foundation for an effective argument Argument Essay: The Evidential Block

Transcription

1 argument essays the evidential block foundation for an effective argument

2 what is an evidential block? It is usually a single paragraph that contains a claim, evidence, and analysis of the evidence. It is the space in your essay where you present, evince, and analyze your claims. While claim and evidence are essential, the focus is on analysis of said evidence. (In synthesis, evidence is from source material) It is argumentative and specific to the text in question.

3 evidential block (arg): part one These examples are taken from the released exam from This sample is from the anchor paper given a score of 9. For more examples or to see anchor papers with other scores, go to: public/repository/ap11_english_language_q1.pdf The Claim: is one of the primary points in your argument- one reason your thesis is valid is aligned with the requirements of the prompt is argumentative: can be refuted supports your position on the issue Another crucial issue in present day America that threatens to tear the unison Paine so optimistically predicts is the ever radical political parties.

4 evidential block (arg): part two These examples are taken from the released exam from This sample is from the anchor paper given a score of 9. For more examples or to see anchor papers with other scores, go to: public/repository/ap11_english_language_q1.pdf The Evidence: is specific examples from your readings, learnings, experiences, or observations is a clear, relevant example of your position, specifically supporting your claim (even if you are refuting via counter) is properly formatted and punctuated Although both parties believe in what Paine calls the principals of society and the rights of man, this common belief fails to unite them for they see distinctively different ways of achieving them.

5 evidential block (arg): part three These examples are taken from the released exam from This sample is from the anchor paper given a score of 8. For more examples or to see anchor papers with other scores, go to: public/repository/ap11_english_language_q1.pdf The Analysis: explains how or why the evidence supports the claim explains how or why the evidence supports the overall position explains how or why the claim supports the overall position Sample analysis next slide

6 evidential block (arg): part three The Analysis: The recent [political issue du jour] standoff presents a clear example of discord, not concord, caused by our form of government. When the President and Congress fail to find consensus, serious problems might occur - such as government shut-downs or stranded immigrants. The arguments surrounding what the government can and should do eluded Paine s characterization of America. These arguments are, however, not entirely detrimental to the American society. What Paine fails to recognize is that discord can sometimes be beneficial. When people possess the right to differ, when oppositional forces such as political parties fight to gain the approval of American people, we see possibilities of change. The Civil Rights Act, which seems obvious now, was something only discord could initiate, bringing the issue into public view.

7 evidential block (arg) Prompt: Then write an essay that examines the extent to which Paine s characterization of America holds true today. Use appropriate evidence Another crucial issue in present day America that threatens to tear the unison Paine so optimistically predicts is the ever radical political parties. Although both parties believe in what Paine calls the principals of society and the rights of man, this common belief fails to unite them for they see distinctively different ways of achieving them. The recent [political issue du jour] standoff presents a clear example of discord, not concord, caused by our form of government. When the President and Congress fail to find consensus, serious problems might occur - such as government shut-downs or stranded immigrants. The arguments surrounding what the government can and should do eluded Paine s characterization of America. These arguments are, however, not entirely detrimental to the American society. What Paine fails to recognize is that discord can sometimes be beneficial. When people possess the right to differ, when oppositional forces such as political parties fight to gain the approval of American people, we see possibilities of change. The Civil Rights Act, which seems obvious now, was something only discord could initiate, bringing the issue into public view.