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From Reading to Writing:
Section 2 In this chapter, you’ve learned how to read an argument, analyze its components, and
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Crafting an AP Argument Essay

evaluate its strengths and flaws. You have also studied several methods of argument
analysis, including classical arrangement, induction and deduction, Rogerian argument,
the Toulmin model, as well as several patterns of development. In addition to helping you
understand how other people’s arguments function, these methods can help you think
about how to structure your own written arguments.

Preparing to Write: Establishing a Position
In this class, the arguments that you write will often be in response to prompts on
assigned topics. You may be required to respond to the work of others, often by devel-
oping a position on the author’s particular viewpoint. You might be asked to respond to
an issue that outlines a problem in your local community, your state, your nation, or the
world. For a homework assignment or a long-term project, you may have to research the
topic. In that case, to help support your argument, you may refer to facts, statistics, and
other quantitative data; to an authority, such as an expert’s testimony; or to historical
details about the topic to place your argument in context. But you will often be asked to
write an argument essay in a timed environment — whether in class or on an
exam — which means you typically must use what you know and remember.
Let’s say your teacher assigns you the following prompt:

The negative effects of sleep deprivation, particularly on teenagers, are well
documented. Research has shown that a lack of proper sleep increases the risks
for depression, drug overdose and alcohol abuse, bad grades, and even morning
car crashes. To help high school students get enough sleep at night, some recent
studies have recommended starting school after 8:30 A.M. However, opponents of
changing school start times have argued that doing so will cut into students’ time
for extracurricular activities and sports or after-school jobs. Such changes may
also have a domino effect on the bus schedules for elementary and middle
schools, causing conflict with their schedules.

Write an essay that argues your position on the start time for high schools in the
United States.
Arguments start with opinions. We all have them: gut feelings that often have more to
do with our values than with reason and fact. The key to developing a successful argu-
ment is to remember that there is an important difference between having an opinion and
establishing a position. Though a position you take on an issue can reflect your opinion,

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