The Argument Essay

1. The Argument Essay AP TIP IN Fall Conference 2013

2. from Monty Python THE ARGUMENT CLINIC

3. Argument Essay Question Types • “Situational”/Issue • Quote • Prose Passage-Based

4. Defend, Challenge, or Qualify • “Solving a moral or ethical dilemma • Finding a universal truth/universal implication • Find “worldly” evidence(s) • Causal Explication – how does evidence chosen support the claim and validate a universal truth? • Concession Refutation – argumentative skills

5. The Worlds Personal Experience Literature The Arts History Pop Culture Sports Science Technology Politics Current Events Religion

6. THE ARGUMENT THESIS STATEMENT

7. 1. Subordinate Clause While . . . Although . . . Even though . . . • also called a dependent clause—will begin with a subordinate conjunction… afteralthoughasbecausebeforeeven ifeven thoughifin order thatonceprovided thatrather thansinceso thatthanthatthoughunlessuntilwhenwheneverwherewhereaswhereverwhetherwhilewhy Via the sub clause, students have qualified the argument, AND included a concession

8. 2. Claim + Universal Truth • Address the prompt: Agree/Disagree • Already qualified via the subordinate clause • What does this prove? • NOTE: No argument is really about the argument at hand… • Consider what the ‘argument’ says about the human condition= Universal Truth

9. 3.Directions/Support • 3 Examples • 1 from each of the “Worlds”

10. Subordinate Clause (dependent clause) with concession While, although, even though…. As evidenced by As shown by As proven by , 1. , , VERB PHRASE 2. CLAIM Agree / Disagree +UNIVERSAL TRUTH Directions

12. Question 3 (Suggested time — 40 minutes. This question counts for one-third of the total essay section score.) Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would 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.

13. CONSTRUCTION OF THE BODY PARAGRAPH

14. 1. The Topic Sentence HINT at what is to come in body paragraph Connect to claim and UT EX: Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, a quintessential speech proving the words of a revolutionary icon still have merit circa 2012, proves that freedom of speech is a necessity for progress and growth in America.

15. Consider 2 Sections: Brief Description of “Worldly” Example COMMENTARY Cause/effect organization Logically and clearly explains how sub-example supports the claim • Relevant to UT and claim • Sub-example • Clear tone and carefully chosen diction paralleling claim and UT

16. Consider 2 Sections: Brief Description of “Worldly” Example COMMENTARY Cause/effect organization Logically and clearly explains how sub-example supports the claim • Relevant to UT and claim • Sub-example • Clear tone and carefully chosen diction paralleling claim and UT

17. CONCLUDING SENTENCE(S) • How does the world and claim connect to a universal truth about the human condition and/or the world in which we live?

18. Conclusion • Restate your main premise • Provide a brief summary of your argument • Show how a group will benefit from following your assertion – SO WHAT? • Explain what might happen if your idea is not accepted • Ask for a call to action - Exigence

19. Concession/Refutation Paragraph Concession to Other Side Refutation WHY this opposing argument is Illogical Incorrect Irrelevant Insufficient Insignificant • While many people… • It is often a misnomer that… • WHY do these “other” people believe the way they do?