®
Honestly, there is so much to remember when figuring out how to write an argument essay. Between the thesis, evidence, and commentary, there’s a lot to process, but you can do it. Here’s some tips to help!
Tip 1: Include Specific Evidence
When learning how to write an argument essay for AP® Lang, one of the most crucial aspects involves specific evidence. This may sound obvious, but based on the rubric, specific evidence is an essential component of an argument essay. Before writing, brainstorm the evidence you want to use. Be sure it relates to the prompt and your argument. Then, narrow down your evidence, focusing on examples you can elaborate well. Also, consider examples that you can pair together.
So what exactly is specific evidence for an argument essay. For instance, the American Revolution is very broad, but the Stamp Act of the American Revolution is specific. You want to be as specific as you possibly can. However, you also don’t want to assume that your reader knows about the people or events you’re talking about. So, provide appropriate definitions or context as needed. You can do this by using a non-restrictive clause or a positive phrase. For instance, you could say, The Stamp Act and then define it very briefly. You can then continue with your commentary,
As you work on understanding evidence, it is helpful to go to the College Board website and read the argument essays from 2018 and 2019. They were re-scored with the six-point rubric, so you can get an idea of what the board wants to see. Specifically, it provides a great distinction between a 2 and 3 in row B.
For helpful tips about writing an argument essay thesis, check out this blog post.
Tip 2: Play to Your Strengths
Every student is at a different place in how ready they are for the AP® Lang Exam. This tip is especially helpful if you are on the border of a 3 out of 6 or a 4 out of 6.
It is crucial to play to your strengths. For instance, your strengths could be outside knowledge of sports, current events, or music. Instead, your focus could be knowledge of history. If your expertise fits the prompt, try to use evidence from that category. This will help you be more specific and allow your talents and insight to really shine.
When selecting evidence, remember to focus only on your work and evidence. Do not worry about what other students are writing about. You are not judged based on the quality of other people’s work. It does not matter if you feel your evidence is the same that other test takers will use. Graders evaluate your work individually, so do not worry about anyone else. Just make sure you’re using specific evidence and developing your commentary.
Tip 3: Choose a Logical Order
One of the most important argument essay tips involves the order of evidence. This requires two considerations.
First, you want to look at the order of evidence within a paragraph.
Second, you want to look at the order of your paragraphs themselves.
It is often helpful to pair evidence together within a paragraph to create layers. This helps you develop your argument. You do want to consider the order of your evidence. For instance, are you working in chronological order? Reverse chronological order? Are the pairs from the same category, such as current events, or different ones? You want to be sure the order of your evidence makes sense. However, there are also times when students can use just one key example and develop it well within the paragraph. Honestly, this decision is up to you.
For more information about planning your evidence, check out this blog post.
Tip 4: Examine “Why”
The commentary is essential when learning how to write an argument essay for AP® Lang! This is your analysis. In other words, it is the reason why the evidence proves your thesis. It is helpful to ask yourself: “Why is this evidence important or significant?” Do not assume it is obvious! You want to make sure you are clarifying this for your reader.
Additionally, you can elaborate on the lesson or moral and how the evidence supports your point. Truthfully, there are so many ways to examine why. However you elaborate, just ensure you thoroughly analyze each piece of evidence.
If you are examining “Why” for multiple pieces of evidence, look at your format. You do not want a big chunk of evidence and then a big chunk of commentary. Instead, you want layers. Layers greatly strengthen writing! So, you will add evidence and then include commentary. If you have more evidence, you will then provide it and then add more commentary.
Tip 5: Consider a Concession/Refutation
Another way to develop your argument is to consider including a concession and refutation. In other words, include a counterclaim and rebuttal. If you include a counterclaim, you need to make sure to actually refute it. You do not want to contradict yourself. Therefore, it would be best if you only did this when it furthers your argument and fits the prompt.
If you do include a counterclaim, it can fit in different places within your argument essay. Some like to use it as a third body paragraph while others like to work it into existing body paragraphs. You get to select where it fits best.
For more insight into these helpful tips, check out 5 Tips to Improve Your Argument Essay! This video provides excellent suggestions to help you through the AP® Lang Exam.
Practice is essential when learning how to write an argument essay for AP® Lang. You want to give yourself time to apply these argument essay tips. Doing this will make you feel confident and ready for the exam.
