Three Types of AP Lang

Three Types of AP English Language and Composition Essays

Close Reading / Analyze Argument / Construct an Argument
-TASK ANALYSIS:
-These prompts will ask you to examine rhetorical
strategies (diction, syntax, devices, etc.) and how those strategies link to a purpose or effect
-FORMAT:
-Introduction-Engaging 1st sentence; include thesis
statement that is clear, concise, and responsive.
-Body Paragraphs: Claim, Evidence,
Commentary. Remember the levels: Level 1
(controlling idea that links to the prompt, can be a
device), Level 2 (first example of the device), and
Level 3 (two sentences of commentary about that
example).
-TIPS:
-Make sure your commentary links your evidence
to your claim.
-Chunk the text; organize organically
-When analyzing devices, make sure you consider
its affect on the argument.
-Beware of explicit and implicit tasks within the
prompt. / -TASK ANALYSIS:
-These prompts will ask you to analyze some type
of argument. It could be the presentation of
the argument; it could be the strengths and
weaknesses of the argument; it could be the
validity of the argument (a combo of this and
“Construct an Argument”); it could be analyzing
two arguments; the possibilities are endless….Be
prepared to analyze some capacity of the
argument.
-FORMAT:
-Unfortunately, this varies on the task. Deduce
the format based on your task analysis.
-You can attempt to SOAPSTone within the
introduction of your essay, if the passage allows
-If the prompt asks for pros and cons, give a
paragraph of each (similarly for c/c prompts). Spend more time on the side (pro or con) that you think is more compelling (60/40, perhaps). DO NOT IGNORE ANY PART OF THE TASK.
-TIPS:
-Do not lose focus or deliver a tangent.
-If the task asks you to choose a side, consider
including this within its own body paragraph or
within the conclusion.
-Approach the topic with an unbiased mind; do
not let your personal opinions sway your objective
duty
-Consider ethos, pathos, logos; consider devices,
but only how they help/hurt the argument;
-Consider your beliefs about the topics
-Beware of explicit and implicit tasks within the
prompt. / -TASK ANALYSIS:
-These typically include the phrase “defend,
challenge or qualify” or something to that effect.
-Some prompts will give you text. In this case,
you need to read the text, identifying the argument
and then determine your stance.
-Some prompts will simply give you the argument
and ask you to consider your feelings on a
particular aspect of argument.
-FORMAT: Classical Argument Outline; grab your
reader’s attention initially, include a brief
statement of background, clear thesis and evidence
to support your side, some form of practical
refutation (a concessionary thesis is best), and a
call-to-action
-TIPS:
-If there is a passage, only reference it within the
Introduction
-Choose evidence that demonstrates you are a
scholar. Your evidence should be outside
knowledge, not information revealed within the
passage.
-Only provide evidence with which you are
familiar.
-Have a meaningful refutation
-Beware of explicit and implicit tasks within the
prompt.