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absolutes, such as all , never , always , or totally to express your claims, evidence, or rea- 2
soning Such language tends to damage your credibility. Remember, your argument
.
doesn’t exist in a vacuum — other people have taken positions on the topic and you’re
entering into discourse with them. Your argument should be framed accordingly. The key
is to avoid language that conveys bias and hyperbole as much as possible.
Another way to be sure you’re writing a qualified argument is to use modifiers, which
qualify your claim(s) and express the complexity of the argument by helping you avoid
absolutes. Look at the difference between these two sample thesis statements, one with
modifiers, the other without:
EXAMPLE 1 Early start times for American high schools are necessary to
accommodate extracurricular activities and participation in sports Section 3 / Developing Sophistication in an AP ® Argument Essay
during after-school hours and to ensure that the buses are available to
pick up the younger students later in the morning.
EXAMPLE 2 Early start times for American high schools are frequently necessary to
accommodate extracurricular activities and participation in sports
during after-school hours and to ensure that the buses can accommodate
the needs of the rest of the school district if necessary.

This second example uses the word “frequently” to allow for the reality that not all
extracurricular activities or sports would be affected by a later start time, and the words
“can” and “if necessary” allow for the possibility that not every decision is based on
those criteria.
Another way to make sure your argument is qualified is to frame it in emotional terms
in your introduction. This way of entering an argument takes the audience’s perspectives —
alternate perspectives — into account. Think back to arguments that you have read in
which you felt you could identify with the ethos established by the voice of the writer,
including the arguments made by the writers included in this chapter. Which of the read-
ings appealed to you in ways that felt personal? What features of those arguments made
the connection strong? Establishing this kind of deep connection with your audience will
not only bolster your persuasive power, it will strengthen your grasp on your subject — by
anticipating various reader viewpoints, you examine your own beliefs and automatically
consider alternative perspectives on complex issues. In addition to asking yourself why
your topic is important and what your audience is likely to know or needs to know about
it, consider these questions:

• What are some of the well-known pros and cons relating to the issue?

• What values does my audience likely hold? What is it likely to feel about my subject?

• Does my audience have a personal interest in this topic?

The more clearly you can answer these questions, the more effectively you will be able to
establish credibility, find some common moral ground with your readers, and make a
personal connection with them.

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Uncorrected proofs have been used in this sample. Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
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For review purposes only. Not for redistribution.
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