Building an argument with relevant and strategic evidence

Ethan Taylor

6 min read

Next Topic - Developing thesis statements

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Study Guide Overview

This AP English Language study guide covers building arguments with evidence, focusing on relevant and strategic evidence selection and analysis. It introduces the SELECT method for evidence integration and provides a step-by-step guide for argument construction. The guide also reviews thesis statement development, rhetorical situation awareness, and common exam question types (multiple-choice and FRQs), including practice questions.

#AP English Language: Building Arguments with Evidence

Hey there, future AP Lang rockstar! 🌟 Let's get you prepped to ace that exam, focusing on the art of using evidence effectively. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for a quick, impactful review. Let's dive in!

#Understanding Evidence in Argumentation

#What is Relevant and Strategic Evidence?

Relevant Evidence: Directly supports your thesis and argument. It's like the perfect puzzle piece that fits right into your claim.
Strategic Evidence: Chosen thoughtfully to maximize impact. It's not just about having evidence, but using the best evidence.
Think of it this way: If your thesis is a house, evidence is the brick, wood, and concrete that holds it together. You need the right materials (relevant) and you need to place them carefully (strategic).

Examples of Strong Evidence:

Direct quotations that highlight the author's intent.
Analysis of literary devices (imagery, symbolism) that reveal deeper meaning.
Paraphrased key ideas and themes that back up your argument.
Contextual information (historical, cultural) that sheds light on the text.

Key Concept

Remember, it's not just about finding evidence, it's about analyzing it to show how it proves your point. Don't just drop quotes; explain them!

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Memory Aid

The "SELECT" Method for Evidence

To help you remember the key steps, think of the acronym SELECT:

See the text: Understand it thoroughly.
Evaluate: Identify the main idea and author's purpose.
Locate: Choose evidence that directly supports your thesis.
Explain: Analyze how the evidence proves your argument.
Connect: Make sure your evidence consistently supports your thesis.
Tailor: Use evidence that is persuasive for the intended audience.

#How to Build an Argument with Evidence

#Step-by-Step Guide

Understand the Text 🧐:
- Read closely and take notes on key themes and ideas.
- Identify the author's purpose and intended audience.
Identify the Main Idea 💡:
- What is the core message the author is trying to convey?
Develop a Thesis Statement ✍️:
- Your main argument should be clear, concise, and debatable.
- Avoid questions or statements of fact.
Select Relevant and Strategic Evidence 🎯:
- Choose evidence that directly supports your thesis.
- Be selective; pick the strongest evidence.
- Think about why this evidence is the best choice.
Integrate and Analyze the Evidence 🧐:
- Don't just drop quotes; explain how they support your argument.
- Connect the evidence back to your thesis.
Use a Variety of Evidence 🤹:
- Mix quotations, paraphrasing, literary analysis, and context.
- A variety of evidence makes your argument stronger.
Be Consistent 💯:
- Ensure all evidence supports your thesis throughout the essay.
Be Mindful of the Rhetorical Situation 🗣️:
- Consider your audience and purpose.
- Choose evidence that will be most persuasive for them.

Exam Tip

Remember to always analyze the effect of the evidence, not just state what it is. How does it impact the reader, and how does it support your argument?

#Final Exam Focus

#High-Priority Topics

Thesis Statements: Make sure yours is clear, arguable, and specific.
Evidence Selection: Practice choosing the most relevant and strategic evidence.
Evidence Analysis: Focus on explaining the how and why of each piece of evidence.
Rhetorical Situation: Always consider the author's purpose and audience.

#Common Question Types

Multiple Choice: Questions often ask you to identify the purpose of specific evidence or rhetorical strategies.
Free Response Questions (FRQs): Require you to build an argument using evidence from provided texts.

#Last-Minute Tips

Time Management: Practice pacing yourself during practice exams.
Common Pitfalls: Avoid simply summarizing the text; focus on analysis.
Challenging Questions: Break down complex questions into smaller, manageable parts.

Quick Fact

Always remember to connect your evidence back to your thesis. This is where many students lose points!

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Practice Question

Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

Which of the following best describes the role of evidence in an argumentative essay? (A) To summarize the main points of the text. (B) To provide background information on the topic. (C) To support the thesis statement and persuade the reader. (D) To entertain the reader with interesting details.
When selecting evidence, it is most important to consider: (A) How long the quote is. (B) How well-known the source is. (C) How directly it supports your thesis. (D) How many literary devices are in the quote.
In an argumentative essay, what is the primary purpose of analyzing evidence? (A) To identify the author's background (B) To explain how the evidence supports the thesis (C) To summarize the plot of the text (D) To provide historical context

#Free Response Question (FRQ)

Prompt: Read the following excerpt from a speech by a civil rights leader. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how the speaker uses rhetorical strategies to convey their message.

Excerpt: (Assume a short, impactful excerpt is provided here)

Scoring Breakdown:

Thesis (1 point): A clear, arguable thesis statement that addresses the prompt.
Evidence and Analysis (4 points):
- Selection of relevant evidence from the text.
- Thorough analysis of how the evidence supports the thesis.
- Explanation of the rhetorical strategies used.
- Clear connection between the evidence and the speaker's message.
Sophistication (1 point): Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the text and rhetorical strategies.

#Short Answer Questions

Explain the difference between relevant and strategic evidence. Provide an example of each.
Describe the "SELECT" method for choosing and using evidence in an argumentative essay.

That's it! You've got this. Go get 'em! 💪