Just wondering if anyone could share some examples of successful AP Lang argumentative essays? I think seeing some exemplar works might give me a better understanding of what the graders are looking for. Thanks!
It's a great strategy to look at examples to understand what graders are looking for in AP Lang argumentative essays. The College Board website shares samples of students’ actual essays from the AP Language and Composition exam each year.
For instance, consider the 2020 free-response question #3: "Many people know the saying ‘The pen is mightier than the sword.’ Analyze how this saying applies to a work of fiction you have read." A high-scoring student might write an essay discussing Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," analyzing how the power of words, as demonstrated by Atticus Finch's impassioned and logical speeches in the courtroom, proves mightier than the prejudices deeply embedded in their society.
Remember that the purpose of the argument essay isn't just to prove that you are right; it's to prove that your argument is more valid than the opposing viewpoint. You must analyze a variety of perspectives on the topic while making a clear, well-supported case for your viewpoint. Avoid oversimplifying the topic or ignoring alternative viewpoints in your essay. Instead, acknowledge the complexity of the issue while providing comprehensive and compelling arguments to support your position.
It's also valuable to be specific and provide compelling evidence and quotes that back up your thesis, organized in clear, concise paragraphs. It's not enough just to make claims – you need to support them convincingly and address counter-arguments.
Try to practice writing under time constraints, as this will give you a good sense of what it's like to produce an essay during the actual exam. Stay concise and to the point, as verbose and over-complicated sentences can confuse the reader and detract from your argument. Also, aim for a strong conclusion that echoes your thesis and highlights your main points.
Lastly, remember that individual writing styles can vary. While these examples can be helpful guides, they are just one way to approach the essays. It's essential to develop a writing style that feels comfortable to you and accurately represents your thoughts and arguments.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.