AP English Language and Composition Ultimate Guide

Claim

The central argument or assertion made in an essay; a clear, focused, and debatable statement.

Characteristics of a Strong Claim

Debatable, specific, arguable, and aligned with the prompt.

Weak Claim

A claim that is vague or generally accepted as true, lacking specificity.

Reasoning

The logical connection or explanation that links evidence to a claim.

Characteristics of Effective Reasoning

Logical, explanatory, analytical, and well-developed.

Evidence

Information or data that supports a claim and makes it believable.

Characteristics of Strong Evidence

Relevant, credible, sufficient, and specific.

Types of Evidence

Includes statistics, examples, and expert opinions used to support arguments.

Causal Reasoning

Demonstrating a cause-and-effect relationship between evidence and a claim.

Comparative Reasoning

Drawing parallels or distinctions between evidence and a claim.

Thesis Statement

A clear, concise statement that presents the main argument or claim of an essay.

Introduction

The opening section of an essay that introduces the topic and thesis.

Conclusion

The closing section of an essay that revisits the main argument and reflects on its significance.

Counterargument

An opposing viewpoint that challenges the main claim or thesis.

Logical Fallacy

An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or weak.

Credibility

The quality of being trusted and believed; essential for persuasive arguments.

Bias

Inclination or prejudice towards or against something, affecting objectivity.

Diction

The author's choice of words, which reflects tone and appeals to the audience.