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EXAMPLE 2 Although school districts must consider economic constraints as well as 2
scheduling difficulties in deciding school start times, the health and
academic growth of our students should take precedence.
Developing Thesis Statements activity
Develop a thesis statement that could focus an argument in response to one of the
following prompts. Discuss why you think that the structure (open, closed, or counterar-
gument) you chose would be appropriate or effective.
1. American comedian Carrie Snow once said, “Advertising degrades the people it
appeals to; it deprives them of their will to choose.” Write an essay that argues your
position on the role of advertising in our society. Section 2 / From Reading to Writing: Crafting an AP ® Argument Essay
2. In his essay “What I Believe,” English author E. M. Forster (1879–1970) writes, “I
hate the idea of causes, and if I had to choose between betraying my country and
betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country.” Write an
essay that challenges, defends, or qualifies Forster’s claim that choosing a cause
over one’s friends is an act of cowardice.
3. Plagiarism is rampant in public high schools and colleges. Some people argue that
the recent rise in plagiarism is the result of the ease of “cutting and pasting,” and the
practice of “sampling,” both made easier by the internet. Write an essay that argues
your position on the most effective ways to address plagiarism in schools.
Introducing Your Argument
Now that we have a thesis statement in response to the prompt, it’s time to turn to the introduction of
the argument essay we’ll build around that thesis. The introduction of an argument essay leads your
audience into your subject. It should portray your subject as worthy of attention as well as establish that
you are a credible speaker. Here is where you want to convince your readers that they should care
about what you have to say. Some effective arguments begin with a rhetorical question that implies
what the writer’s thesis will be. For instance: Is our society overly materialistic? Should marijuana be
legalized? Should assault weapons be restricted? Asking questions like these gets your audience
thinking about the subject. Beginning with a “hook” — such as a quotation, an anecdote, a reference to
a news item or authority, or an allusion to a historical event — is another
®
tried and true way of capturing audience interest quickly. Your infor- AP TIP
mation should be accurate and your introduction brief; it should whet To learn how to write better
your audience’s appetite and prompt them to continue reading or introductions, examine what
listening. published writers do.
Whether they be essayists,
Your introduction should also provide your audience with nec- journalists, novelist, or
essary context to grasp the problem or issue your essay will poets, all writers have to
address. Not every argument essay needs to contextualize the hook their reader from the
issue at hand or the specific thesis — it depends on who your audi- opening line. Model their
moves in your own writing!
ence is and what knowledge you can be sure they bring to the
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