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Notes on Argument EssayOverview: The argument essay differs from the synthesis and rhetorical analysis essays in that you are not given the content to use as evidence. Instead, you are given a prompt with limited information and a question. You will have to take a stance on that question and defend your stance with evidence that you can remember/recall and logic. What counts as evidence on this essay?Depends on how much you know about the topic. It helps if you know a lot about history and current events. Literature helps as well. If you don’t, what do you do? Personal experience and observations (things you have observed). Do this only if all else fails (or when it’s most appropriate).Read prompt carefully and plan before you start writing – outline where you are going with your argument and evidence.Prompts usually (but not always) appear at the end of the directions.Make sure to dissect and address the entire prompt.Defend, challenge, or qualify a quote. Qualifying means you are taking neither a pro or con stance, but something else specifically. You might argue the extent to which something is true, detailing a clear limit, for example. This requires more skill. Whatever you choose, don’t be wishy-washy – AP readers are looking for a clear position!PlanningFirst step is to pick a side. Again, do not be wishy-washy! Clearly take a position. Think of reasons – choose the reasons that you can create the most convincing evidence to prove.Construct your thesis statement (we’ll practice with this).Plan your evidence. Good evidence will make for a stronger argument. Students who plan tend to do better on these essays! Don’t just “go with the flow.” This often leads to uneven, disorganized essays. Possible Format --- this is not the only way! Introduction with thesis as last sentence (or last two sentences), 3-5 sentences.Body Paragraph – Introduce first reason (1-2 sentences), give your evidence (3-5 sentences), explain and connect (3-5 sentences).Repeat body paragraph.Conclusion.PLEASE SEE THE LENSES CHART ON THE WEBSITE TO HELP PLAN YOUR ESSAY. Choose ONE of the below prompts and write a response using the above guidelines. Highlight your thesis in one color. Highlight your body paragraph assertion/reason in another color, your evidence in another color, and your explanation/connection in another color. Submit to before 11:59pm on Monday, 3/23/20.Prompt 1In Heroides, the Roman poet Ovid writes: “The result justifies the deeds.” In a similar vein, Greek dramatist Sophocles wrote: “The end excuses any evil.” In a well-written essay, determine the extent to which Ovid and Sophocles’ statements about the ends justifying the means are true. Use appropriate evidence from your readings, observations, and experience. Prompt 2Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States and one of the Founding Fathers, wrote: “the man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them; inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods & errors. He who reads nothing will still learn the great facts, and the details are all false.” At the same time, in favor of the press, he wrote that “people are the only censors of their governors: and even their errors will tend to keep these to the true principles of their institution.”Consider the implications of the quotes above. Then, in a well-written essay, defend, challenge, or qualify Jefferson’s statements about the value of the press in maintaining an informed citizenship. Use evidence from your readings and observations.Prompt 3The famous Greek philosopher Socrates once stated: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Consider the implications of Socrates statement. Then, in a well-written essay, defend, challenge, or qualify Socrates’ claim about wisdom. ................
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