The ONLY Way to Include Evidence in an Argument Essay!
Understanding Evidence in AP Lang Essays
Common Struggles with Evidence
- Many students struggle with incorporating evidence into their argument essays, often lacking specificity.
- Specific evidence is crucial for scoring a three or four in row B of the scoring rubric.
Tips for Effective Evidence Usage
- Introduce a third column labeled "specific evidence" in your organizer to detail your evidence thoroughly.
- Summarize your evidence in no less than three sentences and no more than five to maintain clarity without veering into summary mode.
- Use precise verbs when describing your evidence; stronger verbs enhance meaning and clarity. For example, differentiate between "reply" and "rhetoric."
Importance of Proper Nouns
- Including proper nouns (names of people, places, organizations) can indicate specificity in your writing and improve scores. If absent, it may suggest a lack of specific evidence.
Practical Application of Tips
- Demonstration on how to write specific evidence using an organizer while responding to the holiday marketing practices prompt. Start with a strong topic sentence followed by clear examples that illustrate the argument effectively.
- Use discourse markers like “for example” to signal that an example is about to follow, enhancing the flow of reasoning within paragraphs.
Christmas Celebrations and Media Influence
The Shift in Holiday Greetings
- Christmas concerts, pageants, and decorations are highlighted as significant holiday events. The media has influenced a shift towards using "happy holidays" instead of the traditional "merry Christmas."
Evaluating Evidence Criteria
- The speaker assesses their evidence against specific criteria:
- It consists of four sentences, meeting the length requirement.
- Strong and precise verbs are utilized, such as "signify," "decided," and "encouraged."
Universal Experience in Evidence
- While no specific media company or municipality is mentioned, the speaker argues that the universal nature of these events allows readers to relate their personal experiences to the evidence presented.
Achieving High-Quality Commentary
- Adding specific evidence does not guarantee a top score; effective commentary is essential for strong arguments. Viewers are encouraged to watch additional content for guidance on producing quality commentary.