Rhetorical analysis is the heart of the AP. As such, it needs to be studied first because understanding rhetorical analysis opens up other skills -- not least of which is the multiple-choice section, which will draw upon the same abilities to close-read.
First stop will need to be the rhetorical toolbox, a list not only of some of the most common rhetorical devices, but also an explanation of what they are for -- that is, what jobs you can accomplish with parallel structure that you cannot accomplish otherwise, for instance. Next step will be examination of the Rhetorical Square, a graphic organizer you can use to organize an author's use of those strategies. Next, we will consider of the author's point, which will require knowledge of abstract words and how those words function to express a message. Then, we will put those skills together in writing a basic thesis statement and then a more elaborated outline -- and then proceed to writing a close reading chart in which you will practice rising from a very basic "3" up the ladder to a "6."
After that preliminary work of brainstorming and initial writing, you're ready to organize your evidence and insights into a quick outline, usually done on a small Post-it note. (This is done to minimize AP Brain Storming and to focus you on the absolute essentials.)