Also known as Free-response question 3, the argument presents students with a literary or rhetorical concept or idea. Students are asked to write an essay that argues their position using evidence. This question assesses students’ ability to do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that may establish a line of reasoning.

• Select and use evidence to develop and support the line of reasoning.

• Explain the relationship between the evidence and the thesis.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the rhetorical situation.

• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating the argument.

Sample Question

In her book Gift from the Sea, author and aviator Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906–2001) writes, “We tend not to choose the unknown which might be a shock or a disappointment or simply a little difficult to cope with. And yet it is the unknown with all its disappointments and surprises that is the most enriching.”

Write an essay that argues your position on the value of exploring the unknown.