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How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay + Examples

What’s covered:, what is the ap language argument essay, tips for writing the ap language argument essay, ap english language argument essay examples, how will ap scores impact my college chances.

In 2023, over 550,148 students across the U.S. took the AP English Language and Composition Exam, and 65.2% scored higher than a 3. The AP English Language Exam tests your ability to analyze a piece of writing, synthesize information, write a rhetorical essay, and create a cohesive argument. In this post, we’ll be discussing the best way to approach the argumentative essay section of the test, and we’ll give you tips and tricks so you can write a great essay.

The AP English Language Exam as of 2023 is structured as follows:

Section 1: 45 multiple choice questions to be completed in an hour. This portion counts for 45% of your score. This section requires students to analyze a piece of literature. The questions ask about its content and/or what could be edited within the passage.

Section 2: Three free response questions to be completed in the remaining two hours and 15 minutes. This section counts for 55% of your score. These essay questions include the synthesis essay, the rhetorical essay, and the argumentative essay.

• Synthesis essay: Read 6-7 sources and create an argument using at least three of the sources.
• Rhetorical analysis essay: Describe how a piece of writing evokes meaning and symbolism.
• Argumentative essay: Pick a side of a debate and create an argument based on evidence. In this essay, you should develop a logical argument in support of or against the given statement and provide ample evidence that supports your conclusion. Typically, a five paragraph format is great for this type of writing. This essay is scored holistically from 1 to 9 points.

Do you want more information on the structure of the full exam? Take a look at our in-depth overview of the AP Language and Composition Exam .

Although the AP Language Argument may seem daunting at first, once you understand how the essay should be structured, it will be a lot easier to create cohesive arguments.

Below are some tips to help you as you write the essay.

1. Organize your essay before writing

Instead of jumping right into your essay, plan out what you will say beforehand. It’s easiest to make a list of your arguments and write out what facts or evidence you will use to support each argument. In your outline, you can determine the best order for your arguments, especially if they build on each other or are chronological. Having a well-organized essay is crucial for success.

2. Pick one side of the argument, but acknowledge the other side

When you write the essay, it’s best if you pick one side of the debate and stick with it for the entire essay. All your evidence should be in support of that one side. However, in your introductory paragraph, as you introduce the debate, be sure to mention any merit the arguments of the other side has. This can make the essay a bit more nuanced and show that you did consider both sides before determining which one was better. Often, acknowledging another viewpoint then refuting it can make your essay stronger.

3. Provide evidence to support your claims

The AP readers will be looking for examples and evidence to support your argument. This doesn’t mean that you need to memorize a bunch of random facts before the exam. This just means that you should be able to provide concrete examples in support of your argument.

For example, if the essay topic is about whether the role of the media in society has been detrimental or not, and you argue that it has been, you may talk about the phenomenon of “fake news” during the 2016 presidential election.

AP readers are not looking for perfect examples, but they are looking to see if you can provide enough evidence to back your claim and make it easily understood.

4. Create a strong thesis statement

The thesis statement will set up your entire essay, so it’s important that it is focused and specific, and that it allows for the reader to understand your body paragraphs. Make sure your thesis statement is the very last sentence of your introductory paragraph. In this sentence, list out the key points you will be making in the essay in the same order that you will be writing them. Each new point you mention in your thesis should start a paragraph in your essay.

Below is a prompt and sample student essay from the May 2019 exam . We’ll look at what the student did well in their writing and where they could improve.

Prompt: “The term “overrated” is often used to diminish concepts, places, roles, etc. that the speaker believes do not deserve the prestige they commonly enjoy; for example, many writers have argued that success is overrated, a character in a novel by Anthony Burgess famously describes Rome as a “vastly overrated city,” and Queen Rania of Jordan herself has asserted that “[b]eing queen is overrated.”

Select a concept, place, role, etc. to which you believe that the term “overrated” should be applied. Then, write a well-developed essay in which you explain your judgment. Use appropriate evidence from your reading, experience, or observations to support your argument.

Sample Student Essay #1:

[1] Competition is “overrated.” The notion of motivation between peers has evolved into a source of unnecessary stress and even lack of morals. Whether it be in an academic environment or in the industry, this new idea of competition is harmful to those competing and those around them.

[2] Back in elementary school, competition was rather friendly. It could have been who could do the most pushups or who could get the most imaginary points in a classroom for a prize. If you couldn’t do the most pushups or win that smelly sticker, you would go home and improve yourself – there would be no strong feelings towards anyone, you would just focus on making yourself a better version of yourself. Then as high school rolled around, suddenly applying for college doesn’t seem so far away –GPA seems to be that one stat that defines you – extracurriculars seem to shape you – test scores seem to categorize you. Sleepless nights, studying for the next day’s exam, seem to become more and more frequent. Floating duck syndrome seems to surround you (FDS is where a competitive student pretends to not work hard but is furiously studying beneath the surface just like how a duck furiously kicks to stay afloat). All of your competitors appear to hope you fail – but in the end what do you and your competitor’s gain? Getting one extra point on the test? Does that self-satisfaction compensate for the tremendous amounts of acquired stress? This new type of “competition” is overrated – it serves nothing except a never-ending source of anxiety and seeks to weaken friendships and solidarity as a whole in the school setting.

[3] A similar idea of “competition” can be applied to business. On the most fundamental level, competition serves to be a beneficial regulator of prices and business models for both the business themselves and consumers. However, as businesses grew increasingly greedy and desperate, companies resorted to immoral tactics that only hurt their reputations and consumers as a whole. Whether it be McDonald’s coupons that force you to buy more food or tech companies like Apple intentionally slowing down your iPhone after 3 years to force you to upgrade to the newest device, consumers suffer and in turn speak down upon these companies. Similar to the evolved form of competition in school, this overrated form causes pain for all parties and has since diverged from the encouraging nature that the principle of competition was “founded” on.

The AP score for this essay was a 4/6, meaning that it captured the main purpose of the essay but there were still substantial parts missing. In this essay, the writer did a good job organizing the sections and making sure that their writing was in order according to the thesis statement. The essay first discusses how competition is harmful in elementary school and then discusses this topic in the context of business. This follows the chronological order of somebody’s life and flows nicely.

The arguments in this essay are problematic, as they do not provide enough examples of how exactly competition is overrated. The essay discusses the context in which competition is overrated but does not go far enough in explaining how this connects to the prompt.

In the first example, school stress is used to explain how competition manifests. This is a good starting point, but it does not talk about why competition is overrated; it simply mentions that competition can be unhealthy. The last sentence of that paragraph is the main point of the argument and should be expanded to discuss how the anxiety of school is overrated later on in life. 

In the second example, the writer discusses how competition can lead to harmful business practices, but again, this doesn’t reflect the reason this would be overrated. Is competition really overrated because Apple and McDonald’s force you to buy new products? This example could’ve been taken one step farther. Instead of explaining why business structures—such as monopolies—harm competition, the author should discuss how those particular structures are overrated.

Additionally, the examples the writer used lack detail. A stronger essay would’ve provided more in-depth examples. This essay seemed to mention examples only in passing without using them to defend the argument.

It should also be noted that the structure of the essay is incomplete. The introduction only has a thesis statement and no additional context. Also, there is no conclusion paragraph that sums up the essay. These missing components result in a 4/6.

Now let’s go through the prompt for a sample essay from the May 2022 exam . The prompt is as follows:

Colin Powell, a four-star general and former United States Secretary of State, wrote in his 1995 autobiography: “[W]e do not have the luxury of collecting information indefinitely. At some point, before we can have every possible fact in hand, we have to decide. The key is not to make quick decisions, but to make timely decisions.”

Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Powell’s claim about making decisions is valid. 

In your response you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position. 
• Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning. 
• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning. 
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

Sample Student Essay #2:

Colin Powell, who was a four star general and a former United States Secretary of State. He wrote an autobiography and had made a claim about making decisions. In my personal opinion, Powell’s claim is true to full extent and shows an extremely valuable piece of advice that we do not consider when we make decisions.

Powell stated, “before we can have every possible fact in hand we have to decide…. but to make it a timely decision” (1995). With this statement Powell is telling the audience of his autobiography that it does not necessarily matter how many facts you have, and how many things you know. Being able to have access to everything possible takes a great amount of time and we don’t always have all of the time in the world. A decision has to be made with what you know, waiting for something else to come in while trying to make a decision whether that other fact is good or bad you already have a good amount of things that you know. Everyone’s time is valuable, including yours. At the end of the day the decision will have to be made and that is why it should be made in a “timely” manner.

This response was graded for a score of 2/6. Let’s break down the score to smaller points that signify where the student fell short.

The thesis in this essay is clearly outlined at the end of the first paragraph. The student states their agreement with Powell’s claim and frames the rest of their essay around this stance. The success in scoring here lies in the clear communication of the thesis and the direction the argument will take. It’s important to make the thesis statement concise, specific, and arguable, which the student has successfully done.

While the student did attempt to provide evidence to support their thesis, it’s clear that their explanation lacks specific detail and substance. They referenced Powell’s statement, but did not delve into how this statement has proven true in specific instances, and did not provide examples that could bring the argument to life.

Commentary is an essential part of this section’s score. It means explaining the significance of the evidence and connecting it back to the thesis. Unfortunately, the student’s commentary here is too vague and does not effectively elaborate on how the evidence supports their argument.

To improve, the student could use more concrete examples to demonstrate their point and discuss how each piece of evidence supports their thesis. For instance, they could discuss specific moments in Powell’s career where making a timely decision was more valuable than waiting for all possible facts. This would help illustrate the argument in a more engaging, understandable way.

A high score in the “sophistication” category of the grading rubric is given for demonstrating a complex understanding of the rhetorical situation (purpose, audience, context, etc.), making effective rhetorical choices, or establishing a line of reasoning. Here, the student’s response lacks complexity and sophistication. They’ve simply agreed with Powell’s claim and made a few general statements without providing a deeper analysis or effectively considering the rhetorical situation.

To increase sophistication, the student could explore possible counterarguments or complexities within Powell’s claim. They could discuss potential drawbacks of making decisions without all possible facts, or examine situations where timely decisions might not yield the best results. By acknowledging and refuting these potential counterarguments, they could add more depth to their analysis and showcase their understanding of the complexities involved in decision-making.

The student could also analyze why Powell, given his background and experiences, might have come to such a conclusion, thus providing more context and showing an understanding of the rhetorical situation.

Remember, sophistication in argumentation isn’t about using fancy words or complicated sentences. It’s about showing that you understand the complexity of the issue at hand and that you’re able to make thoughtful, nuanced arguments. Sophistication shows that you can think critically about the topic and make connections that aren’t immediately obvious.

Now that you’ve looked at an example essay and some tips for the argumentative essay, you know how to better prepare for the AP English Language and Composition Exam.

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How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example)

December 14, 2023

We’d like to let you in on a little secret: no one, including us, enjoys writing timed essays. But a little practice goes a long way. If you want to head into your AP English Exam with a cool head, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into ahead of time. We can’t promise the AP Lang Argument Essay will ever feel like an island vacation, but we do have tons of hand tips and tricks (plus a sample essay!) below to help you do your best. This article will cover: 1) What is the AP Lang Argumentative Essay? 2) AP Lang Argument Rubric 3) AP Lang Argument Sample Prompt 4) AP Lang Argument Essay Example 5) AP Lang Argument Essay Example: Answer Breakdown.

What is the AP Lang Argument Essay?

The AP Lang Argument Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions. Once you complete the multiple-choice section, you move on to three equally weighted essays that ask you to synthesize, analyze, and interpret texts and develop well-reasoned arguments. The three essays include:

Synthesis essay: You’ll review various pieces of evidence and then write an essay that synthesizes (aka combines and interprets) the evidence and presents a clear argument. Read our write-up on How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay here.

Argumentative essay: You’ll take a stance on a specific topic and argue your case.

Rhetorical essay: You’ll read a provided passage, then analyze the author’s rhetorical choices and develop an argument that explains why the author made those rhetorical choices. Read our write-up on How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Essay here.

AP Lang Argument Essay Rubric

The AP Lang Argument Essay is graded on 3 rubric categories : Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, and Sophistication . How can you make sure you cover all three bases in your essay? We’ll break down each rubric category with dos and don’ts below:

• Thesis (0-1 point)

When it comes to grading your thesis, AP Exam graders are checking off a box: you either have a clear thesis or you don’t. So, what crucial components of a thesis will get you your check mark?

• Make sure your thesis argues something . To satisfy your graders, your thesis needs to take a clear stance on the issue at hand.
• Include your thesis statement in your intro paragraph. The AP Lang Argumentative essay is just that: an essay that makes an argument, so make sure you present your argument right away at the end of your first paragraph.
• A good test to see if you have a thesis that makes an argument for your AP Lang Argumentative Essay: In your head, add the phrase “I agree/disagree that…” to the beginning of your thesis. If what follows doesn’t logically flow after that phrase (aka if what follows isn’t an agreement or disagreement), it’s likely you’re not making an argument.
• In your thesis, outline the evidence you’ll cover in your body paragraphs.

AP Lang Argument Essay Rubric (Continued)

• Avoid a thesis that merely restates the prompt.
• Avoid a thesis that summarizes the text but does not make an argument.
• Avoid a thesis that weighs the pros and cons of an issue. Your job in your thesis is to pick a side and stick with it.
• Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points)

This rubric category is graded on a scale of 0-4 where 4 is the highest grade. Unlike the rhetorical and synthesis essays, the evidence you need to write your AP Lang Argument Essay is not provided to you. Rather, you’ll need to generate your own evidence and comment upon it.

What counts as evidence?

Typically, the AP Lang Argument Essay prompt asks you to reflect on a broad cultural, moral, or social issue that is open to debate. For evidence, you won’t be asked to memorize and cite statistics or facts. Rather, you’ll want to bring in real-world examples of:

• Historical events
• Current-day events from the news
• Personal anecdotes

For this essay, your graders know that you’re not able to do research to find the perfect evidence. What’s most important is that you find evidence that logically supports your argument.

What is commentary?

In this essay, it’s important to do more than just provide examples relevant evidence. After each piece of evidence you include, you’ll need to explain why it’s significant and how it connects to your main argument. The analysis you include after your evidence is commentary .

• Take a minute to brainstorm evidence that logically supports your argument. If you have to go out of your way to find the connection, it’s better to think of different evidence.
• Include multiple pieces of evidence. There is no magic number, but do make sure you incorporate more than a couple pieces of evidence that support your argument.
• Make sure you include more than one example of evidence, too. Let’s say you’re working on an essay that argues that people are always stronger together than apart. You’ve already included an example from history: during the civil rights era, protestors staged group sit-ins as a powerful form of peaceful protest. That’s just one example, and it’s hard to make a credible argument with just one piece of evidence. To fix that issue, think of additional examples from history, current events, or personal experience that are not related to the civil rights era.
• After you include each piece of evidence, explain why it’s significant and how it connects to your main argument.
• Don’t summarize or speak generally about the topic. Everything you write must be backed up with specific and relevant evidence and examples.
• Don’t let quotes speak for themselves. After every piece of evidence you include, make sure to explain and connect the evidence to your overarching argument.

AP Lang Argument Essay (Continued)

• Sophistication (0-1 point)

According to the College Board , one point can be awarded to AP Lang Argument essays that achieve a high level of sophistication. You can accomplish that in four ways:

• Crafting a nuanced argument by consistently identifying and exploring complexities or tensions.
• Articulating the implications or limitations of an argument by situating it within a broader context.
• Making effective rhetorical choices that consistently strengthen the force and impact of the student’s argument.
• Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.

In sum, this means you can earn an additional point for going above and beyond in depth, complexity of thought, or by writing an especially persuasive, clear, and well-structured essay. In order to earn this point, you’ll first need to do a good job with the fundamentals: your thesis, evidence, and commentary. Then, to earn your sophistication point, follow these tips:

• Outline your essay before you begin to ensure it flows in a clear and cohesive way.
• Include well-rounded evidence. Don’t rely entirely on personal anecdotes, for example. Incorporate examples from current events or history, as well.
• Thoroughly explain how each piece of evidence connects to your thesis in order to fully develop your argument.
• Explore broader implications. If what you’re arguing is true, what does that mean to us today? Who is impacted by this issue? What real-world issues are relevant to this core issue?
• Briefly explore the other side of the issue. Are the instances where your argument might not be true? Acknowledge the other side, then return to proving your original argument.
• Steer clear of generalizations (avoid words like “always” and “everyone”).
• Don’t choose an argument you can’t back up with relevant examples.
• Avoid complex sentences and fancy vocabulary words unless you use them often. Long, clunky sentences with imprecisely used words are hard to follow.

AP Lang Argument Sample Prompt

The sample prompt below is published online by the College Board and is a real example from the 2021 AP English Exam. The prompt provides background context, essay instructions, and the text you need to analyze.

Suggested time—40 minutes.

Many people spend long hours trying to achieve perfection in their personal or professional lives. Similarly, people often demand perfection from others, creating expectations that may be challenging to live up to. In contrast, some people think perfection is not attainable or desirable.

Write an essay that argues your position on the value of striving for perfection.

In your response you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
• Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

AP Lang Argument Essay Example

As the old phrase says, “Practice makes perfect.” But is perfection something that is actually attainable? Sometimes, pushing for perfection helps us achieve great things, but most often, perfectionism puts too much pressure on us and prevents us from knowing when we have done the best we can. Striving for perfection can only lead us to shortchange ourselves. Instead, we should value learning, growth, and creativity and not worry whether we are first or fifth best.

Students often feel the need to be perfect in their classes, and this can cause students to struggle or stop making an effort in class. In elementary and middle school, for example, I was very nervous about public speaking. When I had to give a speech, my voice would shake, and I would turn very red. My teachers always told me “relax!” and I got Bs on Cs on my speeches. As a result, I put more pressure on myself to do well, spending extra time making my speeches perfect and rehearsing late at night at home. But this pressure only made me more nervous, and I started getting stomach aches before speaking in public.

Once I got to high school, however, I started doing YouTube make-up tutorials with a friend. We made videos just for fun, and laughed when we made mistakes or said something silly. Only then, when I wasn’t striving to be perfect, did I get more comfortable with public speaking.

AP Lang Argumentative Essay Example (Continued)

In the world of art and business and science, perfectionism can also limit what we are able to achieve. Artists, for example, have to take risks and leave room for creativity. If artists strive for perfection, then they won’t be willing to fail at new experiments and their work will be less innovative and interesting. In business and science, many products, like penicillin for example, were discovered by accident. If the scientist who discovered penicillin mold growing on his petri dishes had gotten angry at his mistake and thrown the dishes away, he would never have discovered a medicine that is vital to us today.

Some fields do need to value perfection. We wouldn’t like it, for example, if our surgeon wasn’t striving for perfection during our operation. However, for most of us, perfectionism can limit our potential for learning and growth. Instead of trying to be perfect, we should strive to learn, innovate, and do our personal best.

AP Lang Argument Essay Example: Answer Breakdown

The sample AP Lang Argumentative Essay above has some strengths and some weaknesses. Overall, we would give this essay a 3 or a 4. Let’s break down what’s working and what could be improved:

• The essay offers a thesis that makes a clear argument that is relevant to the prompt: “Striving for perfection can only lead us to shortchange ourselves. Instead, we should value learning, growth, and creativity and not worry whether we are first or fifth best.”
• The first body paragraph provides evidence that supports the essay’s thesis. This student’s personal anecdote offers an example of a time when perfectionism led them to shortchange themselves.
• The second body paragraph provides additional evidence that supports the essay’s thesis. The example describing the discovery of penicillin offers another example of a situation in which perfectionism might have limited scientific progress.
• The writer offers commentary explaining how her examples of public speaking and penicillin illustrate that we should “value learning, growth, and creativity” over perfectionism.
• The essay follows one line of reasoning and does not stray into tangents.
• The essay is organized well with intro, body, and concluding paragraphs. Overall, it is easy to read and is free of grammar errors.

What could be improved:

• Although the second body paragraph provides one good specific example about the discovery of penicillin, the other examples it offers about art and business are only discussed generally and aren’t backed up with evidence. This paragraph would be stronger if it provided more examples. Or, if this writer couldn’t think of examples, they could have left out mentions of art and business altogether and included alternate evidence instead.
• This writer would more thoroughly support their argument if they were able to offer one more example of evidence. They could provide another personal anecdote, an example from history, or an example from current events.
• The writer briefly mentions the other side of the argument in their concluding paragraph: “Some fields do need to value perfection. We wouldn’t like it, for example, if our surgeon wasn’t striving for perfection during our operation.” Since it’s so brief a mention of the other side, it undermines the writer’s overall argument. This writer should either dedicate more time to reflecting on why even surgeons should “value learning, growth, and creativity” over perfectionism, or they should leave these sentences out.

AP Lang Argument Essay Example—More Resources

Looking for more tips to help you master your AP Lang Argumentative Essay? Brush up on 20 Rhetorical Devices High School Students Should Know and read our Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension .

If you’re ready to start studying for another part of the AP English Exam, find more expert tips in our How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis and How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Essay blog posts.

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Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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Crafting a Powerful Argument in AP Language Essays

The AP Language exam requires students to not only comprehend complex texts but also to construct compelling arguments in their essays. Mastering the art of crafting a powerful argument is essential for success. Here's a guide to help you enhance your argumentative writing skills:

1. Understanding the Prompt:

   - Begin by carefully analyzing the essay prompt. Identify the key components, including the rhetorical strategies to be discussed or the specific type of argument to be made.

2. Thesis Statement:

   - Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your essay. Ensure it directly addresses the prompt and sets the tone for your analysis.

3. Evidential Support:

   - Support your argument with relevant evidence from the text. This can include quotations, paraphrases, or specific examples that illustrate your points.

   - Use a variety of evidence types, including facts, statistics, anecdotes, or expert opinions, to strengthen your argument.

4. Understanding Rhetorical Strategies:

   - Familiarize yourself with common rhetorical strategies such as ethos, pathos, logos, and devices like parallelism, irony, and metaphor.

   - Identify these strategies in the text and explain how they contribute to the overall effectiveness of the argument.

5. Appealing to Your Audience:

   - Consider your target audience and tailor your argument to appeal to their values, emotions, and beliefs.

   - Anticipate potential counterarguments and address them to strengthen your overall persuasive appeal.

6. Logical Organization:

   - Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

   - Ensure a logical flow of ideas, with each paragraph building on the previous one and contributing to the overall argument.

7. Effective Transitions:

   - Use transitions to connect ideas and guide the reader through your argument seamlessly. This enhances the overall coherence of your essay.

8. Sophisticated Language Use:

   - Demonstrate a command of language by using varied and precise vocabulary.

   - Pay attention to sentence structure and syntax to convey your ideas with clarity and sophistication.

9. Critical Analysis:

   - Move beyond surface-level analysis. Instead, delve into the deeper meaning of the text and the author's rhetorical choices.

   - Offer insights into how these choices contribute to the author's purpose and the effectiveness of the argument.

10. Revision and Editing:

    - Set aside time for revision and editing. Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical correctness.

    - Seek feedback from peers or teachers to gain different perspectives on the strength of your argument.

11. Consistent Tone:

    - Maintain a consistent tone throughout your essay. Whether formal, informal, or a combination, ensure it aligns with your rhetorical purpose.

12. Time Management:

    - Practice efficient time management during the exam. Allocate time for planning, writing, and revising to ensure a well-crafted argument within the given timeframe.

By honing your ability to construct a compelling argument, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the essays in the AP Language exam. Remember to practice regularly, seek feedback, and continuously refine your skills.

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Beyond Persuasion: Unlocking the Nuances of the AP Lang Argument Essay

May 7, 2024 //  by  Lindsay Ann //   Leave a Comment

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As if there wasn’t enough for students to deal with their junior and senior year – college or career planning, senioritis, prom drama – we have to go and layer in high-stakes, high-stress standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and even the AP Language and Composition test for the brave souls who choose to face the AP Lang synthesis essay, respond to the AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay, and approach the AP Lang argument essay on the AP Lang exam.  Ah, to be a student again!

So, then, how do we get students ready for AP Language, particularly when it comes to the AP Lang argument essay?  Read on to learn about unlocking the nuances of the AP Lang argument essay.

AP Lang Rubric–Sophistication

Let’s start with the fact and, I hope, common knowledge that AP Language is a challenging course, replete with rigorous reading and writing activities .  

This rigor translates to high standards and high expectations that students need to meet to pass the AP Lang exam.  (You can see an AP Lang score calculator like this one here to see what scores students need to earn to pass the AP Lang exam.)   

With this in mind, one thing we need to prepare our students for (and accept ourselves) is that on the AP Lang rubric – and this goes for the AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay, the AP Lang synthesis essay, and the AP Lang argument essay – most students will not earn the sophistication point (Row C). It’s a fact.  

Students could take an AP Lang practice test a hundred times over and still not earn this point.  

Students could look at a hundred AP Lang essay examples and see just a few that have earned this point.  

In AP Language and Composition circles, this sophistication point on the AP Lang rubric is often called the “unicorn point,” for it’s a rare and special thing .  

Now, this shouldn’t be discouraging; this should be encouraging .  

It should free students up from trying too hard for a reach point on the AP Lang rubric and calibrate them, instead, to secure the most accessible points .

AP Lang Rubric–Thesis

So few students earn the sophistication point on the AP Lang rubric – but j ust about every student earns the thesis point (Row A) on the AP Lang rubric , no matter if it’s the AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay, the AP Lang synthesis essay, or the AP Lang argument essay.  

AP Raters – those high school and college educators who score the AP Lang exam over the summer – read “generously” when it comes to a thesis.  

What this means is that they are broadly accepting of thesis statements , no matter their place in the essay or the construction of the sentence(s).  

Here’s what the thesis must do: it must 1) respond to the prompt and 2) provide a claim that requires proof or defense. If a student does that in one sentence or five, in the introduction or the conclusion , the student earns the point on the AP Lang rubric.  

For the AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay, then, the student must include some interpretation of the writer’s message/idea/purpose and some implicit or (preferably) explicit statements of the writer’s choices (which often are AP Lang rhetorical devices like appeals, tone, etc.).  

For the AP Lang synthesis essay and the AP Lang argument essay, the student must take a position that responds to the prompt or issue at hand .  

Where students fall short sometimes is that they will summarize the issue or both sides of an answer. For example, they might say “Nuclear power can be good and bad” rather than taking a stance. 

This stance is the essential foundation for the evidence and commentary to come that develops their ap lang argument essays.

AP Lang Rubric–Evidence and Commentary

So between the thesis and the sophistication strands of the AP Lang Rubric and what students are likely to earn, it’s a bit of a wash: 1 point for thesis, 0 points for sophistication.  

That leaves, then, where most of the students’ attention should be, where most of our teaching should center, and where the most opportunity is: the evidence and commentary strand (Row B) of the AP Lang rubric .  

This strand of the AP Lang rubric is worth between 0 and 4 points, a wide spread.  

Most students find themselves earning a 2 or 3 here on the AP Lang rubric , and this gives them a clear path forward.  

While the thesis and sophistication points are all or nothing, the evidence and commentary strand gives students shades of development and effectiveness to move through.  

So, then, how can we help students move from that 2 to the 3 and the 3 to the 4? 

Here are some ideas for the AP Lang argument essay:

Include specific, relevant evidence to support every claim in a line of reasoning.   

Oftentimes, students who score lower on the AP Lang rubric for the AP Lang argument essay do so because they write in generalities. They share an opinion, but not an informed opinion . They state a claim, but fail to offer evidence to prove it or support it .  

As educators, then, we can teach students the art of “for instance” and “for example.” 

These phrases are helpful and, for many students, necessary ingredients in an argument’s line of reason to transition from claim to concrete, specific evidence .  

By helping students follow their ideas with a “for example,” they are more likely to share a specific piece of evidence from their readings, observations, or experiences to support their assertions.

Strengthen commentary connecting the evidence to the claim and argument.  

Sometimes students will offer that “for instance” discussed above, but then they leave it there.  They lay the evidence out on the table for all to see . . . but that’s it .  

It’s like they are attorneys walking into the courtroom, pronouncing the defendant is guilty, showing a fingerprint to the jury, and then sitting back down.  

Where’s the commentary connecting the evidence to claim?  Where’s the logical connection that proves what they’re out to prove?  

Indeed, evidence is not evidence until a writer connects it to the point of introducing it to the audience . As such, students can strengthen their commentary oftentimes by expanding it or being more detailed with it.  

A good rule of thumb is a 1-2 ratio of evidence to commentary: for every sentence of evidence, the students should plan on at least two sentences of commentary in their ap lang argument essay.

Develop a clear, effective line of reasoning.  

By using specific and relevant evidence as well as strengthening commentary, students will inevitably strengthen their line of reasoning. 

Line of reasoning is the thread that’s pulled through the essay from introduction to body paragraphs to conclusion, from sentence to sentence, word to word.  

The clearer and more developed a line of reasoning is, oftentimes the more successful the essay is (and the higher score it earns on the AP Lang rubric for AP Language and Composition).  

Here’s a good test of the strength of a students’ line of reasoning at the paragraph level : ask students to imagine swapping the positions of two paragraphs . To what degree does it make a difference to the argument?  The organization?  The persuasion?  

If this swap makes little difference, then the writer can strengthen the line of reasoning . For example, if I swap two body paragraphs in my ap lang argument essay and it doesn’t make my writing awkward to read with a jarring transition or less effective because my points are out of order, then that tells me I need to make more purposeful choices.

I hope, then, by using the strategies above you and your students will appreciate the awesome experience that is AP Language and Composition and your students will earn all the success possible on the AP Lang exam , giving them a foundation of success to build on for years to come.

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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AP® English Language

How to get a 6 on the argument frq in ap® english language.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

What We Review

Introduction: How to Get a 6 on the Argument FRQ in AP® English Language

Wondering how to get a 6 on the argumentative essay in AP® English Language? 

To score an 5 on the AP® English Argument FRQ question, the CollegeBoard scoring guidelines outline that students need to write an essay that effectively argues a position, uses appropriate and convincing evidence, and showcases a wide range of the elements of writing. Essays that score a 6 do all of that and, additionally, demonstrate sophistication in their argument.

An essay that does all of that is an incredibly well-constructed essay. Such an essay needs a solid framework and excellent support. To do this, it is important to have a clear idea of what you are being asked, to not waffle, to spend time and care with your thesis and outline, and to support every claim you make.

We know the best way to write an AP® English FRQ that does everything right is to understand what you are going to see on the AP® English Language test. Read on to prepare yourself for exam day and earn that 6!

What to Expect from the AP® English Language Argument Free Response Questions

The AP® English argument FRQ is the most straightforward of the AP® English FRQs because it is the most similar to the essays you’re already used to writing. It’s exciting to have free reign and make your own argument, unrestrained from rhetorical analysis devices or documents. But, like most AP® writing, it also can be a little overwhelming.

There’s nothing to read and analyze to provide evidence or help you form an argument. Whether you’re feeling excited or overwhelmed by the AP® writing argument FRQ, consider the rhetorical situation. Be strategic about forming your thesis, craft a strong, chronological argument, and utilize good, supportive evidence to earn a better overall essay response.

Determine the question.

The first question to ask yourself is what am I being asked to do ? This may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how tricky it can be to figure out. Look for keywords and phrases that will answer that question.

Here’s an example from the 2019 AP® English Language argumentative essay.

Though there are just two short paragraphs, there is a lot of room for confusion here. In this case, “Then, write a well-developed essay in which you explain your judgment.” is the key sentence you are looking for. In 2019, AP® English Language test takers were asked to select a concept, place, role, etc. that they believed was “overrated,” and explain why.

If you cannot determine what the question is, go back and reread the prompt. Focus on the last few sentences, as that’s where you’ll usually find it.

Knowing the question you are answering is the most important part of AP® writing. You will not be able to answer the question effectively if you aren’t certain what the question is. Pick out a specific sentence or two to determine the question, and thereby ensure that you aren’t just writing an essay that responds to the general sense of the argument essay prompts

Pick an opinion and stick to it.

The next step is both simple and difficult. Identify your own opinion on the subject.

But remember — the AP® argumentative essay exam format is designed to test how well you can craft an argument. Questions like the 2019 question seem so daunting, because claiming anything to be “overrated” is such a broad topic. It is a bigger question than students are used to encountering on an AP® test.

But, always remember, there is no right or wrong answer for this AP® English FRQ. And whatever argument you choose will not come back later in the exam or in your final grade in the class. This is not to say that you shouldn’t believe in what you are writing. Only that you should remember that both sides are arguable, pick one, and stick to it. Don’t waffle.

Below we break down two sample student answers from this same 2019 prompt. 

In this AP® Lang argument essay example, the student jumps from describing places, to people, to outfits. The prompts asked for only one example and the student gives three.  By doing this, it shows they were not only unable to grasp what the prompt was asking, but that they couldn’t stick to their opinion.  Instead of deeply strengthening one choice, the student gives vague, half-reasons for too many choices. When writing your FRQs, choose just one concept and stick to it.

The following example demonstrates a strong student response:

This student picks one clear concept, capitalism, and clearly outlines their support for it.  They write with clear language that opens the door for the deeper analysis coming later in the essay.

Like this student, choose just one clear argument to delve into when writing your FRQ.

Craft a thesis statement.

The thesis statement should be both simple and elegant. Students often find it one of the more difficult writing skills to master, but we’re here to help. Just remember that it should encompass your entire essay in just one sentence.  So, for the 2019 argument FRQ :

Good thesis: While capitalism undeniably has its upsides, it has many downsides that are rarely recognized. When considering the downsides, capitalism is clearly overrated as it commodifies humanity and uplifts a minority at the expense of the majority.

This thesis breaks down a) that the author clearly states his claim that capitalism is overrated, b) that the author will support that claim with examples on how it commodifies humanity and how it hurts the majority in favor of the minority.

Good thesis: While the Electoral College was created in the name of equality for smaller states, it is ultimately overrated because it undercuts the popular vote, it is an archaic practice that is unsuitable for the modern era.

This thesis claims the Electoral College is overrated by claiming it doesn’t do what it was created to do in the first place- support equality.  It also introduces two supporting examples for the rest of the essay- it undercuts the popular vote and it doesn’t work in the modern era.

Not a good thesis: Kicking a ball in a net and scoring, is not as important as saving lives. Soccer to me would be considered overrated.

This thesis doesn’t give clear direction for the rest of the essay.  The author claims soccer is overrated, but doesn’t tell us why. The example that “it’s not as important as saving lives” is unrelated and also not touched on again later in the essay. This thesis isn’t specific and doesn’t give you a clear idea of what the author will be saying next.

Not a good thesis: The term “overrated” has been used in conversation to diminish the value of roles. In unusual circumstances the term “overrated” should be applied to the idea of freedom in regards to social change, but overall it should not be applied in regards to global devastation and cruel treatment.

This thesis does not directly answer the question.  Is the author arguing that freedom is overrated? They also claim that the term overrated doesn’t apply to global devastation and cruel treatment. This second claim is both unrelated to the first and doesn’t work to answer the initial prompt.

Looking at these four examples, can you see the difference between a strong and weak thesis?

After you’ve determined your thesis, use it as a jumping point to sketch a quick outline. Then, follow your outline, bringing in your own concrete examples and evidence. Doing so will improve your AP® writing.

Return to the Table of Contents

Craft a chronological argument.

A good argument builds as you move through the essay. It does not simply repeat the same points. Instead, the different points of the argument build off one another and work together to advance the author’s point.

Let’s look at the 2018 AP® English argument FRQ for an example.

In this case, students are being asked to argue a position on the value of choosing the unknown. 

All students are likely to have their own definitions of what “choosing the unknown” might mean. You first want to consider what this phrase means to you, and how it applies to the real world.  Could it mean breaking out of your comfort zone in daily routines, or could it mean going to theater school to follow your dreams?  There’s no wrong answers, but try to pin down one. Consider Lindbergh’s quote the prompt gives you, and how shock, disappointment, and enrichment play into choosing the unknown.

Once you’ve nailed down your definition, you can begin to form your arguments. A chronological argument builds off itself. So, in this question’s case, an outline would look something like this:

• Choosing the unknown is necessary for the development of the human race.
• Scientific advancements cannot be made without testing the boundaries of the unknown.
• Cultural and artistic growth can only occur through exploring the unknown.

First, a student must define what choosing the unknown means, and what makes it difficult. Next the student argues for the value of choosing the unknown, in that the human race could never develop without it.  Finally, the student will argue for the invaluable scientific and cultural/artistic advances made throughout history by breaking known boundaries.

When you sketch your outline, quickly ask yourself if the outline would make just as much sense if you rearranged it. If the answer is no, start writing your essay. If the answer is yes, try to structure your argument so that your points build off one another.

Support your claims.

All arguments need evidence. This is the proof you need to support your thesis. And in the case of the AP® English argument FRQ, the evidence all comes from you. What exactly that evidence is will vary from question to question and from student to student. But make sure that every point you make is supported by evidence.

Here’s some good news — you already know quite a bit about effective evidence from what you have learned in AP® English about rhetorical devices. Your main purpose in this essay is to persuade. What have you learned in class about effective ways to persuade? What rhetorical devices can you utilize? Try to pick the best devices to support your argument that you can.

Here are some examples of supportive and non-supportive evidence that students could use to support their claims.

The 2017 AP® English language argument FRQ asked students to argue a position if the most essential skill is artifice. The example student answers given below are from here .

Supportive evidence:   “Throughout history, rulers have utilized countless different methods of achieving power, however none have been so successful as mastering the art of lying.

In his advice to future rulers, Niccolo Machiavelli encouraged them to lie and maintain the illusion of sympathy to the common struggles in order to retain power. He asserts that it is imperative for a ruler to appear caring and sympathetic even if he has no objective but power.

Machiavelli argues that to be sincere and honest is akin to being vulnerable. A ruler must be skilled in the art of deception if he is not to fall prey to usurpers. Thus, it is essential that he appear humble and morally upright to his constituents as he is to appear idealistic, despite his nature being identical to his citizens.”

In this paragraph, the student chooses to discuss the role of artifice in politics. The student claims that mastering lying is essential to achieving political power. The student uses Machiavelli’s leadership and beliefs as specific examples to support this, by analyzing and connecting each point back to his/her claim.

Non-supportive evidence: “Another example would be actors on red carpets or at interviews they sound generous and relatable, but in reality they could be selfish people who don’t care about anyone. To the public they act charming, honest, and sincere. They do this so they can get famous and rich. They do this so they will never get ignored.”

In this paragraph, the student chooses to discuss the role of artifice in the culture of entertainment and celebrities. However, the student does not utilize supportive evidence to do so. The paragraph is full of claims about how actors lie, but does not provide a concrete example to anchor the claims. The student provides a lot of very vague generalizations, but no clear evidence or examples of specific celebrities and how they used artifice to succeed.

There is so much variance in prompts and students’ prior knowledge; it’s impossible to provide a checklist of what makes evidence supportive. But a good trick to decide if you’ve supported your claims well enough is to talk to yourself. No really, it’s a good idea.

Picture yourself discussing your essay with someone. Imagine that this person disagrees with everything that you say. Every time you make a claim, like that it’s important to be polite in an email, your imaginary person shakes their head and tells you no. How would you try to convince them? What examples would you use? Make sure that for each opinion you put forward; you have provided an answer to someone who would disagree with you.

The evidence is an important part of your essay. If your outline and your argument are a framework, your evidence is the brick and mortar. A house without brick and mortar won’t fall, but it won’t be a very nice house to inhabit. Tie every claim you make to a piece of evidence to ensure the best essay possible.

Wrapping Things Up: Scoring a 6 on the Argument FRQ for AP® English Language

The AP® English argument FRQ varies quite a bit. But it is ultimately about how well you can put forth an argument. So, don’t be afraid to spend some time crafting that argument. We’ve covered a lot in this article- here are the main points to remember:

• Determine the question. Figure out what the prompt is asking you to do.
• Pick an opinion and stick to it. Choose one side of the argument and one clear claim to support all the way through.
• Craft a thesis statement. Your thesis should be clear, concise, and introduce the content of your essay.
• Craft a chronological argument. Make an argument that builds on its prior points.
• Support your claims. Support yourself with concrete, specific evidence and examples. 

But most of all, have fun. This essay is the one you should be looking forward to, where you have the freest rein. Enjoy it and earn yourself a 6.

Do the examples shown make sense to you? Can you picture yourself moving through the AP® writing argument FRQ with ease now?

Interested in a school license?​

8 thoughts on “how to get a 6 on the argument frq in ap® english language”.

Thank you for explaining this so eloquently. Excellent post, I will keep this handy and refer to it often from now on. It’s so educative. Great post!

Sure, glad it helped.

I’m an AP® Language teacher and the title of your article caught my eye because the essays aren’t scored on a 0-9 scale anymore. The max score for an essay now is a 6. Essays are now scored in 3 categories: Thesis: 0 or 1 point Evidence and commentary: 0-4 points Sophistication: 0 or 1 point I just wanted to let you know! I saw this was last updated in 2020 and just thought it should reflect the current AP® exam.

Thank you for the heads up! This is an older blog post that must have had something else updated to it this year. We’ve gone ahead and revised the post.

Hi, my AP® Language teacher emphasized on a counterargument at the end of the supporting paragraphs. Could you elaborate on it? Also, how exactly do we get the sophistication point?

Hi Stephanie, thanks for reaching out! Making a solid counter-argument is definitely one way to make sure that you earn the Sophistication point. We recommend having a look at our AP® English Language Review Guide for 2021 for more tips! The College Board’s Free-Response Question and Scoring Information Archive also provides authentic examples of student writing — many of which successfully make counterarguments and rebuttals to earn the Sophistication point.

Hi can I get a 6?

Hi Roy, we certainly believe that earning a 6 on your FRQs is possible with practice and dedication! I’d recommend having a look at our AP® English Language Review Guide for tips and tricks, and you can also browse our AP® English Language and Composition Resource Page and Free Response practice questions for targeted practice.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay AP Lang| Winning Tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay AP Lang: A Comprehensive Guide

AP English language essays are an easy way to earn free college credits, but they come at a price. They tend to be more challenging than regular essays, and one has to possess decent writing skills to be successful. However, aside from any college credit you receive from an AP Lang essay, the good news is that you also become a more proficient writer, which should help you through college.

We have compiled some useful guidelines to help students get through these essays. We aim to better their understanding of this form of writing and prepare them for the argument essay they will write at the end of the AP course. So let’s get to it!

What Is the AP Language Argument Essay?

There are different types of essays in an AP English language exam. Some of these essays are closely related to an AP Lang argumentative essay, and it’s important to understand the differences.

The first is a synthesis essay requiring you to read several sources, often 6-7, and construct an argument using at least 3 of these sources. View it as a discussion, where the writer will gather information from the chosen sources and create a valid idea. Next, they’ll have to identify how the different sources relate to each other and use them to build a single argument.

The second is a rhetorical analysis essay which looks at a piece of work as rhetoric. Unlike the argumentative essay, it is less concerned with what the author is trying to say and more with how they are saying it; their technique, goals, and ability to appeal to an audience.

The last is the synthesis paper. The main distinction between a synthesis essay and an argumentative paper is that in the former, you rely on different sources to make your case, whereas, in the latter, you need logic, research, and facts.

Thus, an argumentative essay is not as complicated as other essays. However, if you find yourself stuck writing it, a paper writing service can be of help.

An argumentative essay is a composition that requires you to investigate a topic, collect, generate, and evaluate evidence and concisely establish a position. It is a type of essay where the writer has to explore both sides of an issue.

Depending on the writer, one can choose whether to support both sides of the thesis statement equally or to lean more towards one side. The writer has to use strong evidence from their research and powerful logic to construct arguments that get their points across.

In a good argument essay, the writer doesn’t have to try and persuade the reader to support a particular side; the points you make will help them choose their stance. However, the writer needs to declare their position and elaborate on their stance.

The main aspects of an AP Lang argumentative essay include the following.

Defensible Thesis

You have to choose a thesis to defend or challenge in your AP Lang argumentative essay. The thesis statement also needs to state your position on an issue clearly.

Supporting Evidence

Any claim you make in the AP Lang argumentative essay has to be supported by evidence coupled with your line of reasoning. The evidence can be in the form of statistics or facts you gathered from various credible sources. So, even if you order an essay online, ensure it has sufficient supporting evidence.

Complete Understanding of Your Subject Matter

As mentioned, a writer has to dive deep into both sides of the argument, playing devil’s advocate. A writer first needs to explore the thesis statement, explain their views, and even show the limitations of their stance. They’ll also have to explore the counterarguments and find ways to refute them.

Is your AP Lang argument essay engaging? Try to view it from a reader’s perspective and determine how convincing the work is to your audience. A writer’s skill in persuasion will determine whether a reader will still have doubts after reading the entire essay.

Tips for Writing the AP Language Argument Essay

Want to take your argumentative AP Lang essay to a higher level? Here’re some crucial guidelines for composing a great argument essay for your AP English language and composition exam. 

Have a Strong Stance

Establish a firm stance on the subject; it is the most critical element that should be clear in your entire AP Lang argumentative essay. Unlike AP Lang expository essays, the reader needs to know your stance from the start. You can’t keep your reader guessing about the point you’ve chosen to support.

Because of these stakes, we encourage students to choose a powerful thesis statement they can easily support or refute. The reader will know when you’re unsure, so you need to believe in what you’re writing if you expect them to see the validity of your claims. So you should have a well developed essay with a strong stance.

Choosing a stance for an argumentative AP English language essay is not always easy. Many students get stuck here and waste time they could spend writing. An easier way to do this is to explore the different sides of your thesis statement and note down the points you can raise. From there, choose the position you’ll be better at defending.

Have Enough Strong Evidence to Support Your Points

Your AP Lang argument essay needs a solid support system to support your stance. The strength of the proof determines how well your AP English language essay turns out. Writers rely on the proof to back up their thesis statement because they can’t just present their opinions and hope to score high marks. The proof will have to be factual to make your assertion valid.

The quality of your validation relies on the research you undertake. So, spend enough time researching and gathering sufficient concrete examples from reputable sources. Examples of evidence to incorporate in the argumentative AP Lang paper include:

• Research studies
• Real-life examples

Use Proper Language

By default, argument essays are assertive, and thus you should portray confidence with your words. However, you also need to display a passion for showing you are not simply putting forth an opinion but a solid argument. So, be direct and showcase your proof as facts.

There’s no place for impartiality, as is common with a synthesis essay, since you have a clear stance, so you don’t need qualifiers that propose it. Remember, your assertions aren’t based on your feelings or thoughts but cold hard facts, so you should show confidence in expressing them.

However, draw the line in confidence; don’t try to appear like an expert because it’ll make you lose your readers’ trust. Use present tense for most of your argumentative AP Lang paper except when you’re stating historical data. It should work well even when constructing a chronological argument.

Have Good Counter Arguments

In the argumentative AP Lang paper, have at least one of the body paragraphs exploring the counterarguments, just like those written by experts at essayusa review . It allows you to paint the whole picture for the reviewer and show them you comprehend the subject matter.

Raising counterarguments also gives you a chance to knock down the ideas that oppose your assertion, thus strengthening your arguments. If the whole AP Lang essay supports the points you agree with, then it’s not really a well-composed argumentative essay.

Handling Argumentative Essay Prompts

The assignment prompt is what dictates the AP English language essay you should craft. However, examiners don’t outright communicate the essay they want. Therefore, it’s up to you to properly interpret the given argument essay question.

To properly analyze a prompt, first read it multiple times. Pay attention to every detail to be certain of what they’re asking you to deliver. It’ll make the free response questions easier to handle.

Also, identify the key terms that dictate the type of paper you should write. For example, for an AP Lang argument essay, look for words like ‘argue’ or ‘claim’ on the prompt. Then choose to support or refute the thesis statement in your answer.

AP English Language Argument Essay Outline

A good outline acts as the foundation for your entire essay. The outline lists all the different sections of the argumentative AP Lang paper; all the main points are organized in the way they’ll appear in the draft. It saves you time when writing because your body paragraphs will just be you fleshing out what you have highlighted.

You can use an outline for any type of writing, from a rhetorical analysis essay to a research paper. An outline prevents you from straying from the main points and ensures you meet the requirements of your rubric. When making your argumentative AP Lang essay outline, ensure it has three key segments:

How Will AP Scores Impact My College Chances?

College admissions are competitive nowadays, and the finest margins determine rejection or acceptance. Students now have to worry about grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, but what about AP English language scores?

College admissions boards rarely factor in AP scores when you apply because they are outside your GPA and are not considered part of your transcripts. However, some institutes allow students to ‘self-report’ any extra standardized scores on an optional application section.

So how much weight does your AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay and the rest of the exam hold? It depends. Since AP scores aren’t a requirement, they’ll usually not affect applications too much. However, don’t write off that AP Lang argument essay just yet. At top schools with tough competition for slots, AP scores can help you distinguish yourself from the rest, especially if they are perfect. On the other hand, if your scores on the AP Lang essays are anything short of impressive, we don’t recommend including them because they can work against you.

Composing a great AP Lang argument essay is not as challenging as it may seem. With the right attitude and commitment, any student can compose stunning AP Lang argumentative and rhetorical analysis papers. With the above advice, you should be able to approach this task confidently and with minimum hitches.

About Abigail Massimo

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