The Argument Essay
AP TIP IN Fall Conference 2013
from Monty Python
THE ARGUMENT CLINIC
Argument Essay Question Types
1.“Situational”/Issue
2. Quote
3.Prose Passage-Based
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 Experience
Literature
The Arts
History
Pop Culture
Sports
Science
Technology
Politics
Current Events
Religion
THE ARGUMENT THESIS STATEMENT
1. Subordinate Clause
 also called a dependent clause—will begin
with a subordinate conjunction…
after
although
as
because
before
even if
even though
if
in order thatonce
provided that
rather than
since
so that
than
that
though
unlessuntil
when
whenever
where
whereas
wherever
whether
while
why
While . . .
Although . . .
Even though . . .
2. Claim +
Universal Truth
• 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
3.Directions/Support
• 3 Examples
• 1 from each of the “Worlds”
1. Subordinate Clause
(dependent clause)
with concession
While, although, even
1.
though….
,
,
,
2. CLAIM Agree / Disagree
+UNIVERSAL TRUTH
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
1. The Topic Sentence
HINT at what is to come in body paragraph
Connect 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.
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 subexample 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 subexample 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?
Conclusion
• 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
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
Concession/Refutation
Paragraph