Template: Evaluating Texts and Establishing a Central Proposition*

You will be using the following template when approaching the reading of articles, essays, letters, visuals, etc. throughout this course. Initially, you will use this on each single source until we work towards the synthesis of several selections in the formation of your own central proposition. Reading in this course involves not only evaluating the arguments of accomplished writers, but being able to do as they do, “converse with sources and incorporate (literally em-body) them in their argument” (Jolliffe). Your goal is to create a researched argument with a stance on a topic or issue, but to “enter the conversation”using your own strategies of rhetoric.

  1. Read Closely: your first task is to read and “talk with the text” using annotations. Make sure that you make notations on the text that relate to rhetorical strategies, as well as your personal reactions to the material presented that can later help with step 4.
  2. Analyze: analyze the argument each source makes:
  3. What claim is the source making about the issue?
  4. What data or evidence does the source offer in support of that claim?
  5. What are the assumptions or beliefs (explicit or unspoken) that warrant using this evidence or data to support the claim?
  6. Finding a Position: Generalize your own potential stands on the issue. Ask:
  7. What are two or three (or more) possible positions on this issue that I could take?
  8. Which of these positions do I really want to take? Why? (Warning: avoid the temptation to oversimplify the issue or to hone in immediately on an obvious thesis- the best student responses will be those that demonstrate some thought to the nuances and the complexities of the assigned topic).
  9. Establishing a Position: Converse-this is the most challenging part!
  10. You may want to keep this in mind for when you annotate the text as well and use your notes to help you figure out the conversation you would have.
  11. Imagine presenting EACH of your best positions on the issue to each to the authors of the provided sources- this will help you delve into a conversation with the texts and will allow you to see which of your possible positions works best. Role play and imagine each of the conversations:
  12. Would the author/creator agree with your position? Why?
  13. Would the author/creator disagree with your position? Why?
  14. Would the author/creator want to qualify it in some way? Why and how?
  15. Finesse- refine the point that you would like to make about the issue so that you can create a central proposition (a thesis) - “as complicated and robust as the topic demands. This would be the central focus for a response and would most likely appear early in the composition- after a sentence or two that contextualizes the topic or issue for the reader” (Jolliffe).
  16. Argue your central proposition by developing a case for the position. “The writer must develop the case for the position by incorporating within his or her own thinking the conversations he or she has had with the authors/creators of the primary sources” (Jolliffe). Create a few statements that follow the format: “Source A takes a position similar to mine," or "Source C would oppose my position, but here's why I still maintain its validity," or "Source E offers a slightly different perspective, one that I would alter a bit."

*Jolliffe, David. “Preparing for the 2007 Synthesis Question: Six Moves Toward Success.” CollegeBoard AP Central. 2007. 26 June 2007 <