AP English Language and Composition Flashcards: Style and ethos: voice, stance, and credibility
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
A politician writing about climate change states, "While some argue that new regulations could slow economic growth, the long-term cost of inaction is far greater." What strategy is used here to refine their stance?
The writer is making a concession by acknowledging the economic argument, and then immediately refuting it to strengthen their primary stance on the necessity of regulations.
Card 1 of 11
All Flashcards (11)
A politician writing about climate change states, "While some argue that new regulations could slow economic growth, the long-term cost of inaction is far greater." What strategy is used here to refine their stance?
The writer is making a concession by acknowledging the economic argument, and then immediately refuting it to strengthen their primary stance on the necessity of regulations.
How is a writer's stance conveyed to the audience?
A writer's stance is conveyed through their voice, which is created by specific choices in diction (word choice) and syntax (sentence structure).
What is a concession in an argument?
A concession is an argumentative strategy where a writer acknowledges a valid point made by the opposition.
How can making concessions or refuting counterarguments enhance a writer's credibility?
These strategies show the writer is fair, has thoroughly considered the topic, and respects the audience's intelligence, thereby strengthening their ethos.
Define "credibility" (or ethos) in the context of writing.
Credibility, or ethos, is the degree to which an audience perceives a writer as trustworthy, knowledgeable, and believable on a given topic.
How can a writer create, develop, and refine their stance?
Writers create a stance through their voice and tone, and they can develop and refine it by strategically making concessions or refuting counterarguments.
What is a writer's "voice"?
A writer's voice is the unique personality and style that comes through in their writing, primarily shaped by their word choice and sentence structure.
What is a writer's "stance"?
A writer's stance is the communicative position they take on a topic, reflecting their perspective and attitude toward the subject.
What is the relationship between diction, syntax, voice, and stance?
A writer's specific choices in diction and syntax combine to create their unique voice, which in turn expresses their overall stance on the subject.
What are three key components that establish a writer's credibility?
A writer's credibility is established through their perceived fairness, their demonstrated knowledge of the subject, and their respect for the audience.
If a writer uses informal slang and short, punchy sentences, what kind of voice and stance might they be trying to create?
The writer is likely creating a casual, relatable, or urgent voice to establish a stance that is approachable, passionate, or aligned with a specific subculture.