1. Everything is an Argument!

2. What does this type of essay require?
Understand the nature of the position taken in the prompt
Take a specific stand (agree, qualify, disagree) with the assertion in the prompt
Clearly and logically support your claim

3. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! SERIOUSLY, DON’T SKIP THIS PART!
Brainstorm a list of ideas, make a chart, create an outline, et cetera. You MUST find a way to allow yourself to think through the issue AND your position.
How do I Support my Position?
Facts/statistics
Details
Quotations
Needed definitions
Recognition and refutation of opposing arguments
Examples
Anecdotes
Comparison/contrast
Cause and effect
Appeal to authority
Choose the strategies with which you are most familiar and feel the most comfortable.

4. Does My Tone Matter?
No! The AP Comp readers are open to a wide range of approaches. You can choose to be informal and personal, formal and objective, or even humorous and irreverent. Just make sure that your choice of tone is appropriate for your purpose!
*Note: You will not be penalized for taking an unpopular, unexpected, irreverent or bizarre position on the given issue. You will be graded on process and mastery and manipulation of language only.

5. TIMING (40 MINUTES)
1-3 WORKING MINUTES THE PROMPT
3 MINUTES DECIDING ON A POSITION
10-12 MINUTES PLANNING THE SUPPORT OF YOUR POSITION
20 MINUTES WRITING THE ESSAY
3 MINUTES PROOFREADING

6. WORK THAT PROMPT!
For centuries, prominent thinkers have pondered the relationship between ownership and the development of self (identity), ultimately asking the question, “What does it mean to own something?” Plato argues that owning objects is detrimental to a person’s character. Aristotle claims that ownership of tangible goods helps to develop moral character. Twentieth-century philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre proposes that ownership extends beyond objects to include intangible things as well. In Sartre’s view, becoming proficient in some skill and knowing something thoroughly means that we “own” it.
TASK: Think about the differing views of ownership. Then write an essay in which you explain your position on the relationship between ownership and sense of self. Use appropriate evidence from your reading, experience, or observations to support your argument.

7. Writing the Introduction
You can use several different methods, BUT you must do the following 2 things:
Refer specifically to the prompt
Clearly state your opinion on the given issue
Read the following Sample Essays, and them each a score.