AP Language Argument Essay

Which of the following represents a sample argument prompt?

• Art is typically valued for its beauty, its cultural relevance, and its ability to communicate the artist's ideas. Many artists, like Lin-Manuel Miranda, argue that artwork has political value as well and that artists have a responsibility to "tell the truth as [they] see it."

  Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on what role, if any, artists should take in political discourse.

• The following is an article written by Lin-Manuel Miranda entitled "What Artists Can Do." Analyze the rhetorical choices Miranda utilizes to support his views about the responsibilities of the artist.

• In his article "What Artists Can Do," Lin-Manuel Miranda asserts that “All art is political,” and that it is the artist’s job to “tell the truth as [they] see it.”

  Write a well-developed essay that argues your position on the extent to which Miranda’s definition of art and the responsibilities of the artists is valid.

Which of the following thesis statements most effectively responds to this RHETORICAL ANALYSIS prompt? The following passage is excerpted from the essay "The Plastic Pink Flamingo: A Natural History" by Jennifer Price. The essay, published in 1999, examines the popularity of the plastic pink flamingo in the 1950s. Read the passage carefully. Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Price makes to develop her argument about United States culture.

• Price's views about plastic pink flamingoes are inaccurate since they have never been as popular as she would like her reader to believe.

• The author uses credibility to develop her argument.

• Price appeals to her reader's sense of humor in discussing the evolution of the breed of flamingoes found on the coast of Florida.

• Price appeals to her reader's sense of logic while developing her claim that flamingoes represent Americans' bold, forward-thinking culture.

Which of these is a good thesis statement for the following argument prompt: "Oscar Wilde claims that disobedience is a valuable human train and that it promotes human progress. Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Wilde's claims are valid."

• Civil disobedience has been an important part of many moments in history.

• Disobedience plays a vital role in helping to move society forward.

• Oscar Wilde says that disobedience is a good thing a lot of the time.

• Martin Luther King and Gandhi used disobedience to help their causes.

Which of these is the best rhetorical analysis thesis statement?

• In order to honor Rosa Parks, President Barack Obama utilizes tone words that show his admiration.

• At the dedication of her statue at the U.S. Capitol, President Barack Obama honors Rosa Parks' legacy by utilizing emotional appeal, parallel structure, and tone shift.

• Rosa Parks was a great lady who used a lot of ethos.

• President Barack Obama uses emotional appeal, parallel structure and tone shift in his speech.

Which of the following is an acceptable quote integration? Select all that apply.

• Thatcher begins by saying, "We have lost a great president, a great American, and a great man."

• "We have lost a great president, a great American, and a great man." Margaret says this to start things off.

• To begin her eulogy, Thatcher describes Reagan as "a great president, a great American, and a great man."

• Margaret Thatcher states Reagan was a great President, a great American, and a great man.

Which essays require you to make a claim and support it with evidence? Select all that apply.

• Synthesis

• Rhetorical Analysis

• Argument

• None of these

Which choices are good to discuss in the rhetorical analysis essay? Choose all that apply.

• Appeals (emotion, logic, credibility)

• Tone and tone shifts (driven by word choice)

• Figurative language such as metaphors, similes, imagery etc.

• Structural choices such as parallel structure and juxtaposition.

Ethos refers to the credibility of _______________

• The speaker

• The subject of the piece

• The audience

A speaker may establish credibility by...

• Sharing credentials

• Using an appropriate tone

• Demonstrating expertise

• Establishing common ground with the audience.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of an AP Language Argument Essay?

• To summarize a text

• To analyze the rhetorical strategies of a text

• To argue a position using evidence and reasoning

• To narrate a personal experience