 You will be given an old argument prompt from an AP exam.  You will need to come up with a thesis statement that fits the prompt.  You will need to support that thesis statement with evidence and examples.  You will need to organize your ideas well.

 Read the prompt several times.  Annotate!  Underline key words.  Figure out exactly what the prompt is asking.

 Thesis Statement: One sentence stating your argument/ main assertion.  It should be found at the end of your introduction.  Make sure your thesis statement fully answers the prompt.  It should use the wording of the prompt to help you stay focused.  Try using the destabilizing formula (Although…)

“It is better to try and fail than fail to try.” Defend, refute, or qualify this statement. Defend: Although some tasks may seem impossible, it is better to try such tasks and fail than fail to even attempt them. Refute: While persistence and dedication are admirable traits, always “trying,” no matter what the task, can be more foolish than simply failing to try. Qualify: Although it is admirable to try even the most difficult task, it can be better to “fail to try” if the task has no possibility of success.

 Web diagram, outline, flow chart  Each of your paragraphs should be focused on one idea- a reason for your thesis statement, an important definition, an extended metaphor, etc.  5 minutes maximum!

 Yes…but › It is usually better to try and fail… › However, if the task was ludicrous or impossible, it is better to fail to try.  Syllogism—IGNORE FOR NOW › Trying new things helps people learn even if they fail. › Learning new things makes people well-rounded. › Therefore, trying new things, even if they fail, makes people more well-rounded.  Definition › If “failure” is a simple setback or rejection, it is better to try and fail. › If “failure” can have life-changing implications, it can be better not to try.

Introduction For many challenges in life, “trying” is admirable, even if the risk of failure is great. However, certain tasks have such a great chance of failure that attempting them would be foolish. The key is discernment. Conclusion

Refutation: While failure can be discouraging, that discouragement can quickly turn to determination with the right attitude. Concession: It is true that attempting impossible tasks may not always be practical, but the attempt still produces growth. Concession: People often regret trying when they fail. However, people nearly always regret not trying.

 If you can think of an interesting opening, create one. Try a story, startling fact, or big picture opening. Historical context works well.  Don’t waste too much time on your introduction. If you can’t think of an opening, at least write a thesis statement and then move on. Leave a space open for an opening just in case you think of one later. Sometimes an idea will occur to you as your write.

 Topic Sentence (claim): The first sentence of your body paragraph; the main idea of the body paragraph  Evidence (data): The key is to be specific! Give specific examples whenever possible.  Analysis (warrant): So what? Why do your examples matter? How do they support your thesis statement?  Tip: Don’t write a body paragraph that is over 1 page long.  Tip: Write at least 2 body paragraphs.

 Synthesize! Draw from your main points to come to a conclusion.  Answer the question, “So What?” Why is what you said important?  End with mango sorbet!