In-Class Argument Essays

1. In-Class Argument Essays Tips and Strategies

2. Your Assignment • You will be given an old argument prompt from an AP exam. • You will need to come up with a thesis statement that fits the prompt. • You will need to support that thesis statement with evidence and examples. • You will need to organize your ideas well.

3. Step One: Read the prompt carefully. • Read the prompt several times. • Annotate! • Underline key words. • Figure out exactly what the prompt is asking.

4. Step Two: Craft a Thesis Statement • Thesis Statement: One sentence stating your argument/ main assertion. • It should be found at the end of your introduction. • Make sure your thesis statement answers the prompt fully. • It should use the wording of the prompt to help you stay focused. • Try using the destabilizing formula (Although…)

5. Practice! “It is better to try and fail than fail to try.” Defend, refute, or qualify this statement. Although some tasks may seem impossible, it is better to try such tasks and fail than fail to even attempt them. Although it is admirable to try even the most difficult task, it can be better to “fail to try” if the task has no possibility of success. While persistence and dedication are admirable traits, always “trying,” no matter what the task, can be more foolish than simply failing to try.

6. Step Three: Organize Your Ideas with Pre-Writing • Web diagram, outline, flow chart • Each of your paragraphs should be focused on one idea- a reason for your thesis statement, an important definition, an extended metaphor, etc. • 5 minutes maximum!

7. Unique Organization Patterns • Yes…but • It is usually better to try and fail… • However, if the task was ludicrous or impossible, it is better to fail to try. • Logical Progression of Ideas • Trying new things helps people learn even if they fail. • Learning new things makes people well-rounded. • Therefore, trying new things, even if they fail, makes people more well-rounded. • Definition • If “failure” is a simple setback or rejection, it is better to try and fail. • If “failure” can have life-changing implications, it can be better not to try.

8. Example: Flow Chart Introduction For many challenges in life, “trying” is admirable, even if the risk of failure is great. However, certain tasks have such a great chance of failure that attempting them would be foolish. The key is discernment. Conclusion

9. Subtle Refutation/ Concession (A Ticket to an 8 or 9) While failure can be discouraging, that discouragement can quickly turn to determination with the right attitude. It is true that attempting impossible tasks may not always be practical, but the attempt still produces growth. People often regret trying when they fail. However, people nearly always regret not trying.

10. Step Four: Write an Introduction • If you can think of an interesting opening, create one. Try a story, startling fact, or big picture opening. Historical context works well. • Don’t waste too much time on your introduction. If you can’t think of an opening, write a thesis statement and then move on. Leave a space open for an opening just in case you think of one later.

11. Step Five: Support your ideas with appropriate warrants (TEA). • Topic Sentence: The first sentence of your body paragraph; the main idea of the body paragraph • Evidence: The key is to be specific! Give specific examples whenever possible. • Warrant/ Analysis: So what? Why do your examples matter? How do they support your thesis statement? Why? Why? Why? • Tip: Don’t write a body paragraph that is over 1 page long.

12. Step Six: Write your conclusion. • Synthesize! Draw from your main points to come to a conclusion. • Answer the question, “So What?” Why is what you said important? • End with mango sorbet!

13. Think fast! • Dissent is actually the sign of a strong democratic country. Unity is highly overrated.