AP Lang Q3 Example Essays

Hello! I was wondering if any of you have some good example essays for the Q3 portion of the AP Lang exam (the argument essay). I feel like seeing strong examples would help me understand what the graders are looking for. Thanks!

Hello! AP Lang Q3 essays can vary quite a bit in terms of content since the prompts are diverse. However, I can certainly offer you some general pointers on what elements graders look for in a high-scoring essay and suggest some resources to find strong examples.

1. Clear thesis: Make sure to have a clear and succinct thesis statement in the introduction that directly answers the prompt. This statement should work as a roadmap for the rest of your essay.

2. Well-structured paragraphs: Organize your ideas into coherent paragraphs, each presenting a unified argument. Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that connects back to your thesis.

3. Strong evidence: Provide specific, relevant, and varied evidence to support your argument. You don't want to just list facts, but also clearly explain how they connect to your argument through sound logical reasoning.

4. Counterarguments: Address potential counterarguments and offer rebuttals. This demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and strengthens your argument by directly addressing doubts your reader may be having.

5. Effective language & style: Use precise, varied, and impactful vocabulary and sentence structures to maintain the reader's interest and effectively communicate your ideas.

6. Conclusion: Wrap up your essay by briefly restating your thesis and main points, and provide some insight or call to action (if appropriate).

As for resources to find sample essays, the College Board website offers examples of previously administered exams along with sample student responses and scoring commentary. These can be extremely helpful to gauge what graders expect from high-scoring essays:

Furthermore, you can access additional free resources devoted to AP English Language and Composition tips, strategies, and examples through websites like Albert.io. These platforms often provide sample essays and suggestions on how to study for and approach the exam.

Finally, working with a teacher or tutor in a one-on-one setting can also be beneficial to receive personalized feedback and guidance on your writing. Good luck preparing for the AP Lang exam, and keep practicing! Developing your skills through practice essays can greatly improve your chances of scoring high on the Q3 portion.