The AP Language and Composition Argument Essay is a 40-minute writing task worth 6 points (one-third of your total essay score). The essay tests your ability to craft a persuasive argument on a given issue or claim.
Unlike the Synthesis essay or Rhetorical Analysis essay, the Argument essay relies solely on your ability to develop and support your own reasoning - you won't receive any external sources to analyze or incorporate. Instead, you'll draw on your personal experiences, observations, and knowledge to support your position.
The scoring breaks down into three key areas:
- Thesis (0-1 points): Taking a defensible position
- Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points): Supporting and explaining your argument
- Sophistication (0-1 points): Demonstrating complex understanding
Success in this essay requires you to develop a clear position, support it with specific evidence, and explain your reasoning in a way that convincingly connects your evidence to your claims. A strong argument essay doesn't just state an opinion - it develops a nuanced position while maintaining a clear stance on the issue.
Sample Prompt
Many educators and researchers argue that classroom participation should be a significant portion of students' grades, claiming it encourages engagement, develops crucial communication skills, and prepares students for future professional environments. However, critics contend that grading participation can unfairly disadvantage introverted students, those with anxiety, or students from cultural backgrounds where speaking up is not encouraged.
Write an essay that argues your position on whether classroom participation should be a required component of course grades.
Breaking Down the Prompt
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The Context: The prompt presents a debate about classroom participation grades
- Position 1: Participation grades are beneficial
- Position 2: Participation grades can be discriminatory
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The Task: Take a position and argue it effectively
- You can agree with either side
- You can take a qualified or nuanced position
- You must defend whatever position you take
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Key Elements to Address:
- Educational value
- Fairness and equity
- Student differences
- Professional preparation
- Alternative assessment methods (if relevant)
The Four Key Requirements
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Defensible thesis
- Must take a clear position
- Should be specific to the prompt
- Cannot simply restate the prompt
- ✅ Example: "While class participation can provide valuable learning opportunities, making it a graded requirement discriminates against students with different learning styles and cultural backgrounds, making education less equitable and potentially harming student success."
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Evidence support
- Personal experience
- Observations
- Logic and reasoning
- Knowledge of similar situations
- Hypothetical scenarios (used sparingly)
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Clear reasoning
- Connect evidence to claims
- Explain why your evidence matters
- Show how evidence supports thesis
- Address potential counterarguments
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Grammar and mechanics
- Clear sentence structure
- Proper punctuation
- Professional academic tone
- Appropriate transitions
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
| Problem Category | Description | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Problems | When your position isn't clear or arguable | Simply restating what the prompt says Avoiding taking any real stance Making claims too vague to prove Stating something nobody would disagree with |
| Evidence Problems | When your support isn't convincing | Relying only on "I think" statements Stating evidence without explaining why it matters Using examples that don't relate to your argument Making claims without backing them up |
| Reasoning Problems | When your logic doesn't hold up | Making leaps in logic without explanation Failing to show how evidence proves your point Using your conclusion to prove your conclusion Using flawed logic patterns that don't prove anything |
| Structure Problems | When your essay doesn't flow | Writing paragraphs that feel random Failing to connect your ideas together Not fully developing your points Starting or ending without purpose |
Next Steps
Remember: The key to a successful argument essay is having a clear position that you can defend with specific evidence and thoughtful reasoning. Start with a strong thesis, support it with relevant evidence, and explain your reasoning clearly.
Next, we'll dive deeper into crafting effective thesis statements and explore various approaches to taking a defensible position on complex issues.