Positions, Perspective, and Bias (AP)

I. Positions (Taking a Stance):

• A. Definition: a position refers to the stance or viewpoint you (as the writer) take on a particular issue or the stance an author takes in a text you are analyzing. It emphasizes the importance of having a clear and debatable thesis statement, which inherently requires taking a position.

• B. Developing Your Position:

  • Strong Thesis: It stresses that your argument should be built around a clear thesis statement that presents a strong stance on the issue. This position should be evident from the beginning of your essay.

  • Staying Consistent: While acknowledging counterarguments is crucial, you should maintain a clear position throughout your essay. All your supporting arguments and evidence should ultimately work to support your central position.

  • Nuance within Your Position: A complex argument, it often involves nuance. This means while you take a clear position, you might also acknowledge complexities, limitations, or alternative angles within that position, rather than presenting a simplistic, one-sided view.

• C. Analyzing an Author's Position: When analyzing a text (as in AP English Language's Rhetorical Analysis), you need to identify the author's main argument or claim. This is essentially understanding their position on the topic they are addressing. It advises you to "Identify the main argument or claim being made in the sample text."

II. Perspective (Point of View):

• A. Definition: Perspective refers to the lens through which an issue or argument is viewed. It's the particular angle, background, or set of experiences that shapes someone's understanding or interpretation. 

• B. Considering Different Perspectives in Your Argument:

  • Acknowledging Counterarguments: It strongly encourages acknowledging counterarguments. This requires understanding perspectives different from your own. By considering why someone might hold an opposing view, you demonstrate a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

  • Audience Awareness: It mentions the importance of using "Appropriate tone and language for the intended audience and purpose." Understanding your audience's potential perspectives and biases can help you tailor your argument for maximum impact.

• C. Analyzing an Author's Perspective: When analyzing a text, understanding the author's perspective is vital. This involves considering:

  • Author's Background: What do you know about the author's experiences, affiliations, or potential biases that might influence their perspective? 

  • Intended Audience: Who is the author trying to reach? What are the likely perspectives of this audience, and how might the author be trying to appeal to or challenge them?

  • Purpose: What is the author's goal in writing this text? Their perspective will heavily influence how they try to achieve this purpose. It advises you to "Consider the intended audience and purpose of the argument and how well it achieves its goals."

III. Bias (Inclination and Potential Prejudice):

• A. Definition: Bias refers to a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone. It can influence how information is presented, interpreted, and understood. It emphasizes the importance of using credible sources and implicitly touches upon the need to identify and consider bias.

• B. Recognizing Bias in Sources:

  • Credibility of Sources: It advises you to use "Relevant and credible evidence from reliable sources." Part of evaluating credibility involves considering potential biases. Is the source known for a particular viewpoint? Are they funded by an organization with a vested interest? Being aware of potential biases helps you assess the strength and objectivity of the evidence.

  • Limitations of Sources: It encourages you to "Look for any potential biases or limitations in the sources" when analyzing sample arguments. This critical evaluation of sources is essential for developing your own nuanced understanding.

• C. Avoiding Bias in Your Own Argument:

  • Fair Representation of Counterarguments: When addressing opposing viewpoints, present them fairly and avoid misrepresenting them (straw man fallacy). This demonstrates an effort to be objective, even while advocating for your own position.

  • Objective Tone: It recommends maintaining an "Appropriate tone... Avoid overly emotional or biased language." While you are taking a stance, presenting your argument in a reasoned and objective manner strengthens your credibility.

  • Acknowledging Limitations (Optional): As mentioned earlier, acknowledging potential limitations or complexities in your own argument can demonstrate a sophisticated understanding and help mitigate the appearance of bias.

In Summary:

• Positions: Take a clear, debatable, and nuanced stance in your thesis. When analyzing, identify the author's main claim.

• Perspective: Consider different viewpoints, especially when addressing counterarguments. Be aware of your intended audience's perspective and analyze the author's perspective by considering their background, intended audience, and purpose.

• Bias: Critically evaluate your sources for potential biases and limitations. Strive for an objective tone and fair representation of opposing viewpoints in your own writing to minimize the appearance of bias.