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  3. AP Lang - Argumentation: Body Paragraphs & Evidence

ap lang - argumentation: body paragraphs & evidence

originally streamed in 2020 with Kevin SteinhauserTeacher
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Learn how to write effective body paragraphs for AP Lang argumentation essays. This video covers paragraph structure, evidence integration, and commentary techniques to help you build stronger arguments on the AP English Language exam. Writing stron ...more

curriculum note

This video references scoring 'an 8 or a 9' on the essay, which reflects the old 9-point AP Lang rubric. The current argument essay rubric uses a 6-point scale (thesis 0–1, evidence/commentary 0–4, sophistication 0–1).

covered in this stream

units
The Argument EssayAP English Language Exam
topics
11.1 Crafting an Effective Thesis for Argument Essay11.4 Writing the Complete Argument Essay4.2 Developing introductions and conclusions

timestamps

  • 0:00

    Session Overview

  • 0:32

    Importance of Introductions

  • 1:02

    Upcoming Sessions

  • 1:33

    Launching PowerPoint

  • 2:05

    Setting the Tone

  • 2:36

    Argumentation Expectations

  • 3:37

    Thorough Explanation

  • 4:08

    Nuanced Perspective

  • 4:39

    Time Management Plan

  • 5:40

    Writing Intro

  • 6:10

    Body Paragraphs Focus

  • 6:43

    Conclusion and Proofread

  • 7:14

    Function of Intro

  • 7:45

    Common Pitfalls

  • 8:16

    Clear Position

  • 8:48

    Timing Strategy

  • 9:19

    Effective Strategy

  • 9:52

    Word of Caution

  • 10:24

    2018 Prompt Analysis

  • 10:55

    Prompt Value

  • 11:26

    Avoiding Traps

  • 11:57

    Weak Intro Examples

  • 12:29

    Parroting Prompt

  • 13:00

    Being Different

  • 13:31

    Weak Thesis Issue

  • 14:03

    Reader Perspective

  • 14:34

    One-Sentence Intro

  • 15:05

    Honest Assessment

  • 15:39

    Wasted Opportunity

  • 16:09

    Adequate Intro Example

  • 16:41

    Fallback Plan

  • 17:11

    Societal Benefits

  • 17:43

    Original Thought

  • 18:14

    When to Use

  • 18:45

    Effective Creative Openings

  • 19:17

    AP Reader Insights

  • 19:48

    Step One: Creative Opening

  • 20:19

    Seemingly Unrelated Topic

  • 20:51

    Planned Connection

  • 21:21

    Standing Out

  • 21:51

    Middle School Dance Example

  • 22:23

    Backwards Planning

  • 22:53

    Original Writing

  • 23:23

    Dance Description

  • 23:54

    Tense Glances

  • 24:24

    Venture into Unknown

  • 24:56

    Brave Soul

  • 25:26

    Tension Lifted

  • 25:57

    Bridge Step

  • 26:28

    Clear Connection

  • 27:00

    Shift Focus

  • 27:31

    Evening Memorable

  • 28:02

    Lindbergh Reference

  • 28:32

    Step Three: Thesis

  • 29:03

    Same Thesis

  • 29:37

    Thesis Point

  • 30:07

    Avoid Listing Ideas

  • 30:38

    Thoughtful Perspective

  • 31:09

    Enriching Elements

  • 31:40

    Optional Thesis Format

  • 32:10

    Treacherous Results

  • 32:41

    Varying Structure

  • 33:12

    Encouraging Nuance

  • 33:44

    Reagan Example

  • 34:14

    Societal Progress

  • 34:46

    Full Intro Example

  • 35:17

    Great Use of Time

  • 35:48

    Important Bridge

  • 36:19

    Slash if Needed

  • 36:51

    Big Jump Issue

  • 37:22

    Out of Place

  • 37:54

    Building to Thesis

  • 38:25

    Effective Flow

  • 38:56

    Conclusion Allusion

  • 39:27

    Impressive Writer

  • 39:57

    Final Reminders

  • 40:28

    Next Session Preview

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Study Content & Tools

Study GuidesFRQs + AI ScoringAP Essay Grader for StudentsAI Grading for TeachersPractice QuestionsGlossaryScore Calculators

Company

What's New?PricingBulk DiscountsTestimonialsFAQsEmail us

Resources

AP Exam Schedule 2027AP ClassesAP ClassroomEasiest AP ClassesHardest AP ClassesAP vs IBAP vs Dual EnrollmentAP vs Honors ClassesAP Scholar Awards

history

🌎 ap world history🇺🇸 ap us history🇪🇺 ap european history

social science

✊🏿 ap african american studies🗳️ ap comparative government🚜 ap human geography💶 ap macroeconomics🤑 ap microeconomics🧠 ap psychology👩🏾‍⚖️ ap us government

english & capstone

✍🏽 ap english language📚 ap english literature🔍 ap research💬 ap seminar

arts

🎨 ap art & design🖼️ ap art history🎵 ap music theory

science

🧬 ap biology🧪 ap chemistry♻️ ap environmental science🎡 ap physics 1🧲 ap physics 2💡 ap physics c: e&m⚙️ ap physics c: mechanics

math & computer science

🧮 ap calculus ab♾️ ap calculus bc📐 ap precalculus📊 ap statistics💻 ap computer science a⌨️ ap computer science p

world languages

🇨🇳 ap chinese🇫🇷 ap french🇩🇪 ap german🇮🇹 ap italian🇯🇵 ap japanese🏛️ ap latin🇪🇸 ap spanish language💃🏽 ap spanish literature

career kickstart

💼 ap business with personal finance🔒 ap cybersecurity

go beyond AP

high school exams

✏️ PSAT🎓 Digital SAT🎒 ACT

honors classes

🍬 honors algebra II🫀 honors anatomy🐇 honors biology👩🏽‍🔬 honors chemistry💲 honors economics📐 honors geometry⚾️ honors physics📏 honors pre-calculus📊 honors statistics🗳️ honors us government🇺🇸 honors us history🌎 honors world history

college classes

👩🏽‍🎤 arts👔 business🎤 communications🏗️ engineering📓 humanities➗ math🧑🏽‍🔬 science💶 social science

hs classes

🏛️ alabama history⛰️ appalachian studies🌴 california history🌍 earth science🌐 ethnic studies🐊 florida history🍑 georgia history🌎 global studies🌺 hawaiian studies📰 journalism🪶 native american studies🌵 new mexico history🤠 oklahoma history⚗️ physical science🎙️ speech and debate🤝 texas government🤠 texas history🌲 washington state history🕊️ world religions
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© 2026 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.