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ARGUMENT PROMPT SCAVENGER HUNT

Prompt Deconstruction. Close, careful reading of the prompt is as important as close, careful reading of the passage or, in the case of the synthesis question, the sources. Therefore, follow the following steps (as applicable) with every prompt.

1. Identify the TAG (title, author, and genre) found in most prompts. Label these as T, A, G.

2. Identify any background information provided in the prompt that is designed to help you better understand the passage and/or your task in response to the prompt. Underline this information, which may include exigence*, definition of terms, historical framework, opposing positions on the issue, examples, or other hints.

*exigence = Why has the issue arisen at this time? (not applicable to every argument prompt)

3. Think like the Test Development Committee. Why did the committee think this prompt/passage would have relevance for a high school junior in the 21st century? In what ways does the prompt or passage resonate with your own experiences?

4. In the past five years, argument prompts have asked students to do one of two things:

(a) develop a position in response to a claim or claims which the writer must identify from a brief quotation or excerpt

(b) develop a position on an issue

Complete the chart below. The first one has been done as an example for you.

Year/Question #/ Type of Argument Question

Background (exigence*, definition of terms, historical framework, opposing positions on the issue, examples, or other hints)

Argument Task

[Express as an imperative sentence beginning with a command verb.]

Type of evidence to use

[Quote from the prompt.]

2008, #3/Type B

(develop a position on an issue)

Increased corporate sponsorship of sports in schools/ some argue that accepting money and negotiating exclusive contracts are necessary for “cash-strapped” schools; others argue that “schools should provide an atmosphere free from ads and corporate influence”

Evaluate the pros and cons of corporate sponsorship for schools and indicate why you find one position more persuasive than the other.

“appropriate evidence”

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Year/Question #/ Type of Argument Question

Background (exigence*, definition of terms, historical framework, opposing positions on the issue, examples, or other hints)

Argument Task

[Express as an imperative sentence beginning with a command verb.]

Type of evidence to use

[Quote from the prompt.]

2009, #3/Type

2010, #3/Type

2011, #3/Type

2012, #3/Type

ARGUMENT PROMPTS

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2008, # 3 For years corporations have sponsored high school sports. Their ads are found on the outfield fences at baseball parks or on the walls of the gymnasium, the

football stadium, or even the locker room. Corporate logos are even found on players’ uniforms. But some schools have moved beyond corporate sponsorship of sports to allowing “corporate partners” to place their names and ads on all kinds of school facilities – libraries, music rooms, cafeterias. Some schools accept money to require students to watch Channel One, a news program that includes advertising. And schools often negotiate exclusive contracts with soft drink or clothing companies.

Some people argue that corporate partnerships are a necessity for cash-strappedschools. Others argue that schools should provide an environment free from ads and corporate influence. Using appropriate evidence, write an essay in which you evaluate the pros and cons of corporate sponsorship for schools and indicate why you find one position more persuasive than the other.

2009, # 3 Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances may have lain dormant.

--- Horace

Consider this quotation about adversity from the Roman poet Horace. Then write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies Horace’s assertion about the role that adversity (financial or political hardship, danger, misfortune, etc.) plays in developing a person’s character. Support your argument with appropriate evidence from your reading, observation, or experience.

2010, # 3 In his 2004 book, Status Anxiety, Alain de Botton argues that the chief aim of humorists is not merely to entertain but “to convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” Because society allows humorists to say things that other people cannot or will not say, de Botton sees humorists as serving a vital function in society. Think about the implications of de Botton’s view of the role of humorists (cartoonists, stand-up comics, satirical writers, hosts of television programs, etc.) Then write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies de Botton’s view.

2011 # 3 The following passage is from The Rights of Man, a book written by the pamphleteer Thomas Paine in 1781.Born in England, Paine was an intellectual, a revolutionary, and a supporter of American independence from England. Read the passage carefully. Then write an essay that supports the extent to which Paine’s characterization of America holds true today. Use appropriate evidence to support your argument.

If there is a country in the world, where concord, according to commoncalculation, would be least expected, it is America. Made up, as it is, of people from different nations, accustomed to different forms and habits of government, speaking different languages, and more different in their

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modes of worship, it would appear that the union of such a people was impracticable; but by the simple operation of constructing government on the principles of society and the rights of man, every difficulty retires, and all the parts are brought into cordial unison. There, the poor are not oppressed, the rich are not privileged . . . Their taxes are few, because their government is just; and as there is nothing to render them wretched, there is nothing to engender riots and tumults.

2012 # 3 Consider the distinct perspectives expressed in the following statements:

If you develop the absolute sense of certainty that powerful beliefs provide, then you can get yourself to accomplish virtually anything, including those things that other people are certain are impossible.

William Lyon Phelps, American educator, journalist, and professor (1865-1943)

I think we ought always to entertain our opinions, with some measure of doubt. I shouldn’t wish people dogmatically to believe any philosophy, not even mine.

Bertrand Russell, British author, mathematician, and philosopher (1872-1970)

In a well-organized essay, take a position on the relationship between certainty and doubt. Support your argument with appropriate evidence and examples.

PATTERNS IN THE ARGUMENT QUESTION

Comment below on patterns you discerned in the ARGUMENT prompts. Consider both the issues and the assignments.

1.

2.

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AP Lang 101: The Argument Question

Objective: Participants will read a recent argument question, receive a “prescription” for pushing up students’ scores on the argument question, and examine sample papers, diagnosing and prescribing them according to the “prescription.”

Prescription for Pushing Up Your Score on the Argument Question

2010 Notes from the Chief Reader:

Successful writers did four things:

(a) Read de Botton’s argument __________________________ and understood its importance

(b) Constructed a coherent, convincing __________________________ in response to de Botton

(c) Marshaled and developed appropriate __________________________ in defense of their own argument

(d) Conveyed their ideas in clear, effective prose

Mean score: _____________ out of 9 points

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Prescription Do’s and Don’ts

1. Follow the guidelines for Prompt Deconstruction in order to avoid misunderstanding or oversimplifying the prompt.

2. Consider your options in terms of responding. You may fully agree with one “side” or the other. Or, you may qualify. Be sure, however, that you have a clear claim supported by appropriate evidence. (In other words, do not provide evidence for both sides without clearly taking a position of your own.)

3. Consider the many categories of evidence writers may use: examples, reasons, causes, effects, details, facts, figures, expert opinion, quotations, precedents, parallels.

4. Consider the many areas from which you may choose evidence: history, current events, pop culture, business and industry, the environment, literature, technology, etc.

5. Choose the most appropriate evidence for the prompt. According to the Chief Reader, “Too often AP English Language and Composition students think that they are duty bound to find evidence in texts from American and British literature . . . even when the material in those texts has relatively little to do with the issue at hand.”

6. Make sure your evidence is specific. “Specific” evidence often takes the form of proper nouns and adjectives. Check your essay for capitalized words in order to assess the specificity of your evidence. According to Westwood High School AP teacher Jennifer Cullen, specificity of evidence may be defined as follows:

Evidence from literature should “zoom in” on one moment with 1-2 character(s) as the focus. The evidence should be so specific that we could point to the page in the work on which the evidence could be found.

Evidence from current events or history should be focused on a particular moment or narrowed event (rather than, for example, World War II in general).

Evidence from personal experience should be focused on a particular moment that will be taken seriously by your audience. Consider congruity of examples – Going from world war to personal heartache requires a meaningful transition (sometimes several sentences of “buffer”); otherwise, one of your examples may come across as trivial.

Evidence from social observation requires specific details in some form to get beyond broad generalizations.

Prompt Deconstruction

Label the TAG (Title, Author, Genre). Underline relevant background information that helps you understand the context of the argument.

Highlight your task in yellow. Like the Little question in a rhetorical analysis prompt, this task (and your yellow highlighting) should begin with a command verb. Most argument prompts will begin with “Write an essay in which . . . .” Therefore, look for the command verb that specifies the particular task for this prompt.

Circle key terms which must be understood or defined in order to respond appropriately.

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Evidence from pop culture must be thoughtful. Movie and book examples should be “weighty” enough that they will be taken seriously by your reader. Cartoon and TV examples are often ineffective unless the prompt leads you to talk about pop culture. Otherwise, they may be perceived as silly in an essay that is supposed to be discussing serious philosophical concerns.

Hypothetical evidence is often ineffective. Readers are generally not persuaded by something that has not actually happened.

7. Explain how your evidence supports the position you are taking in response to the prompt.

Think “evidence sandwich.” The top slice introduces the evidence. The filling is the specific evidence. The bottom slice explains how the evidence supports your position.

8. Avoid generalizations and absolutes. Use “qualifiers” such as often, in many cases, frequently, and sometimes. Avoid moralizing. Refrain from using could, would, should.

9. Make concessions. Anticipate and refute counterarguments.10. Take time to plan and organize your response. According to the Chief Reader, “Some of

the weakest essays consisted of random, disorganized assertions without any sense of a central claim.” See some suggested methods of organization in the box below.

Organized by Claims in the Prompt or Passage

I. Introduction

Includes context (explains the quotation, argument, or controversy)

States writer’s position clearly (thesis)

II. First claim or assertion in the prompt/passage

Writer’s reaction/response to claim (defense, challenge, or qualification*)

Specific, appropriate evidence Explanation of how the evidence

supports your position (perhaps incorporating concession and/or anticipation and refutation of counterargument)

Concluding statement/claim

Organized by the Rogerian Argument Model

1. Introduction

Includes context (explains the quotation, argument, or controversy)

Briefly indicates the flaw in the author’s view

States writer’s position clearly (thesis)

II. Concession

Statement that acknowledges the virtues of the opposition

Example(s) of situation(s) in which the author’s view may be valid

Transition to counterargument

III. Development of counterargument

Claim in support of counterargument Specific, appropriate evidence Explanation of how the evidence

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III. Second claim or assertion in the prompt/passage

Writer’s reaction/response to claim (defense, challenge, or qualification*)

Specific, appropriate evidence Explanation of how the evidence

supports your position (perhaps incorporating concession and/or anticipation and refutation of counterargument)

Concluding statement/claim

IV. Conclusion

Includes a thesis reminder (“echoing” of your position)

Addresses the implications of the issue

*To “qualify” is to argue the extent to which a claim or assertion is true or untrue . It may also be thought of as agreeing and disagreeing at the same time.

supports your position Concluding statement/claim

IV. Further development of counterargument

Claim Evidence Explanation Concluding statement/claim

IV. Conclusion

Includes a thesis reminder (“echoing” of your position)

Addresses the implications of the issue

Evidence must be introduced (the top slice of the sandwich). It must be explained (the bottom slice of the sandwich). Therefore, 3-4 sentences will be required in order to present and explain examples.

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Following the Doctor’s Orders

#1 Prompt Deconstruction

Label the TAG (Title, Author, Genre). Underline relevant background information that helps you understand the context of the argument.

Highlight your task in yellow. Like the Little question in a rhetorical analysis prompt, this task (and your yellow highlighting) should begin with a command verb. Most argument prompts will begin with “Write an essay in which . . . .” Therefore, look for the command verb that specifies the particular task for this prompt.

Circle key terms which must be understood or defined in order to respond appropriately.

#2 Options for Responding

Check one. This is just a preliminary choice. You may change your mind when you begin thinking opotential evidence. Ultimately, you will want to argue the position that you can develop mostconvincingly.

________ Defend (support) de Botton

________ Challenge (oppose or refute) de Botton

________ Qualify (agree and disagree at the same time) de Botton’s assertion

#3 -5 Appropriate Evidence

List below 4 “hints” the prompt provided for appropriate evidence. An example has been provided for

you.(a) hosts of television programs (b)

(c) (d)

2010 Question 3In his 2004 book, Status Anxiety, Alain de Botton argues that the chief aim of humorists is not merely to entertain but to “convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” Because society allows humorists to say things that other people cannot or will not say, de Botton sees humorists as serving a vital function in society. Think about the implications of de Botton’s view of the role of humorists (cartoonists, stand-up comics, satirical writers, hosts of television programs, etc.) Then write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies de Botton’s claim about the vital role of humorists. Use specific, appropriate evidence to develop your position.

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#6 Specific Evidence

For each “appropriate evidence” item you listed above, provide specific examples from that category. An example has been provided for you.

(a) hosts of television programs: John Stewart, Stephen Colbert

(b)

(c)

(d)

#7 Explanation of Evidence

Write an “evidence sandwich” in support of the position you took in #2 above. Use evidence from your answers to # 6.

TOP SLICE: de Botton’s assertion and your reaction/response to it

FILLING: specific evidence

BOTTOM SLICE: explanation of how the evidence supports your position (perhaps incorporating concession and/or anticipation and refutation of counterargument)

YOUR TOP SLICE:

YOUR FILLING:

YOUR BOTTOM SLICE:

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Diagnosing and Prescribing

Read the lower-half sample papers written by 2010 test-takers. Diagnose the writer’s problems and/or write a “prescription” for improvement based on the 10 “Prescription Do’s and Don’ts” at the beginning of the handout. For example, a prescription for Sample Q might include “Avoid moralizing” (# 8) because the writer uses the word should and asserts that “they should . . . put a limit to where the jokeing should stop.” You will use the strategy of “buddy reading” for this activity.

Sample Q (Score 1)

Some humorous things are out of control. They get away with saying alot of inappropriatethings and I’m referring to comedians. Comedians say things that society wouldn’t be able toget away with. Some jokes or cartoons are out of control and the comedian or producer neverpay the price for them or face consequences. They make jokes out of practically anything. They should start faceing the consequences or put a limit to where the jokeing should stop. They should have a list of things to joke about. This would prevent out of hand jokeing andcartoons. This would help society out a lot. The out of hand jokes and cartoons have to stopsomewhere.

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Sample S (Score 2)

Humorists are indeed needed for society to function, a certain way that is. Without humorist society would most likely be dull. Satirical writers are who they are because they state their opinion secretly. If humorists stated their opinion directly, the government would become involved. The government would basically black mail the humorists into saying what they want them to say, or at least not talking about a certain topic. Humorists are very powerful people, they use humor as a mental weapon. People who listen to comedians often agree to what the famous comedians say, already manipulating the common citizen into supporting them, all by laughter. Laughter makes a person happy, causing them to open their minds towards other peoples opinions. Thomas Nast was a humorist who had power. Whatever he drew in his political cartoons, people agreed. Nast used the power of laughter and satire to draw the attention of more and more people to see what he had to say. Without humorists, monopolies would control most of America.

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Sample TTT (Score 3)Alain de Botton, in his 2004 book Status Anxiety, argues that the primary purpose of a humorist is not to entertain, but “to convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” I agree with Botton’s statement about humorist’s purposes and that they also play a vital role in society. There are many issues in society that, if talked about in public with a serious tone, are looked down upon, but when mentioned in a humorous manner, the issue is accepted and laughed about. For example, since September 11,2001 the idea of terrorism has become a reality in America. Those who show signs of or talk of being a terrorist are taken seriously, even if they are just joking. If a humorist were to take the issue of terrorism and incorporate it into their cartoons, shows, or essays, society would simply laugh, but at the same time understand the specific message behind it. Another example is “The Modest Proposal.” In “The Modest Proposal,” the author addresses the treatment of the Irish people, he proposes that they sell their kids to be eaten. Although it is obvious that his proposal is obsurd, people understand the message he is trying to convey. He presents the message in a satirical tone so that people clearly understand his “proposal” is fake, but the issue is real. Although some people would say that humorists are unimportant and that they make issues seem less important, sometimes the only way to convey a message without causing complete caous among citizens is through a humorous tone. By doing this we give humorists the important role of conveying the message for us, thus giving them a vital function in society.

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Sample QQQ (Score 4)

Alain de Botton’s view of humorist’s role in society is an insightful and appropriate one. It seems as though, throughout history, the public is very often too timid or dull to say what must be said. Time after time, humorists have snuck those vital commentaries into satirical books, comedic films, poems, or just in speech. People have a way of taking news much easier in the form of a joke. Change and important opinions are often unsettling to hear, so it is rational to want to hear such things in a light-hearted way. There is no way to change human nature, so the humorists of the world have found ways to say what must be said. From Mark Twain to George Carlin, to any stand up comic on Comedy Central, the humorists of the world are much more important to the flow of society than most people believe.As far back in time as Voltaire’ “Candide”, people have found interesting ways to say what would be “impossible to state directly”. Humorists are more than simple clowns or entertainers: they are the true informer of society, and often the most truthful critics.

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“Healthy” Writing

Read the upper-half sample papers written by 2010 test-takers. Identify the “doctor’s orders” thewriters have followed based on the 10 “Prescription Do’s and Don’ts” at the beginning of the

handout.

Sample R (Score 6)

Alain de Botton is completely accurate in his claim that humorists have the ability and theresponsibility to say or comment on things which others cannot/ Comedians and otherproffessionals who deal with humor in their work, are not faced with the same scrutiny that therest of the world is. History shows that so long as there have been societal issues, there havebeen commentators there to take a satirical jab at those in charge. Jonathan Swift’s A ModestProposal is a prime example of humor (in this case, sarcasm) being used to address theproblems of the time. Swift’s proposed solution to Ireland’s poverty issue was to sell thechildren of beggars as food. Though this was clearly an absurd idea, it nonetheless succeededin sparking conversation and change within his society. A more contemporary example of thisphenomenon would be a television program such as Saturday Night Live, The Colbert Report, or The Daily Show. These programs are all able to comment on all current events, be they positive or negative, due to the fact that there commentary is presented in a humorous fashion. Instead of directly critiquing of the current Presidential Administration, shows such as the ones listed above mask their criticism with witty jokes and entertaining skits. The public would be far less inclined to spend its time watching these programs if they stated their views outright. Satire allows writers and comedians to make their opinions heard without doing so in an offensive or blunt manner. Yet still, despite some societies’ leniency with humorists, there exist other societies where such tolerance is not displayed toward those who offer up social commentary. Many nations still persecute anyone who dares to speak out against its policies, even if done for the sake of entertainment. It is because of this that, now more than ever, we must encourage those with a joke to tell or a clever remark to make to stand up and let it be heard. Laughter can help heal the wounds of out torn societies, so why not give it a chance? Humorists are here to remind us all to stop taking everything so seriously and to just relax. Alain de Botton understands that humorists are just as vital to our society as the policy makers they satirize. Whether they are taking a swing at some controversial piece of legislation or just poking some fun at the recent Toyota recalls, humorists serve to inform us on topics in a manner we can all agree is acceptable. Isn’t it about time we all learned to laugh at ourselves?

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Sample B (Score 8)

Alain de Botton is absolutely correct that humorists serve a vital function in society; they are able to criticize where others cannot and manage to point out societal or individual flaws while being relateable, and somewhat non-threatening. Humor serves as a way to criticize indirectly, making it more difficult to discredit or refute ideas.

Cartoonists are especially poignant in their indirect attacks, but because they don’t use words, it is harder to refute them, and thus can say more. Political or social cartoons criticize indirectly - instead of coming out and stating the issue, they leave it implied. Instead of saying that a politician is corrupt, they can depict a politician greedily eyeing a bag of money. Or instead of saying that a reform is too communist-like, they can depict it while a red flag blows in the background. The point that they are making is clear, but up to the individual to analyze and understand. This makes it harder for people to take offense or refute; it’s easier to argue words that have a definitive meaning than it is to argue with something that is implied, and therefore not definitive. And that’s why cartoonists can go where other people can’t – their criticisms have a much stronger, harder to discredit voice.

Also, written humor can be a very effective critique because it challenges without ever actually having to state the issue. Take for example, A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift, which satirically suggests a plan for eating Irish babies. Taken at face value, this is ridiculous and horrifying . However, when investigated more closely, Swift is actually criticizing the English for their abuses against the Irish, and their dehumanizing of the Irish people. His plan to eat all the babies as a viable solution for the “Irish problem” is intentionally ridiculous because it serves to magnify the issue of how the Irish are treated. The implied message is that the English are injust and that they don’t value Irish life, which is unethical and prejudiced. But instead of coming out and saying that, he implies a comparison between the ethics of eating babies and the ethics of abusing Irish people. By doing so, he makes the English seem like great oppressors, but because he doesn’t actually say so it is difficult to dismiss or argue with his point.

Stated humor is equally difficult to refute, and because criticisms are made with the intent of being over-the-top and absurd, they can send a strong message. During the recent presidential elections, candidates were continuously mocked on SNL, and they as individuals were attacked. Sara Palin, for example, was imitated on a weekly basis; Tina Fey made her into a caricature by taking things Palin said or did and re-enacted them, delivering her words in a way that made her seem unintelligent. Never did anyone come out and say that she was dumb, but by imitating her, using her own words or ideas but twisting mannerisms, voice, and general delivery, Palin was portrayed as ditzy and unsuited to be president. Had SNL instead come out and said, “She is an idiot”, Palin would have been able to defend herself, citing education or whatever merits she possessed, but she could do little to combat humor. She couldn’t combat an image, only words.

Humor has always been a way of relating ideas to people. The common person can understand humor, and knowingly or unknowingly, they can get a serious message from it. But because the message is hidden behind a humorous veil, it can be so much bolder and dangerous. It is easy to understand, but harder to refute, which makes it an effective method of criticism, which can then be channeled into change. Humorists are important in society because they are vessels of change in a way that no one else is. They relate ideas, even the boldest ideas, with implied messages, and facilitate an opinion or critique that spur revolution or change.

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Sample VV (Score 9)Humorists are afforded certain leeway in society that others are not. While certain things

are inappropriate or cruel to say at any time, humorists are still allowed to say them. Granted, many people disapprove of humorists and the things they say, but on the whole, society allows humorists to step beyond the realm of appropriate. Humorists are a vital part of our society since they keep the cold, hard truth alive in a way that often eases tensions.

Humorists have historically had a vital role in educating the public and saying it like it is. While others shy away from stating controversial, humorists dive into the controversial, often causing large waves. During the Cold War, Senator McCarthy from Wisconson attacked numerous people and institutions – including Hollywood, the army and the State Dept – as being communists or sympathizers. Most people were afraid to challenge McCarthy for fear of retribution, but some humorists still proceeded to mock the situation and tell the truth. For example, there was one cartoon that showed Eisenhower and Congress running away from McCarthyism. It was meant to show how Congress and the President allowed McCarthy to persecute innocents. During the early 1900s, cartoonists also mocked well-known figures. One cartoon showed the corruption and bullying of Boss Tweed, even when the law was incapable of touching him. Another depicted T. Roosevelt nursing baby Taft. People, although allowed free speech, often do not say bad things about powerful people. Humorists keep the truth alive, never failing to say or draw things that others are afraid to say or draw.

Humorists engage a wide audience, ensuring that multiple generations (or age groups) are entertained and educated by the controversial statements. Saturday Night Live consistently makes fun of Congress and the President, as well as other situations. They convey messages directly that other people are uncomfortable about persuing. For example, SNL has made fun of the relationship btw China and USA, golf players and Congressmen’s sex lives, as well as issues like Toyota’s faulty breaks. SNL captures a younger audience, educating them on social and political issues. For kids who do not read the news, SNL can be invaluable. It also lightens the issues, and encourages the audience to talk openly about controversial topics.

The annual white house correspondence dinner demonstrates how even high ranking officials recognize the need for humorists. Normally, the White House tiptoes around certain controversial, afraid to offend someone. However, at the correspondent’s dinner, the President is afforded the opportunity to be a humorist, and a humorist is afforded the chance to make fun of the president and Congress on national television. While many people note privately that former President George W. Bush is no intellectual, few people besides humorists actually say the truth out loud. At the corrrespondents dinner a few years ago, Stephen Colbert told President Bush to his face that he was not an intellectual and that not accepting reality or the truth was ok, because it had well-known “liberal bias.” Colbert entertained people by saying the inappropriate truth in a funny way.

Without humorists, our society would suffer. No society can thrive when controversial messages or topics are completely ignored. Humorists talk about sex, death, cheating, bodily functions, and elected officials in ways that other people do not. Humor is a release. Humorists do not simply bash on people or issues; they create imaginative and humorous lines that encourage the audience to accept dangerous or controversial statements. Humorists work is invaluable as it affects the audiences viewpoint and politician’s actions. After reading Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal, people should be careful to suggest outrageous ideas like eating babies to stop overpopulation. Satires, cartoonist, and stand up comedians tell the truth in entertaining ways that engage the public in ways the news cannot. No one could settle for just the news once they’ve seen The Colbert Report or Conan O’Brien.

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Scoring GuidelinesThe score should reflect a judgment of the essay’s quality as a whole. Remember that students had only 40 minutes to read and write; the essay, therefore, is not a finished product and should not be judged by standards appropriate for an out-of-class assignment. Evaluate the essay as a draft, making certain to reward students for what they do well.

All essays, even those scored 8 or 9, may contain occasional lapses in analysis, prose style, or mechanics. Such features should enter into the holistic evaluation of an essay’s overall quality. In no case may an essay with many distracting errors in grammar and mechanics be scored higher than a 2.

9 Papers earning a score of 9 meet the criteria for a score of 8 and, in addition, are especially sophisticated in their argument, thorough in their development, or impressive in their control of language.

8 Effective

Papers earning a score of 8 effectively defend, challenge or qualify de Botton’s claim about the vital role of humorists. The evidence and explanations used are appropriate and convincing, and the argument is especially coherent and well-developed. The prose demonstrates

a consistent ability to control a wide range of the elements of effective writing but is not necessarily flawless.

7 Papers earning a score of 7 meet the criteria for a score of 6 but provide more complete explanation, more thorough development, or a more mature prose style.

6 Adequate

Papers earning a score of 6 adequately defend, challenge, or qualify de Botton’s claim about the vital role of humorists.The evidence and explanations used are appropriate and sufficient, and the argument is coherent and adequately developed.The writing may contain lapses in diction or syntax, but generally the prose is clear.

5 Papers earning a score of 5 defend, challenge, or qualify de Botton’s claim about the vital role of humorists. The evidence or explanations used may be uneven, inconsistent, or limited. The writing may contain lapses in diction and syntax, but it usually conveys the student’s ideas.

4 Inadequate

Papers earning a score of 4 inadequately defend, challenge, or qualify de Botton’s claim about the vital role of humorists. The evidence or explanations used may be inappropriate, insufficient, or less convincing. The argument may be inadequately developed

or have lapses in coherence. The prose generally conveys the student’s ideas but may be less consistent in controlling the elements of effective writing.

3 Papers earning a score of 3 meet the criteria for a score of 4 but demonstrate less success in defending, challenging, or qualifying de Botton’s claim about the vital role of humorists. The essays may show less maturity in the control of writing.

2 Little Success

Papers earning a score of 2 demonstrate little success in defending, challenging, or qualifying de Botton’s claim about the vital role of humorists. These essays may misunderstand the prompt or substitute a simpler task by responding to the prompt tangentially with unrelated, inaccurate, or inappropriate explanation. The prose often demonstrates consistent weaknesses in writing, such as grammatical problems, a lack of development or organization, or a lack of coherence and control.

1 Papers earning a score of 1 meet the criteria for a score of 2 but are undeveloped, especially simplistic in their explanation and argument, weak in their control of language, or especially lacking in coherence and development.

0 Indicates an on-topic response that receives no credit, such as one that merely repeats the prompt.

__ Indicates a blank response or one that is completely off the topic

Reference: Priem, Beth. TCU AP Summer Institute. June 2013.