide it into its basic components Examine how the writer develops his or her Examine how the writer develops his or her

subjectsubject For the AP Language exam the different For the AP Language exam the different

types of analysis include:types of analysis include: Analysis of structureAnalysis of structure Analysis of purposeAnalysis of purpose Analysis of styleAnalysis of style

What is rhetoric?What is rhetoric? An umbrella term for An umbrella term for allall of the strategies, of the strategies,

modes and devices a writer can employ in modes and devices a writer can employ in discourse to allow the reader to easily discourse to allow the reader to easily accept and understand his or her point of accept and understand his or her point of view view

Modes of DiscourseModes of Discourse – prose can be – prose can be divided into four primary categories:divided into four primary categories: ExpositionExposition – illustrates a point – illustrates a point NarrationNarration – tells a story – tells a story DescriptionDescription – creates a sensory image – creates a sensory image ArgumentationArgumentation – takes a position on an – takes a position on an

issue and defends itissue and defends it

What are What are rhetorical rhetorical strategiesstrategies??

The basic approaches a writer uses to The basic approaches a writer uses to create a successful mode of discourse:create a successful mode of discourse: Contrast/comparisonContrast/comparison ExampleExample DefinitionDefinition ConnotationConnotation AntithesisAntithesis OxymoronOxymoron And about 200 more…And about 200 more…

What is What is the analysis of the analysis of rhetorical structurerhetorical structure?? Your job is to:Your job is to:

Carefully read the passageCarefully read the passage Recognize and identify strategies used Recognize and identify strategies used

in the passagein the passage Determine how these strategies are Determine how these strategies are

utilized in the development of the utilized in the development of the author’s purposeauthor’s purpose

Rhetorical Strategy:Rhetorical Strategy:1. 1. exampleexample

Definition: Example is a specific event, Definition: Example is a specific event, person, or detail of an idea cited and/or person, or detail of an idea cited and/or developed to support or illustrate a thesis developed to support or illustrate a thesis or topic.or topic.

The excerpt from Jane Jacob’s “A good Neighborhood” uses The excerpt from Jane Jacob’s “A good Neighborhood” uses examples. Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.examples. Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.

1.1. Underline the thesis statement.Underline the thesis statement.2.2. The topic/subject of the passage is:The topic/subject of the passage is:3.3. The purpose of the passage is to: __inform The purpose of the passage is to: __inform

__persuade __entertain__persuade __entertain4.4. Does the passage contain an extended Does the passage contain an extended

example?example?5.5. The passage contains how many examples?The passage contains how many examples?6.6. Briefly list the examples.Briefly list the examples.7.7. The organization is __chronological ___spatial The organization is __chronological ___spatial

___least to most important ___most to least ___least to most important ___most to least importantimportant

Rhetorical Strategy:Rhetorical Strategy:2. 2. Contrast/ComparisonContrast/Comparison

Definition: A method of presenting similarities Definition: A method of presenting similarities and differences between or among at least and differences between or among at least two persons, places, things, ideas, etc. The two persons, places, things, ideas, etc. The contrast/comparison essay may be contrast/comparison essay may be organized in several ways including:organized in several ways including:1. Subject by subject1. Subject by subject2. Point by point2. Point by point3. combination3. combination

The excerpt from W.H.Auden’s “Work, Labor, Play” uses The excerpt from W.H.Auden’s “Work, Labor, Play” uses contrast/comparison. Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.contrast/comparison. Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.

1.1. The topic/subject of the passage is___The topic/subject of the passage is___2.2. Underline the thesis statement.Underline the thesis statement.3.3. The purpose of the passage is to: __inform The purpose of the passage is to: __inform

__persuade __entertain__persuade __entertain4.4. The items being compared/contrasted The items being compared/contrasted

are______are______5.5. One example of a comparison in the passage is One example of a comparison in the passage is

__________6.6. One example of contrast in the passage is ___One example of contrast in the passage is ___7.7. The pattern of development is: __opposing The pattern of development is: __opposing

__alternating__alternating8.8. The organization is: __subject to subject __point The organization is: __subject to subject __point

by point __combinationby point __combination

Take a break for humor…Take a break for humor…

A linguistics professor was lecturing to his A linguistics professor was lecturing to his English class one day. "In English," he said, "a English class one day. "In English," he said, "a double negative forms a positive. In some double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative. However, there is negative is still a negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive can no language wherein a double positive can form a negative." form a negative."

A voice from the back of the room piped up, A voice from the back of the room piped up, "Yeah, right." "Yeah, right."

Rhetorical Strategy:Rhetorical Strategy:3. 3. Cause and EffectCause and EffectDefinition: Establishes a relationship: B is Definition: Establishes a relationship: B is

the result of A. The cause-and-effect the result of A. The cause-and-effect essay can emphasize the cause, or the essay can emphasize the cause, or the effect, or can treat both equally. It can effect, or can treat both equally. It can detail a single cause with many effects, or detail a single cause with many effects, or several causes with a single effect, or any several causes with a single effect, or any combination.combination.

Strategies: facts, statistics, authorities, anecdotes, Strategies: facts, statistics, authorities, anecdotes, cases, real or imagined scenarioscases, real or imagined scenarios

Thomas Hobbes’s “Of the Natural Condition of Mankind” (1651). Thomas Hobbes’s “Of the Natural Condition of Mankind” (1651). Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.

1.1. Underline the thesis statement.Underline the thesis statement.2.2. The topic/subject of the passage is ___.The topic/subject of the passage is ___.3.3. The purpose of the passage is to: __inform The purpose of the passage is to: __inform

__persuade __entertain__persuade __entertain4.4. List the causes: ____________________List the causes: ____________________5.5. List the effects: _____________________List the effects: _____________________6.6. The emphasis is on: __cause __effect __causes The emphasis is on: __cause __effect __causes

__effects__effects7.7. The passage makes use of: __statistics __facts The passage makes use of: __statistics __facts

__authorities __anecdotes __cases __authorities __anecdotes __cases __real/imaginary scenarios__real/imaginary scenarios

Rhetorical Strategy:Rhetorical Strategy:4. 4. ClassificationClassificationDefinition: Separates items into major Definition: Separates items into major

categories and details the characteristics categories and details the characteristics of each group and why each member of of each group and why each member of that group is placed within the category. It that group is placed within the category. It is possible to divide the categories into is possible to divide the categories into subgroups. subgroups.

The principle of classification should be The principle of classification should be made clear to the reader. (This is the made clear to the reader. (This is the umbrella term under which everything fits.)umbrella term under which everything fits.)

Jane Howard’s “All Happy Clans Are Alike.” Read it carefully and Jane Howard’s “All Happy Clans Are Alike.” Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.then we’ll analyze it.

1.1. Underline the thesis statement.Underline the thesis statement.2.2. The purpose of the passage is to: The purpose of the passage is to:

__inform __persuade __entertain__inform __persuade __entertain3.3. Identify the principle of Identify the principle of

division/classification: division/classification: ________________________________________

4.4. List the main subgroups and their List the main subgroups and their characteristics: __________________characteristics: __________________

Rhetorical Strategy:Rhetorical Strategy:5. 5. ProcessProcessDefinition: “how to” do something or how Definition: “how to” do something or how

something is done. Process can have one something is done. Process can have one of two purposes. It can either of two purposes. It can either give give instructions or inform the readerinstructions or inform the reader about about how something is done.how something is done.

A clear process presentation must be in A clear process presentation must be in chronological chronological order—step-by-step order—step-by-step format.format.

It will define necessary terms and cite any It will define necessary terms and cite any precautions, if needed.precautions, if needed.

L. Rust Hills’s “How to Care for and About Ashtrays.” Read it L. Rust Hills’s “How to Care for and About Ashtrays.” Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.carefully and then we’ll analyze it.

1.1. Underline the thesis statement. Underline the thesis statement. 2.2. The purpose of the passage is to: __give The purpose of the passage is to: __give

specific directions __be informativespecific directions __be informative3.3. What are the major steps in the process?What are the major steps in the process?4.4. Is it in chronological order? __yes __noIs it in chronological order? __yes __no5.5. List any words that are defined: _____List any words that are defined: _____6.6. Were there any other words that should have Were there any other words that should have

been defined? ________been defined? ________7.7. List any precautions given: ______List any precautions given: ______8.8. The process presented is __clear __unclear The process presented is __clear __unclear

__complete __incomplete__complete __incomplete

Another humor break…Another humor break… Did you hear the one about the Did you hear the one about the

pregnant woman who went into labor pregnant woman who went into labor and began to yell, "Couldn't! Wouldn't! and began to yell, "Couldn't! Wouldn't! Shouldn't! Didn't! Can't!"? She was Shouldn't! Didn't! Can't!"? She was having contractions.having contractions.

Rhetorical Strategy:Rhetorical Strategy:6. 6. DefinitionDefinitionDefinition: Identifies the class to which a Definition: Identifies the class to which a

specific term belongs and those specific term belongs and those characteristics which make it different from characteristics which make it different from all other items in that class.all other items in that class.

There are several types of definition: There are several types of definition: physical, historical, emotional, physical, historical, emotional, psychological, and relationship(s) to otherspsychological, and relationship(s) to others

An essay of definition can be developed An essay of definition can be developed using any rhetorical strategy and the writer using any rhetorical strategy and the writer must decide to be serious or humorous.must decide to be serious or humorous.

Bugdust. Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.Bugdust. Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.

1.1. Underline the thesis statement. Underline the thesis statement. 2.2. The purpose of the passage is to: __inform The purpose of the passage is to: __inform

__persuade __entertain__persuade __entertain3.3. The attitude of the writer is: __serious The attitude of the writer is: __serious

__humorous__humorous4.4. To what class does the word being defined To what class does the word being defined

belong? ___belong? ___5.5. List the major rhetorical strategies used:__List the major rhetorical strategies used:__6.6. The definition is: __historical __physical The definition is: __historical __physical

__emotional __psychological __relationship(s) __emotional __psychological __relationship(s) to othersto others

7.7. Do you, as a reader, have an understanding of Do you, as a reader, have an understanding of the definition presented? _____the definition presented? _____

Rhetorical Strategy:Rhetorical Strategy:7. 7. NarrationNarrationDefinition: Storytelling. There is a beginning, a Definition: Storytelling. There is a beginning, a

middle, and an end. middle, and an end. There’s a point to it—a reason for recounting the There’s a point to it—a reason for recounting the

story that becomes clear to the reader.story that becomes clear to the reader.There is a focus to the story as well. Your point There is a focus to the story as well. Your point

might be that lying gets you into trouble. To might be that lying gets you into trouble. To illustrate this, you focus on an anecdote about illustrate this, you focus on an anecdote about the repercussions of a specific lie you told.the repercussions of a specific lie you told.

Narration requires a specific point of view: 1Narration requires a specific point of view: 1stst person, 3person, 3rdrd person omniscient, 3 person omniscient, 3rdrd person person objective, stream of consciousnessobjective, stream of consciousness

Louisa May Alcott “Death of a Soldier.” Read it carefully and then Louisa May Alcott “Death of a Soldier.” Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.we’ll analyze it.1.1. The topic/subject of the passage is ___.The topic/subject of the passage is ___.2.2. The purpose of the passage is to: __inform The purpose of the passage is to: __inform

__persuade __entertain__persuade __entertain3.3. The point of view is: __1The point of view is: __1stst person __3 person __3rdrd person person

objective __3objective __3rdrd person omniscient __stream of person omniscient __stream of consciousnessconsciousness

4.4. The setting is: ________________The setting is: ________________5.5. The main character(s) is/are: ______________The main character(s) is/are: ______________6.6. The gist of the plot is: __________________The gist of the plot is: __________________7.7. List the sequence of the major events List the sequence of the major events

(beginning, middle, end)(beginning, middle, end)

Rhetorical Strategy:Rhetorical Strategy:8. 8. DescriptionDescriptionDefinition: Writing that appeals to the sensesDefinition: Writing that appeals to the sensesIt can be objective, which is scientific or It can be objective, which is scientific or

clinicalclinicalIt can be impressionistic, which tries to It can be impressionistic, which tries to

involve the reader’s emotions or feelingsinvolve the reader’s emotions or feelingsIt can be direct or indirectIt can be direct or indirect The organization can be: The organization can be: chronologicalchronological, ,

spatialspatial, emphasizing the most , emphasizing the most importantimportant detail, or emphasizing the most detail, or emphasizing the most noticeablenoticeable detail detail

Rhetorical Strategy:Rhetorical Strategy:Description – Page 2Description – Page 2To create his or her description, the writer can To create his or her description, the writer can

employ any or all of the following literary employ any or all of the following literary devices:devices:

AnalogyAnalogyConcrete, specific wordsConcrete, specific wordsAppeal to the sensesAppeal to the sensesPersonificationPersonificationHyperboleHyperboleContrast and ComparisonContrast and ComparisonOnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeiaOther figurative language (scads of these)Other figurative language (scads of these)

Charles Dickens, excerpt from Charles Dickens, excerpt from Bleak House.Bleak House. Read it carefully and Read it carefully and then we’ll analyze it.then we’ll analyze it.1.1. Underline the thesis.Underline the thesis.2.2. The description is: __objective The description is: __objective

__impressionistic__impressionistic3.3. The passage contains examples of:The passage contains examples of:

1.1. Analogy, ex. ___Analogy, ex. ___2.2. Concrete words, ex. ___Concrete words, ex. ___3.3. Imagery, ex. __Imagery, ex. __4.4. Contrast/comparison, ex. ___ (Differences/Alike)Contrast/comparison, ex. ___ (Differences/Alike)5.5. Personification, ex. ___Personification, ex. ___6.6. Onomatopoeia, ex. ___Onomatopoeia, ex. ___7.7. Other figurative language, ex. ___Other figurative language, ex. ___

4.4. The intended effect is to __inform __persuade The intended effect is to __inform __persuade __entertain__entertain

New Idea: What is style?New Idea: What is style?What is the difference between the comedy What is the difference between the comedy

on on The SimpsonsThe Simpsons and and Family GuyFamily Guy??Subject matterSubject matterLanguage (diction)Language (diction)PacingPacingSelection of detailSelection of detailPresentation—body of languagePresentation—body of languageAttitude toward materialAttitude toward materialAttitude toward audienceAttitude toward audience

Those elements are what is called style. Those elements are what is called style. Given two literary passages, you could probably Given two literary passages, you could probably tell which was written by Hawthorne and which tell which was written by Hawthorne and which by Twain. How would you know?by Twain. How would you know?You would use the same principles you You would use the same principles you considered with the two television shows.considered with the two television shows.

1.1. Subject matterSubject matter2.2. Selection of detailSelection of detail3.3. Point of viewPoint of view4.4. DictionDiction5.5. Figurative Figurative

language/imagerylanguage/imagery

6. Attitude6. Attitude7. Tone7. Tone8. Pacing/syntax8. Pacing/syntax9. Organization9. Organization

On what do you focus when writing On what do you focus when writing about style?about style?

Understand and refer to some basic writing terms and Understand and refer to some basic writing terms and devices:devices:Subject matterSubject matterSelection of detailSelection of detailOrganizationOrganizationPoint of viewPoint of viewDictionDictionSyntaxSyntaxLanguageLanguageAttitudeAttitudeToneTone

A brief review of those terms:A brief review of those terms:

Subject Matter and Selection of Detail:Subject Matter and Selection of Detail:1.1. Each author CHOOSES consciously about the Each author CHOOSES consciously about the

topic/subject she or he will write.topic/subject she or he will write.2.2. Sometimes writers become associated with a Sometimes writers become associated with a

particular type of subject matter. particular type of subject matter. (Stephen King-horror (Stephen King-horror and suspense, Mario Puzo-organized crime)and suspense, Mario Puzo-organized crime)

3.3. Example: If two students, one a vegan and one a Example: If two students, one a vegan and one a meat-eater, were assigned to write about meat-eater, were assigned to write about hamburgers each one would choose a different hamburgers each one would choose a different group of details to do the job.group of details to do the job.

A brief review of those terms:A brief review of those terms:

Organization:Organization:1.1. The way in which a writer presents her or his ideas to The way in which a writer presents her or his ideas to

the readerthe reader2.2. Example: Think about your locker. How are your Example: Think about your locker. How are your

books, jacket, lunch and other things arranged in it? books, jacket, lunch and other things arranged in it? If someone else were to open it, what conclusion If someone else were to open it, what conclusion would that person draw about you?would that person draw about you?

3.3. Some options for writers are: Some options for writers are: chronological, spatial, chronological, spatial, specific to general, general to specific, least to most specific to general, general to specific, least to most important, most important to least, flashback or fast-forward, important, most important to least, flashback or fast-forward, contrast/comparison, cause/effectcontrast/comparison, cause/effect

A brief review of those terms:A brief review of those terms:

Point of View:Point of View:1.1. The method an author utilizes to tell the story.The method an author utilizes to tell the story. first personfirst person third person objectivethird person objective third person omniscientthird person omniscient stream of consciousnessstream of consciousness chorus, stage manager, interior chorus, stage manager, interior

monologuemonologue

A brief review of those terms:A brief review of those terms:

Diction:Diction:1.1. Can also be called Can also be called word choiceword choice2.2. The conscious selection of words to further the The conscious selection of words to further the

author’s purpose.author’s purpose.3.3. Example: How would you describe a date you went Example: How would you describe a date you went

on last weekend to your parents? To your peers? on last weekend to your parents? To your peers? To your self?To your self?

4.4. A writer searches for the most appropriate, A writer searches for the most appropriate, evocative or precise word or phrase to convey intent evocative or precise word or phrase to convey intent and meaningand meaning

One more bit of humor…One more bit of humor…

A brief review of those terms:A brief review of those terms: Figurative Language and Imagery:Figurative Language and Imagery:1.1. The written creation of sensory experience achieved The written creation of sensory experience achieved

through the use of figurative languagethrough the use of figurative language2.2. AnalogyAnalogy3.3. Sensory descriptionSensory description4.4. Poetic devices, including: metaphor, simile, hyperbole, Poetic devices, including: metaphor, simile, hyperbole,

onomatopoeia, personification, oxymoron, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, oxymoron, alliteration, assonance, consonance, etc……assonance, consonance, etc……

5.5. Look at Melville’s “Nantucket” – Find several different Look at Melville’s “Nantucket” – Find several different examples of figurative language used in the paragraph.examples of figurative language used in the paragraph.

A brief review of those terms:A brief review of those terms:

Syntax:Syntax:1.1. Grammar—the function of words and their uses Grammar—the function of words and their uses

and relationship in a sentenceand relationship in a sentence2.2. Syntax is the grammatical structure of sentences. Syntax is the grammatical structure of sentences.

Without it, there is no clear communication.Without it, there is no clear communication.3.3. Not grammatical correctness, but rather the Not grammatical correctness, but rather the

deliberate sentence structure the author chooses deliberate sentence structure the author chooses to make her or his point.to make her or his point.

Phrases, clauses, basic sentence types (declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory), simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, compound-complex sentences

A brief review of those terms:A brief review of those terms:

Tone and Attitude:Tone and Attitude:1.1. Both terms refer to the author’s Both terms refer to the author’s perception and perception and

presentation of the material and the audience.presentation of the material and the audience.2.2. Tone reinforces the mood of a piece.Tone reinforces the mood of a piece.3.3. An author’s attitude is not just the creation of a An author’s attitude is not just the creation of a

mood. It represents the stance or relationship mood. It represents the stance or relationship the author has toward his or her subject. the author has toward his or her subject.

4.4. You may have to “read between the line” to You may have to “read between the line” to identify attitude.identify attitude.