Argumentative Essay (2)

Argument Essay Structure

  • The argument essay is similar to the synthesis essay by structure.

  • Fundamental Difference: Argument essay relies on personal argumentation without external sources, while synthesis essay incorporates multiple sources.

  • While they may look similar in structure, the core components and purposes differ substantially.

Breaking Down the Argument Prompt

  • Key concept: "We argue ideas, not things."

  • Analysis of Tim Frietas' Argument review videos is compiled for ease of reference.

  • Suggestions include visiting Tim’s website or the Garden of English YouTube channel for more clarity on AP Language.

Steps to Break Down the Prompt

  1. Isolate the topic in the Prompt

  2. Determine if it’s Abstract or Concrete

  3. Identify the Abstract ideas in the prompt.

  4. Brainstorm Abstract Ideas associated with the topic.

  5. Identify Positions on the topic.

  6. Write down a gut reaction termed as a “working thesis”.

    • Provide 2 REASONS or select a couple of abstract ideas to support the thesis.

Practice Essay Topic Example

  • Topic: "For decades, movies and music have included messages or labels to signal that they have material that some may find troubling.

  • Advocacy for warning labels to prevent unwanted exposure.

  • Counterpoint by Erika Christakis highlighting that “free speech and the ability to tolerate offense are the hallmarks of a free and open society.”

  • Task: Write an essay arguing your position on the use of warning labels or messages to signal potential troubling content.

Isolate the Topic Steps

  • Identify a concrete societal practice (warning labels) used to argue related abstract ideas (freedom of expression, censorship).

  • Example Topic for Essay: Argue your position on warning labels for potentially troubling content.

Identify Abstract Ideas

  • Following the mantra: "We argue ideas, not things," it’s essential to:

    1. Identify explicit Abstract Ideas in the prompt.

      • Definition of Abstract: That which exists in the world, but cannot be physically interacted with (learned through inference and experience).

    2. Examples of explicit abstract terms:

      • troubling, free speech, tolerance, offense, free and open society, potentially troubling content.

Brainstorm Abstract Ideas

  • Implicit Abstract Ideas might include but not be limited to:

    • Use of Warning Labels: Censorship; Effectiveness.

    • Concerns in films and music: Art, Expression, Maturity.

    • Child safeguarding and development in relation to content exposure.

    • Free speech: Rights, Democracy, Freedom.

    • Community concepts: Tolerance, Society, Values.

Identify the Position

  • On the AP exam, restate the prompt:

    • Transformed question: Should warning labels or messages be mandated for potentially troubling content?

  • Determine prioritization:

    • Value of free speech versus protection of individual values and health.

    • Consequences of warnings on individual choices.

    • Whose standards determine offensiveness and censorship?

    • Explore tolerance's importance for developmental perspectives.

Gut Reaction

  • Articulate a personal impression or working thesis:

    • Example Responses:

      • “Yes, warning labels are essential.”

      • “No, they should only be used in specific contexts.”

      • Foundations: Freedom to choose based on legislative warnings.

      • Acknowledge that labels do not inhibit free speech fundamentally.

Practice with Additional Perspectives

  • Quote: Anne Morrow Lindbergh - "Choosing the unknown is enriching, despite its challenges."

  • Write an essay encapsulating your stance on the significance of unknown experiences based on her assertion.

Generating Evidence

  • Audience identification: Generally moderate to liberal college professors.

  • Intent: To clarify gut reaction through supporting examples.

  • Consider credible evidence from current events, history, literature, or personal experiences.

Planning for Writing

  • Timing Strategy:

    • Allocate approximately 30 minutes for rhetorical analysis, apply similar timing to the argument essay:

      1. Prompt Attack: 3 minutes

      2. Outline Phase: 7 minutes

      3. Writing Phase: 30 minutes (aim for this to be final essay).

  • Regardless, create a planning page prior to writing.

Communal Aspect of Rhetoric

  • Personal experiences matter but must consider diverse viewpoints in argumentation.

Evidence Generation Techniques

  • Utilize acronym C-HELPS:

    • C: Current Events

    • H: History

    • E: Experience

    • L: Literature

    • P: Pop-Culture/Politics

    • S: Scientific/Sports

  • Avoid using hypotheticals in arguments.

Labeling Evidentiary Ideas

  • Categorize ideas as follows:

    • G: Generalized evidence

    • SS: Somewhat Specific evidence

    • S: Specific examples.

Example Evidence Categorization

  • General Evidence (G): General ratings.

  • Somewhat Specific Evidence (SS): Certain movie ratings like PG.

  • Specific Evidence (S): Mention from Forbes about Disney’s Frozen rating compared to earlier Disney movies such as The Lion King.

Determine Relationships and Line of Reasoning

  • Consider relationships guiding your overall argument:

    1. Chronology

    2. Cause and Effect

    3. Comparative Analysis (similarities/differences)

  • Understand that this aids in structuring body paragraphs and transitioning smoothly between ideas.

Thesis Statement Creation

  • A strong thesis acts as a unifying theme answered articulately from the prompt's query.

Thesis Templates

  1. Template 1:

    • Structure: (Claim) because (reasons).

    • Example: “Placing cautionary labels … is appropriate because…”

  2. Template 2:

    • Structure: (Claim) because (unifying idea).

  3. Template 3:

    • Include concession to acknowledge opposing views:

      • Example: “Although…” (counterargument), “placing cautionary labels…”

  4. Template 4:

    • Concession followed by your stance:

      • “Since…” (counterargument); however, “placing cautionary labels…”

Topic Sentence Template

  • Developing your argumentative structure:

    • Use transitional language followed by a specific reference and abstract argument aligned with the thesis to ground your argument in the reader’s expectations.

Thesis and Body Paragraph Example

  • “Although…” followed by your stance, developing ideas based on an example such as Starbucks’ holiday marketing practices and how they reflect societal sensitivities.

Writing Second Body Paragraphs

  • Example: Discuss general consensus on labeling offensive content focusing on child protection in media ratings.

Review Sheet Access

  • Reference for further study material and comprehensive review sheets is available through Tim Frietas’ content.