General Argument ADQ

Purpose To show breadth and depth of cultural knowledge. Stuff about Stuff Make an argument (agree, disagree or qualify) Have an opinion Clearly state your opinion Clearly support your opinion Write coherently and with control Prove / support your thesis with good examples. Solid literature Genuine history Meaningful personal experience Philosophy, psychology, science, etc.

Tips for Higher Scores Avoid first person Use more than one example Use it only in personal experience examples Use more than one example Two is best Three is better if you can support and develop each one Avoid “listing” examples; only use them if you can develop and write about them in depth Use unique and meaningful examples Think outside the box Address the opposition Be careful not to contradict yourself Discuss the opposing side in order to tear it down and/or show how your side is better.

Prompt Look at Thomas Paine prompt from 2011. Look for Paine’s point of view. Make sure to answer all parts of question

Scoring Scores range from 0 – 9. 6 = Adequate 8 = Effective Evidence and explanations are APPROPRIATE and SUFFICIENT. Argument is COHERENT and adequately DEVELOPED. Writing may contain lapses, but prose is generally clear. Writing is graded as a rough draft. 5 = 6 with minor problems Roller coaster essay Uneven, inconsistent, or limited. 8 = Effective Evidence and explanations are APPROPRIATE and CONVINCING Argument is ESPECIALLY COHERENT and WELL DEVELOPED Prose demonstrates a CONSISTENT ability to CONTROL the elements of effective writing.

Scoring, cont. 4 = Inadequate 7 = 6+ More COMPLETE explanation More THOROUGH development More MATURE prose style Not as convincing or well developed as an 8 4 = Inadequate Evidence or explanations are INAPPROPRIATE, INSUFFICIENT, or LESS CONVINCING. Argument may have LAPSES IN COHERENCE or be INADEQUATELY DEVELOPED. Prose may be LESS CONSISTENT. 3 = 4- Less success in arguing the point Less maturity in writing

Scoring, Cont. 2 = Little Success MISUNDERSTAND the prompt or substitute a SIMPLER task by responding to the prompt TANGENTIALLY Explanation is UNRELATED, INACCURATE, or INAPPROPRIATE Prose demonstrates CONSISTENT WEAKNESSES Grammatical Problems Lack of Development or Organization Lack of Coherence and Control 1 = 2- Underdeveloped, simplistic, weak in control, lacking in coherence and development Too short!

Scoring, Cont. --- 9 On-topic response that just repeats the prompt. On-topic response that just repeats the prompt. --- Blank response Completely off-topic 9 The skies open and angels sing. Very, very, very rare. In two years of teaching AP, I have awarded one 9. Azalia Sprecher

Scoring 9 = 105 8 = 100 7 = 95 6 = 90 5 = 85 4 = 78 3 = 73 2 = 68 1 = 63 0 = 0 -- = 0

Mrs. Mehrens’ Code QOEGV Q = Question O = Organization E = Evidence Is there a thesis? Did your thesis address the prompt? O = Organization Are there paragraphs? Are there (good) transitions? Is it coherent? Does it make sense? How is your syntax? E = Evidence Are your examples efficient? Is your commentary deep and meaningful? Does your evidence support your thesis?

Mrs. Mehrens’ Code, Cont. G = Grammar V = Voice Rough Draft Excessive spelling / grammar errors Run-ons and other syntactical errors Excessive errors will not score higher than a 2 V = Voice Unique prose Effective control