Glossary
Argument Essay (FRQ 2)
An essay on the AP English Language exam where students develop their own argument in response to a given prompt, using their own knowledge and reasoning.
Example:
In the Argument Essay, you might be asked to take a position on whether technology enhances or hinders human connection.
Concession
The act of acknowledging or accepting all or part of a competing claim as valid, often to demonstrate open-mindedness or to address limitations of one's own argument.
Example:
While I believe that year-round schooling offers significant academic benefits, I concede that it could pose challenges for family vacation planning.
Evidence
Specific facts, examples, statistics, expert opinions, or other details used to support a claim or argument.
Example:
When arguing for stricter environmental regulations, citing scientific studies on climate change provides crucial evidence.
Explanation
The crucial step in an argument where the writer clarifies how their evidence supports their claim, connecting the dots for the reader.
Example:
After presenting data on rising sea levels, the explanation would detail how this data directly supports the need for coastal protection measures.
Opposing Claims
Viewpoints or contentions that stand in contrast to the main argument being presented in an essay or debate.
Example:
In a discussion about the benefits of remote work, the idea that it hinders team collaboration is an opposing claim to the argument for increased flexibility.
Rebuttal
Offering a contrasting perspective or alternative evidence to challenge an opposing argument, suggesting it is invalid or incomplete.
Example:
The claim that social media is purely detrimental to mental health can be met with a rebuttal by highlighting its role in fostering community and support groups.
Refutation
Directly disproving an opposing claim with concrete evidence, demonstrating that it is factually incorrect.
Example:
The assertion that dinosaurs and humans coexisted can be met with a refutation by presenting geological and fossil evidence proving millions of years separated their existence.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay (FRQ 3)
An essay on the AP English Language exam where students analyze the rhetorical choices an author makes to achieve a particular purpose or convey an argument.
Example:
For the Rhetorical Analysis Essay, you would examine how a speaker uses appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade their audience.
Synthesis Essay (FRQ 1)
An essay on the AP English Language exam where students analyze and synthesize information from provided sources to develop an argument about a given topic.
Example:
For the Synthesis Essay, you might be asked to argue for or against the use of standardized tests, drawing evidence from 6-7 provided texts.
Thesis
The main argument or central claim of an essay, typically stated in the introduction, which the writer will support throughout the paper.
Example:
A strong thesis for an essay on education reform might be: 'Implementing project-based learning across all grade levels is essential for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in modern students.'