How to Write the Analysis Essay for the AP Language and Composition Test

The analysis essay requires students to read a historical speech, letter, or essay and analyze the rhetorical choices made to achieve the author's purpose. The prompt generally asks to analyze rhetorical choices that develop, achieve, or convey an argument, purpose, or message. The new rubric emphasizes the 'rhetorical situation,' meaning rhetoric must be analyzed in context, focusing on rhetorical choices, their effect on a specific audience, and the author's argument, purpose, or message.

Identifying rhetorical choices involves looking at elements like diction, syntax, tone, imagery, figurative language, use of facts, statistics, symbolism, analogy, extended metaphor, satire, and humor. It's crucial to explain why these choices were made and how they help achieve the author's goal or convey their argument. Listing choices without explaining their intended effect on the audience will result in a low score. Aristotle's rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) are useful for categorizing effects but should be linked to specific rhetorical choices rather than being presented as rhetorical choices themselves. For example, instead of saying 'the speaker uses pathos,' explain how specific imagery or tone appeals to pathos.

The essay requires explaining how rhetorical choices contribute to the author's message, argument, or purpose. The message is what the author wants the audience to know. The argument is the central thesis or opinion the author is trying to justify. The purpose is the larger goal the author aims to accomplish or what they want the audience to do. Analyzing the purpose provides the quickest route to earning a sophistication point, as it places the argument in a specific context and answers why the author is communicating.

The first point on the rubric is for the thesis. This is typically the easiest point to earn. The thesis must directly respond to the prompt and make a claim about what the author is doing and why, without merely summarizing or rephrasing the text. A strong thesis identifies specific rhetorical strategies, their effect on a specific audience, and the author's purpose. It's important not to argue against the author or take a position on their argument in this analytical essay.

Four points are available for evidence and commentary. Evidence must come directly from the text through direct quotes or paraphrases, supporting analysis with specific textual references. Avoid summarizing the text; evidence should be specific references that support your analysis of the author's strategies. Commentary requires consistently and explicitly explaining the relationship between the textual evidence and your thesis. Each quotation needs an explanation of its effect and how it helps the author achieve their larger purpose. Grammar and mechanics are less critical than thorough argument development, as essays are scored as rough drafts. Focus on writing as much well-developed analysis as possible within the time limit.

The sophistication point is the hardest to earn but crucial for differentiating essays. It's best achieved by explaining the relevance of the author's choices within the specific rhetorical situation, showcasing how choices achieve a specific purpose. Good analysis addresses complexities or tensions within the text and explores the ethical and political implications of the author's argument within its historical context. Avoid shying away from controversial aspects of the text. For conclusions, a simple restatement of the thesis in new words is sufficient; a single sentence can work. The thesis can appear anywhere in the essay, so a refined thesis can serve as a strong conclusion.