Glossary
Argumentation
The overarching skill of constructing, presenting, and defending a position through logical reasoning and evidence.
Example:
Mastering argumentation is crucial for the AP Lang exam, as it involves not just having an opinion but building a persuasive case for it.
Argumentative Essay
A type of essay that presents a well-supported, nuanced argument on a specific topic, aiming to persuade the reader of the validity of the writer's position.
Example:
In an argumentative essay about the benefits of renewable energy, a student might argue that solar power is the most viable long-term solution for urban areas.
Assumptions
Unstated beliefs or premises that an argument relies upon, which must be logical and justifiable within the context of the argument.
Example:
The argument that stricter gun laws will reduce crime makes the assumption that criminals primarily obtain their weapons legally.
Audience Awareness
The writer's consideration of the intended readers' perspectives, beliefs, and potential reactions when crafting an argument.
Example:
When writing for a skeptical audience, a speaker demonstrates audience awareness by anticipating objections and addressing them proactively in their speech.
Claim
The main point or thesis of an argumentative essay, stating the writer's position on an issue.
Example:
The student's claim was that mandatory community service for high school students fosters civic responsibility and empathy.
Clarity
The quality of writing that makes it easy to understand, characterized by direct language and focused ideas.
Example:
The essay's clarity was evident in its straightforward thesis and the precise language used to describe complex scientific concepts.
Complexity
A nuanced and sophisticated understanding of an issue, often demonstrated by acknowledging counterarguments, exploring implications, or considering multiple perspectives.
Example:
The essay earned the complexity point by not only arguing for a solution but also discussing the potential challenges and ethical considerations involved.
Concise Sentences
Sentences that are brief, focused, and free of unnecessary words, conveying meaning efficiently.
Example:
Instead of writing 'Due to the fact that the weather conditions were adverse, the event was postponed,' the student used concise sentences like 'Adverse weather postponed the event.'
Counterargument
An opposing viewpoint or objection to the main claim presented in an argumentative essay.
Example:
A common counterargument to mandatory community service is that it infringes upon students' personal time and autonomy.
Evidence
Facts, examples, data, or expert opinions used to support and substantiate a claim in an argument.
Example:
As evidence for the claim about community service, the student cited statistics on volunteer hours and testimonials from students who participated in such programs.
Free Response Questions (FRQs)
The essay portion of the AP English Language exam, consisting of argumentative, rhetorical analysis, and synthesis essays.
Example:
The Free Response Questions (FRQs) require students to demonstrate their writing and analytical skills under timed conditions.
Ignoring the Prompt
A common pitfall where a student fails to directly answer the specific question asked in the essay prompt, leading to a lower score.
Example:
Ignoring the prompt by writing a general essay about education instead of analyzing the rhetorical choices in a specific speech will result in a low score.
Lack of Analysis
A common pitfall where a student presents evidence without adequately explaining its significance or how it supports the claim.
Example:
Simply quoting a source without explaining its relevance to the argument demonstrates a lack of analysis and prevents the essay from earning higher points.
Multiple Choice
A common question type on the AP English Language exam that assesses understanding of rhetorical devices, argumentation, and source analysis through selection from given options.
Example:
Students often find the multiple choice section challenging due to the subtle distinctions between answer choices regarding rhetorical effect.
Opposing Viewpoint
A perspective or set of claims that stands in contrast to the writer's main argument, which should be identified and addressed to demonstrate complexity.
Example:
To achieve a higher score, the student included an opposing viewpoint regarding the economic impact of environmental regulations, then explained why the long-term benefits outweighed the short-term costs.
PER (Present, Explain, Refute)
A strategic process for addressing new or challenging evidence by first presenting it, then explaining its potential challenge, and finally refuting why it doesn't invalidate the original position.
Example:
When faced with new data suggesting a decline in volunteer rates, the student used the PER strategy: they presented the data, explained how it seemed to challenge their claim, and then refuted it by arguing the decline was due to a temporary policy change, not a lack of student interest.
Reasoning
The explanation of how and why the provided evidence supports the claim, connecting the dots for the reader.
Example:
The student's reasoning explained that the increase in volunteer hours directly correlated with a reported rise in students' understanding of societal needs, thus supporting the claim about civic responsibility.
Refutation
The act of explaining why a counterargument does not undermine or invalidate the main claim, often by pointing out its limitations or flaws.
Example:
The student's refutation acknowledged the concern about personal time but argued that the benefits of civic engagement outweigh this minor inconvenience, especially when service hours are flexible.
Rhetorical Analysis
The examination of how writers or speakers use language, appeals, and stylistic choices to achieve a particular purpose or persuade an audience.
Example:
For the rhetorical analysis essay, students must identify and explain the effect of devices like metaphor, ethos, or parallelism in a given text.
Synthesis
The process of combining information and ideas from multiple sources to form a cohesive, original argument.
Example:
In the synthesis essay, students must integrate insights from several provided texts to construct their own argument about a complex issue.
Time Management
The strategic allocation of time during the exam to ensure all sections and questions are adequately addressed.
Example:
Effective time management during the FRQ section means dedicating specific minutes to planning, writing, and reviewing each essay.
Weak Evidence
Support for a claim that is insufficient, irrelevant, or lacks specificity, failing to adequately persuade the reader.
Example:
Using vague personal anecdotes instead of specific data or expert testimony would be considered weak evidence in an argumentative essay.