"Buy Nothing Day" Position In Class Essay
Suggestions, Hints, and Strategies
1. Address the counterargument. This should be more than one simple sentence. Use transitions such as indeed and however to clearly direct the reader through your argument.
2. Avoid "stretches" and the "black or white" argument. Think critically. Will our economy really crumble due to one day of closed shops? Will small businesses cease to exist? Will we become a communist society if this is implemented? Will people really die or starve? Remember: the prompt explained that consumers are encouraged to participate, but it is not mandatory for stores or consumers to participate. Even if the prompt said it was mandatory, would one day really cause a "major crisis"? Think about inclement weather, holidays, etc. We have days each year when businesses close, yet we survive. Don't approach the essay with a "loaded gun." In other words, don't write with the intention of blowing your opponent out of the water; it comes across as extreme and irrational. Be observant of your tone; don't attack the counter position's intelligence, morality, or patriotism. Avoid any negative comments or connotations concerning religion, political groups, nationality, specific public figures, etc. Step back from the "over the top" argument. Discuss the underlying issues more in depth.
3. Use transitions!!!! Use Initially, Furthermore, Ultimately, and In Conclusion between paragraphs. Use transitions within the paragraph (for example, for instance, specifically, additionally, in addition, moreover, therefore, in particular,) to signal support, elaboration, and analysis.
4. Have a clear thesis at the end of your first paragraph. It should clearly address the prompt and outline your three main arguments. Watch the length of your introduction. Some individuals had an introduction that was close to one page in length; however, their "strongest" paragraph of analysis was only 1/4 of a page. Your introduction is your "appetizer"; your body is the main course, and your conclusion is the dessert (sometimes you have "room" for a fancy dessert; sometimes you don't).
5. You cannot write in the margins or double write within a line. AP readers will not read these thoughts, and they will not be read for your in class essays.
6. If you desire an A or B, think critically and globally. Discuss Marx and Hamilton if you remember these individuals from your government courses. Use Emerson (Nature and Self Reliance) and Thoreau (Walden and Civil Disobedience) to highlight your points. Read the nonfiction pieces in this class! We may not have daily quizzes, but the ideas discussed will help you on your essays. Many fives and fours followed the shell and were "safe" essays. Although there was a thesis, examples, and analysis, the ideas were elementary (Buy Nothing Day should not be established because it means less money for businesses, discomfort for consumers, and people will continue their spending habits after the day ends).
7. Your paragraphs should have topic sentences that stem from the thesis. They should follow the order of the thesis statement, and your paragraphs should build from weakest to strongest examples. Your last paragraph should be your best and most developed argument.
8. Get to the point. Avoid lengthy narratives. Avoid generic stories of "Bob, Susie, Jim, Bob, and Joe." Do not make up fictional events, articles, books, etc.
9. 8's, 9's, and A's display critical thinking and complex thoughts. The language of these essays mirrors the meaning. The student clearly understands how to use language to enhance meaning.
10. Don't misread the prompt! It did not say all stores would close or even hint that any store would need to close. It did not state that consumers would be prevented from shopping or forced to participate. It did not say the government would impose this regulation. It did not say that it would be a "holiday" where all individuals get a break from work and shopping. It is a voluntary, personal decision.
11. Do not use 1st Person POV (I, we, our). Do not use 2nd Person POV (you, your, you're).
12. Brainstorm and pre-write before you begin writing!!!!!!!! If you have a solid thesis, you will have a solid essay. Use the T-Chart (used for debate days) to organize your thoughts. Annotate the prompt!
13. Your paragraphs should have a clear focus. Don't mix and match pro and con paragraphs or pro and con examples within a paragraph. Your reader should clearly know where you stand from the beginning of your essay to the end. Do not "double back" at the end of each paragraph and bring up possible problems. Address the counterargument at the beginning of the essay.
14. Stay on topic. Many people became side tracked and discussed global warming or environmental effects. Although there might be less environmental impact due to the lack of shopping, stay on task. If your entire paragraph is discussing the example (environmental impact-gas, paper usage, polar bears dieing; specific book or philospher's ideas, leadership; ), you are off topic. Always analyze the example and connect it to your position, the topic, and prompt.
15. If you want to improve your score, look at the rubrics in detail. We will use a variety of rubrics throughout the semester. Each one will specifically tell you how to achieve a high score and how to avoid a low score.
16. Make sure you have clear paragraph breaks (indent). Use transitions! Make it easy for your reader to follow your argument!
17. Many of you had the critical thinking of 7,8, and 9 papers. However, your vocabulary and syntax detracted from your meaning.
18. Do Not use contractions (it's, wasn't, can't, don't).
19. Check for errors! Fragments, run-ons, and usage errors will drop your grade dramatically.
20. Avoid a colloquial tone (it's not a big deal, a lot, they made some dough from the sales, quite a bit).
21. Use sophisticated vocabulary. Use synonyms. Change it up. Don't reuse the same words throughout your essay.
22. Expand on your ideas. Many individuals hinted about capitalism as a foundation of American principles, but you failed to expand on this idea (often in your conclusion). Many individuals discussed the events of the Great Depression and hinted about how this event caused individuals to reflect on their spending habits and needs vs. wants. Provide elaboration to build your case.
23. Don't summarize or restate the details from the prompt. You can BRIEFLY comment on them in the introduction if you feel that it improves your essay. This is not a synthesis essay, so the reader wants to hear your position on the issue.
24. Avoid "sitting on the fence post." Many individuals wrote that a Buy Nothing Day should be established because we already have holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas where stores are closed; the economy does not crumble because of these days. Others wrote that it should be established because it will not hurt the economy; individuals will buy goods before and after the day to make up for the sale. Others wrote that it should be established because people can simply plan and buy goods in advance. Many others wrote that other countries established the day, so the U.S. should be able to do the same. However, all of these examples are "neutral" examples. They simply say that the day should be established because the pros/cons will equal out. The "evidence" does not clearly show the reader that there is a benefit or a negative consequence to the day; why create the day if it does nothing?