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VIDEO: AP English Language Exam Prep Argument Essay
TO VIEW high-scoring Sample Student Argumentative Position Essays, CLICK HERE.
Strategies for Setting up your Argument/Position Paper
On average, the successful (5 or higher) essay has at least 3 full pages.
Note: This strategy will only work if the prompt asks you to take a position. It will not work if the argumentative essay asks you to discuss an author’s use of argument in a piece of writing. If the prompt asks you to analyze how an author develops his or her argument, use the same format and strategies that you use for rhetorical and stylistic analysis. However, your essay must focus on how the individual built and supported his or her argument, not focus on the stylistic elements.
The exam will most likely ask you to defend (agree), challenge (disagree), or qualify (agree and disagree) an assertion (claim/statement). NEVER choose qualify. Always choose a side.
Pre-writing
Underline the specific task. Take your time and make sure you KNOW what the prompt is asking.
Make columns for defend and challenge
List specific examples that support the assertion (agree/defend). List specific examples that challenge the assertion (disagree/find fault).
Evidence:
Be specific and accurate—named and factually correct
Avoid using movies and other more informal aspects of society as evidence.
Reflect a well-educated, widely-read, mature individual's thoughtful reaction
Be unified, specific, accurate, adequate, relevant, and representative.
Avoid evidence that everybody will cite. (To avoid this, reject first thoughts and keep digging until you find things that are not so easy to grasp at first.)
Be aware of prejudices, stereotypes, and bias that you might “bring to the table” concerning the issue
Think critically…avoid the common and generic examples that all students will use
Choose your stance by examining which column has the strongest examples/evidence
1st Paragraph: Introduction
Attention Getter: Shocking statement, generalization, brief anecdote, or a question that directly relates to prompt’s purpose/claim (Skip this if it doesn’t come to you within 1 minute!) Get to the point…avoid long-winded/flowery beginnings!
Restate the assertion/claim in your own words! Extremely Important!!!!!
Transition using Indeed, with brief statement of opposing side’s position (already on your pre-writing). Quickly and briefly acknowledge 1-3 “main points” from the opposition.
Thesis: Transition using However, detailing your position with 2-3 solid reasons
Avoid using First Person (I, me) if possible. Avoid using “weak” argument statements such as “I feel… I think.” State your opinion with authority.
2nd-4th Body Paragraphs: Most Important Paragraphs!
Transitions
Body Paragraphs: Initially, Furthermore, Ultimately, AND the topic sentence “big idea”
Specific Example: For example, for instance, in addition, likewise, similarly, moreover, specifically, namely, to illustrate
Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the contrary, conversely,
Concluding thoughts: in summation, in essence, hence, accordingly, consequently,
Add commentary/analysis to your examples….always provide the “So what??”
Build your argument using 2 or 3 paragraphs in which you adequately develop and support your position with specific examples and elements of support. Use your observations, readings, and experiences. If applicable, think about big issues in the world or events in history that could support your topic. Think critically! Do not summarize those events, directly connect them to your argument and analyze the topic. You must have adequate evidence to have a successful argument.
Your last body paragraph should be your strongest example.
Conclusion
Transition: In the final analysis, In summation
Quickly and briefly restate the claim, your specific position, and big ideas.
(If time permits) Add a challenging statement, question, or insight into our world based on this idea.
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