AP Language Argument Essay

I've got a question about the AP Language argument essay. What kind of arguments tend to score higher? Is it more about the quality of your argument or the way you structure your essay?

In scoring the AP Language argument essay, both the quality of your argument and your essay structure matter, so it is essential to focus on both.

The College Board rubric evaluates essays based on several different aspects:

1. Thesis: Your thesis statement should clearly articulate your argument and provide a roadmap for your essay. The best theses not only take a clear stance but also present a nuanced perspective that can be developed throughout the essay.

2. Evidence and Commentary: This is about the quality and relevance of your arguments and evidence. You should use specific, relevant examples and link these back to your thesis. Moreover, sophisticated explanations that delve into the complexity of the argument tend to score higher. Using a combination of personal observations, historical examples, current events, or literature will often add depth and originality to your argument.

3. Sophistication: This criterion looks at how thoroughly you develop your argument, your ability to present a complex argument or problem, and your use of stylistic and rhetorical devices. An essay that explores the complexities of the argument and employs a sophisticated writing style will score higher in this area.

4. Structure: Your essay should have a clear, logical progression of ideas. This entails having a distinct introduction, body, and conclusion, using topic sentences to guide the reader through your argument, and making certain each paragraph builds on the previous one. Clear transitions also play a key role in this.

Bottom line: While the quality of your argument is key, the clarity, structure, and sophistication of your essay can uplift a good argument to a great one. Work on creating a clear, well-argued thesis, use diverse and specific evidence, maintain a logical structure, and strive for sophistication in your writing. Remember, practice is key. Reviewing high-scoring sample essays can also be very instructive. Good luck!