AP English Language and Composition 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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What purpose does chiasmus serve in rhetoric?

To create a rhythm through word repetition at the end of phrases

To balance clauses against each other through the reversal of their structures

Chiasmus serves the purpose of balancing clauses against each other by reversing their structures, which creates a more impactful and thought-provoking statement. This rhetorical device allows the speaker or writer to present ideas in a way that highlights their relationship and contrast, often leading to a deeper understanding or insight for the audience.

For instance, in the famous phrase “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” the reversal of structure emphasizes the mutual relationship between the individual and the country, making the message more compelling.

While other options mention elements like rhythm, emotional impact, or comparison, they do not capture the essence of chiasmus, which specifically involves the inversion of grammatical elements to create balance and insight within the phrasing.

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To enhance emotional impact via parallelism

To compare two different phrases or ideas

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