The Argument EssayAP TIP IN Fall Conference 2013

THE ARGUMENT CLINIC

from Monty Python

1.“Situational”/Issue2. Quote 3.Prose Passage-Based

Argument Essay Question Types

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

The Worlds

Personal ExperienceLiteratureThe ArtsHistoryPop CultureSports

ScienceTechnologyPoliticsCurrent EventsReligion

THE ARGUMENT THESIS STATEMENT

also called a dependent clause—will begin with a subordinate conjunction…

afteralthoughasbecausebeforeeven ifeven thoughifin order thatonceprovided thatrather thansinceso thatthanthatthoughunlessuntilwhenwheneverwherewhereaswhereverwhetherwhilewhy

1. Subordinate Clause

While . . . Although . . .

Even though . . .

Via the sub clause, students have qualified the argument, AND included a concession

• 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

2. Claim + Universal Truth

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

, 2. CLAIM Agree / Disagree +UNIVERSAL TRUTH

VERB PHRASE

As evidenced byAs shown byAs proven by1.

1.Subordinate Clause (dependent clause)

with concessionWhile, although, even

though….

Directions

, ,

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.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE BODY PARAGRAPH

HINT at what is to come in body paragraphConnect 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.

1. The Topic Sentence

Consider 2 Sections:Brief Description of “Worldly” Example

• Relevant to UT and claim

• Sub-example• Clear tone and

carefully chosen diction paralleling claim and UT

COMMENTARY• Cause/effect

organization• Logically and clearly

explains how sub-example supports the claim

Consider 2 Sections:Brief Description of “Worldly” Example

• Relevant to UT and claim

• Sub-example• Clear tone and

carefully chosen diction paralleling claim and UT

COMMENTARY• Cause/effect

organization• Logically and clearly

explains how sub-example supports the claim

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?

• 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

Conclusion

Concession/Refutation Paragraph

Concession to Other Side• While many people…• It is often a misnomer

that…• WHY do these “other”

people believe the way they do?

Refutation• WHY this opposing

argument is– Illogical– Incorrect– Irrelevant– Insufficient– Insignificant