The Argumentative Essay AP Language & Composition Exam

The Argumentative The Argumentative EssayEssay

AP Language & Composition AP Language & Composition ExamExam

What does the argumentative What does the argumentative essay require of you?essay require of you?

Basically, you must do three things:Basically, you must do three things:– understand the nature of the position understand the nature of the position

taken in the prompt;taken in the prompt;– take a specific stand—argue, qualify, or take a specific stand—argue, qualify, or

disagree—with the assertion in the disagree—with the assertion in the prompt; andprompt; and

– clearly and logically support your claim.clearly and logically support your claim.

Agree, Disagree, QualifyAgree, Disagree, Qualify

Do I think about this subject in the same Do I think about this subject in the same way as the writer/speaker? (Agree)way as the writer/speaker? (Agree)

Do I think the writer/speaker is totally Do I think the writer/speaker is totally wrong? (Disagree)wrong? (Disagree)

Do I think some of what is said is Do I think some of what is said is correct and some incorrect and do I correct and some incorrect and do I feel lucky? (Qualify)feel lucky? (Qualify)

Plan before you write!Plan before you write!

Brainstorm a list of ideas, construct a Brainstorm a list of ideas, construct a chart, or create an outline…whatever chart, or create an outline…whatever it is, give yourself time to THINK it is, give yourself time to THINK about your position!about your position!

The kinds of support you need:The kinds of support you need:– Facts/statisticsFacts/statistics - Details- Details - Dialogue- Dialogue– QuotationsQuotations - Definitions- Definitions - -

AnecdotesAnecdotes– Contrast and comparisonContrast and comparison - Cause and Effect- Cause and Effect– Appeal to authorityAppeal to authority - Examples- Examples

Does it matter what tone is Does it matter what tone is taken in your argumentative taken in your argumentative

essay?essay?

You can choose to be informal and You can choose to be informal and personal, formal and objective, or personal, formal and objective, or even humorous and irreverent—just even humorous and irreverent—just be certain your choice is appropriate be certain your choice is appropriate for your purpose.for your purpose.

Will I be penalized for taking Will I be penalized for taking an unpopular, unexpected, an unpopular, unexpected,

irreverent, or bizarre position irreverent, or bizarre position on the given issue?on the given issue?

As long as you are addressing the PROMPT and As long as you are addressing the PROMPT and appropriately supporting your position, there is appropriately supporting your position, there is no danger of losing points on your essay.no danger of losing points on your essay.

Your essay is graded for process and mastery Your essay is graded for process and mastery and manipulation of language, not for how and manipulation of language, not for how close you come to the viewpoint of your close you come to the viewpoint of your reader.reader.

Suggested time distribution for Suggested time distribution for the argumentative essay:the argumentative essay:

1-3 minutes reading and working the 1-3 minutes reading and working the PROMPTPROMPT

3 minutes deciding on a position3 minutes deciding on a position 10-12 minutes planning the support of 10-12 minutes planning the support of

your position your position 20 minutes writing the essay20 minutes writing the essay 3 minutes proofreading!3 minutes proofreading!

The argumentative essay The argumentative essay promptprompt

In his famous “Vast Wasteland” address to the National In his famous “Vast Wasteland” address to the National Association of Broadcaster in May of 1961, Newton Minow, the Association of Broadcaster in May of 1961, Newton Minow, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, spoke Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, spoke about the power of television to influence the taste, knowledge, about the power of television to influence the taste, knowledge, and opinions of its viewers around the world. Carefully read the and opinions of its viewers around the world. Carefully read the following, paying close attention to how timely it is today, following, paying close attention to how timely it is today, especially in light of the worldwide Internet.especially in light of the worldwide Internet.

Minow ended his speech warning that “The power of Minow ended his speech warning that “The power of instantaneous sight and sound is without precedent in mankind’s instantaneous sight and sound is without precedent in mankind’s history. This is an awesome power. It has limitless capabilities history. This is an awesome power. It has limitless capabilities for good—and for evil. And it carries with it awesome for good—and for evil. And it carries with it awesome responsibilities—responsibilities which you and [the responsibilities—responsibilities which you and [the government] cannot escape…”government] cannot escape…”

Using your own knowledge and your own experiences or Using your own knowledge and your own experiences or reading, write a carefully constructed essay that defends, reading, write a carefully constructed essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies Minow’s ideas.challenges, or qualifies Minow’s ideas.


In his famous “Vast Wasteland” address to the National In his famous “Vast Wasteland” address to the National Association of Broadcaster in May of 1961, Newton Minow, the Association of Broadcaster in May of 1961, Newton Minow, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, spoke Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, spoke about the power of television to influence the taste, knowledge, about the power of television to influence the taste, knowledge, and opinions of its viewers around the world. Carefully read the and opinions of its viewers around the world. Carefully read the following, paying close attention to how timely it is today, following, paying close attention to how timely it is today, especially in light of the worldwide Internet.especially in light of the worldwide Internet.

Minow ended his speech warning that “The power of Minow ended his speech warning that “The power of instantaneous sight and sound is without precedent in mankind’s instantaneous sight and sound is without precedent in mankind’s history. This is an awesome power. It has limitless capabilities history. This is an awesome power. It has limitless capabilities for good—and for evil. And it carries with it awesome for good—and for evil. And it carries with it awesome responsibilities—responsibilities which you and [the responsibilities—responsibilities which you and [the government] cannot escape…”government] cannot escape…”

Using your own knowledge and your own experiences or Using your own knowledge and your own experiences or reading, write a carefully constructed essay that defends, reading, write a carefully constructed essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies Minow’s ideas.challenges, or qualifies Minow’s ideas.

Mark your copy of the prompt…take about 3

minutes.


In his famous In his famous “Vast Wasteland”“Vast Wasteland” address to the address to the National National Association of BroadcastersAssociation of Broadcasters in May of in May of 19611961, , Newton MinowNewton Minow, the , the Chairman of the Federal Communications CommissionChairman of the Federal Communications Commission, spoke , spoke about the about the power of television to influence the taste, knowledge, power of television to influence the taste, knowledge, and opinions of its viewers around the worldand opinions of its viewers around the world. Carefully read the . Carefully read the following, paying close attention to how following, paying close attention to how timelytimely it is today, it is today, especially in light of the worldwide Internet.especially in light of the worldwide Internet.

Minow ended his speech Minow ended his speech warningwarning that that “The power of “The power of instantaneous sight and sound is without precedent in mankind’s instantaneous sight and sound is without precedent in mankind’s historyhistory. This is an . This is an awesome powerawesome power. It has . It has limitless capabilities limitless capabilities for good—and for evilfor good—and for evil. And it carries with it . And it carries with it awesome awesome responsibilitiesresponsibilities—responsibilities which —responsibilities which you and [the you and [the government] cannot escapegovernment] cannot escape…”…”

Using your Using your own knowledgeown knowledge and your and your own experiencesown experiences or or readingreading, write a carefully constructed essay that , write a carefully constructed essay that defends, defends, challenges, or qualifies Minow’s ideas.challenges, or qualifies Minow’s ideas.

Developing the opening paragraphDeveloping the opening paragraph

Refer specifically to the promptRefer specifically to the prompt Clearly state your position on the Clearly state your position on the

given issuegiven issue

Newton Minow’s assertion to the national Association of Broadcasters that “The power of instantaneous sight and sound is . . . An awesome power . . . With capabilities for good—and for evil” is valid and true. However, placing the responsibility for this power squarely in the hands of the broadcasters and the government is in error.

Qualifies the assertion

The writer agrees with the potential of the power, but disagrees about

who should take responsibility.



given issuegiven issueImagine being gifted the limitless capability

for good and evil—the ability to control the world with one’s super powers. And, what are these powers? X-ray vision? Morphability? Immortality? NO, it is the most awesome power ever devised—the instantaneous influence over the taste, knowledge and opinions of mankind around the world. Even Superman would get a headache from this kind of power! This is not a great gift, it is an “awesome responsibility” according to the Newton Minow’s 1961 warning to the National Association of Broadcasters.

Agrees with the assertion

The writer agrees with Minow’s position but treats the assertion in a lighthearted

fashion. The reader can expect a humorous and possibly irreverent tone in

the essay.



given issuegiven issue

Nowhere is the awesome power for good and evil of modern technology more clearly seen than in the Internet’s pervasiveness and influence. Newton Minow was right on target in 1961 when he warned the National Association of Broadcasters that the power of TV has “limitless capabilities for good—and for evil.”

Agrees with the assertion

The writer agrees with Minow’s position, BUT has LIMITED the area of the argument to that of the Internet.

Developing the body of the Developing the body of the essayessay

After carefully reading and After carefully reading and deconstructing the prompt, choose a deconstructing the prompt, choose a way to organize your argumentway to organize your argument

One way (for this prompt) would be One way (for this prompt) would be to use Minow’s own three-part to use Minow’s own three-part warning and brainstorm ideas based warning and brainstorm ideas based on those categorieson those categories

Planning the essay (focus on Planning the essay (focus on Internet)Internet)

GoodGood–EducationEducation–Warning of Warning of dangersdangers

–Recognition of Recognition of heroesheroes

–Involvement in Involvement in humankind’s humankind’s achievementsachievements

–Instant Instant communicationcommunications with family & s with family & friendsfriends

–Medical careMedical care–Links to the Links to the worldworld

–EntertainmentEntertainment

EvilEvil–Promote hatePromote hate–Distort realityDistort reality–Help terroristsHelp terrorists–Invasion of Invasion of privacyprivacy

–Threats to nat’l Threats to nat’l securitysecurity

–Create mass Create mass hysteriahysteria

–Exploit Exploit childrenchildren

–FraudFraud–ConspiracyConspiracy–Subvert Subvert electionselections

–BrainwashingBrainwashing

ResponsibilityResponsibility–LawsLaws–CensorshipCensorship–Self-censorshipSelf-censorship–Prior restraintPrior restraint–11stst Amendment Amendment–Financial gainFinancial gain–CopyrightsCopyrights–Parental Parental controlcontrol

–V-chipV-chip–Personal Personal checks and checks and balancesbalances

Choose those specific items you will Choose those specific items you will best be able to support and developbest be able to support and develop

GoodGood–EducationEducation–Warning of Warning of dangersdangers

–Recognition of Recognition of heroesheroes

–Involvement in Involvement in humankind’s humankind’s achievementsachievements

–Instant Instant communicationcommunicationss with family & with family & friendsfriends

–Medical careMedical care–Links to the Links to the worldworld

–EntertainmentEntertainment

EvilEvil–Promote hatePromote hate–Distort realityDistort reality–Help terroristsHelp terrorists–Invasion of Invasion of privacyprivacy

–Threats to nat’l Threats to nat’l securitysecurity


–Exploit Exploit childrenchildren

–FraudFraud–ConspiracyConspiracy–Subvert Subvert electionselections

–BrainwashingBrainwashing

ResponsibilityResponsibility–LawsLaws–CensorshipCensorship–Self-censorshipSelf-censorship–Prior restraintPrior restraint–11stst Amendment Amendment–Financial gainFinancial gain–CopyrightsCopyrights–Parental Parental controlcontrol

–V-chipV-chip–Personal Personal checks and checks and balancesbalances

A sample body paragraph based on the first list:A sample body paragraph based on the first list:

GoodGood–EducationEducation–Warning of dangersWarning of dangers–Recognition of Recognition of heroesheroes

– Involvement in Involvement in humankind’s humankind’s achievementsachievements

– Instant Instant communicationscommunications with family & with family & friendsfriends

–Medical careMedical care–Links to the worldLinks to the world–EntertainmentEntertainment

One of the most rewarding applications of the Internet is its ability to provide instant communication between friends and family. A grandmother-to-be in New York is able to share in the moment by moment experience of her daughter’s pregnancy and her granddaughter’s birth in California through e-mail, scanned photos and quick videos. Likewise, the ability to instantly communicate with others may have saved the life of a doctor stranded at the South Pole. Her contact with medical resources and experts via the Internet enabled her to undergo surgery and treatment for breast cancer. Research and innovations in medical treatment are now available to those around the world via the “net.” Similarly, the ability for instance communication enables millions to enjoy concerts, sports events, theatrical presentations and other cultural activities without every having to leave home. These wonderful benefits are all because of the fabulous and awesome technological creation—the Internet.

Remember IDEALIDEAL?

Identify

Example

Analysis (explain)

Link







Remember IDEALIDEAL?

Identify

Example

Analysis (explain)

Link

A sample body paragraph based on the second list:A sample body paragraph based on the second list:

The other side of the mass communication coin has the face of evil on it. The Internet offers hate mongers unlimited access to anyone with a connection to the World Wide Web. Groups like the Neo-Nazis can spread their hate messages to susceptible minds via bright, entertaining and engaging websites. What looks like a simple, fun game can easily reinforce the group’s hate-filled philosophy to unsuspecting browsers. With the potential for millions of “hits” each week, it does not take a rocket scientist to perceive the danger here. This danger is also present with the minds and bodies of curious and vulnerable

EvilEvil–Promote hatePromote hate–Distort realityDistort reality–Help terroristsHelp terrorists–Invasion of privacyInvasion of privacy–Threats to nat’l Threats to nat’l securitysecurity


–Exploit childrenExploit children–FraudFraud–ConspiracyConspiracy–Subvert electionsSubvert elections–BrainwashingBrainwashing

young people. Because of its easy access and easy production, “kiddie porn” is both possible and available via the Internet and the films any number of porn sites offer for downloading with the mere click of a keyboard key. Through contacts made through e-mail and/or chat rooms on the Net, children can be easily fooled and led to contact those who would abuse their bodies and minds for a quick profit or cheap thrill. With instantaneous messaging, whether real or imagined, positive or negative, a single person or group can set into motion mass hysteria just by warning of an impending disaster, such as a flood, fire, bomb, poison, and son on. There are obviously many more possibilities floating out there in the ethernet. These are just three of the evil ones.

A sample body paragraph based on the A sample body paragraph based on the THIRDTHIRD list: list:

Just as there is the potential for both good and evil with regard to mass communication, so too is there the potential for both beneficial and destructive strategies related to reponsibilities. The most powerful regulator of our responsibility as individuals is our finger and its power to press a button or double click on a key and to “just say no.” With this slight pressure, we are able to exert monumental pressure on those who produce programs, websites, photos, documents, etc., which we find unacceptable. Who better to tell us what to watch, what to do, and what to think? All tooOften many people prefer to abdicate their personal responsibility and give that power to

either the government or the communication industry. We must never forget that dictators target the control and censorship of mass media as the first step in the total control of the minds and hearts of the populace. The laws, which we as citizens of a democracy look to, must never impinge upon our First and Fourth Amendment rights. Each of us has the right of free speech, and each of us has the right to privacy. None of us has the right to harm others or to limit the rights of others; why, then, would we give that right to the communication industry or to the government?

ResponsibilityResponsibility– LawsLaws– CensorshipCensorship– Self-censorshipSelf-censorship– Prior restraintPrior restraint– 11stst Amendment Amendment– Financial gainFinancial gain– CopyrightsCopyrights– Parental controlParental control– V-chipV-chip– Personal checks and Personal checks and

balancesbalances

The concluding paragraphThe concluding paragraph Spend your time in planning and writing the Spend your time in planning and writing the

body of your essaybody of your essay In a brief essay, you can be certain your In a brief essay, you can be certain your

reader can remember what you’ve already reader can remember what you’ve already said, so there is no need to summarize your said, so there is no need to summarize your major points or to repeat the prompt.major points or to repeat the prompt.

If you feel you MUST have a concluding If you feel you MUST have a concluding statement/remark, make certain it is a statement/remark, make certain it is a FINAL remark that is of interest and is FINAL remark that is of interest and is appropriate to your purposeappropriate to your purpose

You may use the last sentence of your last You may use the last sentence of your last body paragraph as your concluding body paragraph as your concluding comment.comment.

A sample body paragraph based on the A sample body paragraph based on the THIRDTHIRD list: list:

Just as there is the potential for both good and evil with regard to mass communication, so too is there the potential for both beneficial and destructive strategies related to reponsibilities. The most powerful regulator of our responsibility as individuals is our finger and its power to press a button or double click on a key and to “just say no.” With this slight pressure, we are able to exert monumental pressure on those who produce programs, websites, photos, documents, etc., which we find unacceptable. Who better to tell us what to watch, what to do, and what to think? All tooOften many people prefer to abdicate their personal responsibility and give that power to

either the government or the communication industry. We must never forget that dictators target the control and censorship of mass media as the first step in the total control of the minds and hearts of the populace. The laws, which we as citizens of a democracy look to, must never impinge upon our First and Fourth Amendment rights. Each of us has the right of free speech, and each of us has the right to privacy. None of us has the right to harm others or to limit the rights of others; why, then, would we give that right to the communication industry or to the government?

ResponsibilityResponsibility– LawsLaws– CensorshipCensorship– Self-censorshipSelf-censorship– Prior restraintPrior restraint– 11stst Amendment Amendment– Financial gainFinancial gain– CopyrightsCopyrights– Parental controlParental control– V-chipV-chip– Personal checks and Personal checks and

balancesbalances







Yes, this concluding

sentence IS a little on the giddy

side…

Argumentative Practice Argumentative Practice EssayEssay

Refer to your notes Refer to your notes Don’t take shortcutsDon’t take shortcuts I’ll put times up on the boardI’ll put times up on the board You’ll get the whole 40 minutes to go You’ll get the whole 40 minutes to go

through the entire processthrough the entire process

Documents

The Argumentative Essay AP Language & Composition Exam