How to Write an Argument – An Introduction

The Argument Prompt AP Exam will present either: ◦ A Brief excerpt ◦ A Quotation ◦ A Statement ◦ An anecdote You will be asked to defend, challenge, or qualify the author’s position, main idea, or main points You will take a position on the issue and support it using personal experiences, reading, and /or observations

It requires three major points… 1. Understand the nature of the position taken in the prompt 2. Take a specific stand—argue, qualify, or disagree—with the assertion in the prompt 3. Clearly and logically support your claim with evidence

It Requires You to Budget Your Time:  1-3 minutes reading and working the prompt  3 minutes deciding on a position  minutes planning the support of your position  20 minutes writing the essay  3 minutes proofreading

The Argumentative Essay on the AP Exam Once you have read the prompt, take a position by asking yourself 3 questions: 1. Do I agree with the author? 2. Do I think the author is wrong? 3. Do I think some of what is said is correct and some incorrect? (qualify)

Open with a hook/attention grabbing sentence on the topic Refer specifically to the prompt Thesis statement: ◦ Speaker and occasion ◦ State your position clearly (choose a side) ◦ State your reasons

Developing the Introduction Refer specifically to the prompt Clearly state your position on the given issue Cite the speaker and the occasion

The Components of an Argument Claims – represent answers to the question: What are you trying to prove?” Although they are conclusions of your arguments, they often appear as thesis statements (All claims must be supported by data) Qualifier – a restriction placed on the claim to state that it may not always be true as stated Examples: sometimes, often, most, in some cases, few, under these conditions

The Components of an Argument (cont.) Data – facts that support a claim; statistics, personal experience, or experts (evidence) Rebuttal/Counter Claim – potential objections to an argument Response (Conclusion) - * Don’t forget transitions to connect your ideas

Kinds of Support/Evidence to Use (and this is where it gets tricky!) Facts/statistics Details/examples Quotations Anecdotes Compare and contrast Cause and effect Appeal to authority Recognition of the opposition In planning the evidence you will use for your body, choose those specific items you will be best able to use to support and develop your argument.

According to an AP reader, “The strongest form of evidence” Make sure they move from your experience to other people’s experience Students need to show how that evidence is applicable to many people Also, include other areas of the world to help substantiate their personal experience

A sophisticated writer/reader knows what is going on in the world and can cite instances in society or readings which prove the writer’s argument. Show them you’re a well-rounded intellectual!

Do not summarize your essay Do not end with a cliché Give a strong and final statement on your position End with a “call to action” on the topic End on a positive note

Begin Essay!

Sample Prompt In his famous “Vast Wasteland” address to the National Association of Broadcasters in May of 1961, Newton Minow, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, spoke about the power of television to influence taste, knowledge, and opinions of its viewers around the world. Carefully read the following, paying close attention to how timely it is today, especially in light of the worldwide internet. Minow ended his speech warning that “The power of instantaneous sight and sound has limitless capabilities for good- and for evil. And it carries with it awesome responsibilities- responsibilities which you and [the government] cannot escape... “ Using your own knowledge and your own experiences or reading, write a carefully constructed essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies Minow’s ideas.

NOW FILL OUT YOUR DO/WHAT/WHICH CHART: DoWhatWhich

DoWhatWhich Using Write Knowledge Experiences Reading Essay Defend/ Challenge/ Qualify “The power of instantaneous sight and sound is... an awesome power... With capabilities for good–and for evil.”

Structure of Overall Essay: Intro with statement of opinion plus 2 reasons as final sentence… Body Paragraphs 1-2: (these should go from weakest to strongest) ◦ 2 Reasons in support of argument  Evidence (Data) of personal experience, observations or reading  Analysis of that data and how it supports your reasons Body Paragraph 3: Counter Claims ◦ Which arguments would your opposition pose?  Refutation of those claims – How would you respond to their arguments? Conclusion ◦ Restatement of your position ◦ Call for action or agreement

Introduction Sample 1 Newton Minow’s assertion to the National Association of Broadcasters that “The power of instantaneous sight and sound is... an awesome power... With capabilities for good–and for evil” is a valid argument. However, I disagree with his placing the responsibility for this power squarely in the hands of the broadcasters and the government.

Sample 1 - qualifies the assertion presented by Minow. The writer agrees with the potential of the power but disagrees about who should take responsibility.

Introduction Sample 2 Nowhere is the awesome power for good and evil of modern technology more clearly seen than in the Internet’s pervasiveness and influence. Newton Minow was right on target in 1961 when he warned the National Association of Broadcasters that the power of TV has “limitless capabilities for good–and evil.”

Sample 2 - Agrees with Minow’s position but treats the assertion in a lighthearted fashion. The reader can expect a humorous and possibly irreverent tone in the essay.

Conclusion You don’t want to spend too much time writing the conclusion as your intro and body are the most important, but do make sure to avoid the following things: Do not repeat prompt Do not summarize major points Develop a final remark of interest that is appropriate to your purpose – a call to action! After all that you have argued, what steps should be taken?