Espanol

Writing the Persuasive Argument for the AP Exam |
Source: Mr. Edward Wevodau, http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/EWevodau/writing4.cfm |



|
 
Know this about your audience: They are people who have given up one full week of their summer to sit in a room and grade thousands of student essays--most of which are poorly written. These people are not normal. They are intellectuals whoenjoy the power of evaluating student work.
 
How do you please them?
 
First, show intelligence. They seek people like themselves. You must present yourself as someone like them.
 
Next, show a broad knowledge. Use examples from history. Bring in current events. Indicate to them that you don't hang out and party all the time. That you study, learn, and remember.  But don't make anymistakes: They will punish you if they sense that you haven't taken your academic studies as seriously as they have.
 
Last, entertain them. Be witty. Be creative. Be fun. They read thousands of terrible papers. Make yours stand out in a positive way. People with a strong, witty voice often score extremely high.
 

  
 
Argumentative vs. Expository Essay Writing
 
You are asked to write apersuasive argument--NOT to explain an issue or contemporary concern. In expository writing, a writer explains an issue or matter. In an argumentative essay, a writer targets an audience and directly appeals to them as to how and what they should think about an issue.
 
In an expository essay, the writer puts his ideas on paper and allows his reader to make a decision.

In an argumentative essay,the writer grabs the reader by the collar and tells them what to think.
 
Don't reflect. Direct.
 
Choose only to include subject matter that builds support for your position. The only things your reader needs to know are those that bring them closer to your own understanding.
 
NOTE: We live in an age with the prevailing attitude of "you decide: there's no right or wrong." Avoid thatmindset when writing this essay. There is a right and wrong. It is your job to tell the reader--convincingly--what to think. The issue may be complex, and the other side might have some valid points, but--in the end--you offer the answer.
 

 
Establish a Clear Thesis
 

IMPORTANT: You must choose a side. Too many students, when qualifying, essentially write a paper that explains both sidesof an argument. Your paper must clearly CHOOSE AND ARGUE FOR ONE SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT.  If you paper appears "to straddle a fence," then you cannot score above a "2." To connect to points above, "fence-sitting" is characteristic of expository writing, where the purpose is to explain an issue.
 
KEY: Make your position clear in each paragraph. The introduction should clearly establish yourthesis. Each body paragraph should present one reason or idea supporting your thesis--ending, of course, with clear commentary explaining how and why the evidence presented supports the thesis. The final paragraph should be the final appeal, arguing WHY the taken position is the correct one. There should never be any doubt what position you (the writer) hold to be correct.  
 

 
Use Specific,Illustrative, Examples
 
Use specific, illustrative examples. Talk about particular people, places, and events. Historical and contemporary examples are highly effective, as they show your intellectual awareness of the world around you, adding depth of thought to your paper.

You strengthen you writing when you use specific examples:

• Specifics add the weight of facts to your writing,anchoring it into the real world.

• Specific details catch your readers’ attention and give them stories that they can visualize.

• When you reinforce general claims with specific facts and details, you earn the confidence of your readers.

* Of course when you start giving your readers specifics and details, you’re taking a risk. Nevertheless, if you want to gain your readers’ trust...