AP LANG Essays Structure

D.A.R.T

• D – Device/Detail

• A – Audience Effect

• R – Reason/Author’s Purpose

• T – Tie to Thesis

Argumentative Thesis Formula

Counterargument + Argument + 2-3 Body Topics + Qualification 

Counterargument Purpose

To acknowledge an opposing viewpoint and strengthen your credibility by refuting it.

Counterargument Requirement

C – Clarify the opposing viewpoint
State it clearly and fairly, showing you understand it.

A – Acknowledge its logic
Briefly explain why someone might believe it—show empathy and balance.

R – Refute with reasoning or evidence
Use logic or a source (for synthesis) to show its flaws or limits.

E – Emphasize your main argument
Reassert why your position is stronger or more valid.

Diction

Word choice that affects tone or meaning (e.g., formal, emotional, harsh).

Syntax

Sentence structure—long, short, choppy, complex—for emphasis or tone.

Tone

The attitude or emotional quality of a piece of writing. (e.g reflective, mournful, humorous, delighted, cautious, surrowful, hopeful)

Ethos

A rhetorical appeal to credibility or character, often establishing trust with the audience.

Pathos

A rhetorical appeal to the audience's emotions, used to persuade by evoking feelings such as pity, anger, or joy.

Logos

A rhetorical appeal to logic and reason, often using facts, statistics, or logical arguments to persuade the audience.

Juxtaposition

The placement of two or more ideas, characters, or settings side by side in a literary work to highlight their differences or enhance a theme.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, used to create emphasis and rhythm.

Allusion

A reference to a person, place, event, or literary work outside the text, often used to convey meaning or context.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

Personification

Giving human traits to nonhuman things.

Parallelism

Repeating the same grammatical structure for balance and rhythm.
Example: She likes cooking, jogging, and reading.

Metaphor

A comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
Example: Time is a thief.

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.
Example: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.

Similie

A comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as."
Example: Her smile was as bright as the sun.

Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Formula

• Authors name + 

• Device trait + 

• devices (repeat for up to 3 devices) + 

• Audience device function + 

• two word complex tone combo + 

• purpose/position according to prompt

Synthesis Thesis Formula

Counterargument + Argument + 2-3 Body Topics + Qualification