Developing commentary throughout paragraphs
Sophie Anderson
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP English Language study guide covers commentary, emphasizing its importance in rhetorical analysis. It explains the rhetorical situation (speaker, purpose, audience, context, exigence), provides action verbs and commentary words for analysis, and offers guiding questions. The guide also includes commentary starters, exam tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and practice questions covering multiple-choice and free-response formats.
#AP English Language: Your Ultimate Study Guide 🚀
Hey there, future AP Lang rockstar! Let's get you prepped and confident for tomorrow. This guide is designed to be your best friend tonight, cutting through the noise and focusing on what really matters. Let's dive in!
# Understanding Commentary: Your Secret Weapon 🎯
#What is Commentary?
Commentary is where you shine! It's your unique take on a text, showing what ideas it sparks in your mind, what it reminds you of, and what you find interesting. Think of it as your personal analysis, connecting the dots between the evidence and your argument.
Commentary is the HOW and WHY behind the WHAT (evidence). It's the secret sauce that elevates your essay from good to amazing. Without it, your essay is just a collection of quotes—not a powerful argument.
#Why is Commentary So Important?
- Personality: Commentary injects your voice and perspective into the essay.
- Reasoning: It demonstrates your line of thought, showing how you arrived at your conclusions.
- Argument: It proves how your evidence supports your thesis.
Remember, evidence is crucial, but commentary is critical. Don't just drop quotes; explain their significance!
#The Rhetorical Situation: The Foundation of Commentary 🏛️
Your commentary is always shaped by the rhetorical situation, which includes:
- Writer/Speaker: Who is creating the text?
- Audience: Who is the intended recipient?
- Context: What is the historical, social, or cultural background?
- Exigence: What prompted the creation of the text? (See Unit 4)
- Purpose: What is the goal of the text?
- Argument: What is the main point the text is trying to make?
Understanding the rhetorical situation is like having a cheat code for commentary. It helps you see the author's choices and their impact.
SPACE is a helpful acronym to remember the key ...
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