Key Notes on Writing an Argumentative Essay for AP Lang Exam

Argumentative Essay Structure

• Focus: Writing an argumentative essay for AP Lang exam
• Format: Interactive lesson with prompt and brainstorming techniques

Understanding the Prompt

• Quote provided (often from a notable figure) with a corresponding prompt
• Read both the quote and the prompt carefully
• No need to reference the quote directly in the essay
• Emphasis on "assert a position"

Position Options

• Challenge: Disagree with the quote (state it’s wrong)
• Qualify: Set parameters for the truth of the quote (not always true)
• Defend: Agree with and support the quote

Brainstorming Ideas

• Various acronyms can help organize ideas (e.g., Gopher, REHUGO, CHORES)
• Encourage a "brain dump" of all ideas related to the prompt
• Examples of struggles leading to progress:
• Civil Rights Movement (Rosa Parks, MLK)
• Women's Suffrage
• American Revolution
• Learning new sports/instruments

Categorizing Evidence

• Use General (G), Somewhat Specific (SS), Specific (S) to label ideas
• Aim for Specific (S) evidence for stronger arguments

Creating a T-chart for Evidence

• Histories (H) vs. Personal Experiences (PE)
• Group evidence logically for organization

Line of Reasoning

• Establish a logical flow of evidence that supports the thesis
• Connect examples meaningfully (e.g., women's suffrage to gender equality in sports)

Tentative Thesis Example

• “While American society has made great progress in terms of racial and gender equality, that progress has come at the expense of immense continued struggle.”

Podcast Recommendations for Skill Development

• TED Talks Daily (e.g., on Rosa Parks)
• Following Harriet (Harriet Tubman)
• Ridiculous History (e.g., John Clem, civil war hero)
• Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls (Billie Jean King episode)

Final Tips

• Brainstorming and outlining are crucial for a well-structured essay
• Don’t shy away from focusing on historical examples or personal experiences
• Ensure logical transitions between points and evidence