AP Seminar Performance Task 2: Aligning the Purpose of Your Argument

Summary

In this educational video, Jerry Gonzalez from Lane Tech College Prep discusses the importance of alignment in argumentative writing. He emphasizes the need to align the research question, argument, and conclusion for a high-scoring paper. Gonzalez introduces the concepts of 'lenses' and 'perspectives' as crucial for examining topics and conveying viewpoints. He differentiates between position-based and solution-based research questions, explaining how each leads to different argument outcomes. The video also covers strategies for incorporating objections, limitations, and implications into arguments, tailored to the type of research question posed. Gonzalez advises staying within the theme of stimulus sources and provides guidance on maintaining alignment throughout the research and writing process.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video focuses on the importance of alignment in academic writing, specifically in developing research papers.
• 🧐 Jerry Gonzalez, the instructor, teaches at Lane Tech College Prep and aims to help students incorporate implications, limitations, and objections into their papers.
• 🔍 The video emphasizes the need for proper alignment between the research question, argument, and conclusion for a high-scoring paper.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The concepts of 'lens' and 'perspective' are crucial for the writing, researching, and reviewing process; a lens is a filter for examining an issue, while a perspective is a point of view conveyed through an argument.
• 👀 It's recommended to watch the AP seminar video on lenses and perspectives for a better understanding of these concepts.
• 🎯 The end goal of an argument can be a conclusion, a resolution, or a solution, and this goal should guide the type of research question developed.
• 🤔 There are two types of research questions: position-based and solution-based, each leading to a different end goal and argument structure.
• 🔄 The video stresses the importance of regularly reviewing and realigning the argument with the research question throughout the writing process.
• 🌐 The alignment should be maintained from the introduction to the conclusion, ensuring the paper answers the research question effectively.
• 🔄 Revisions might be necessary if the paper diverges from the original research question, and it's important to revise the question if needed to maintain alignment.
• 📝 Stronger arguments should consider objections, limitations, and implications, which are dependent on the type of research question and argument being made.
• 📚 For a detailed overview of objections, limitations, and implications, the video suggests checking out ESA videos 6 and 7.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video by Jerry Gonzalez?

The main focus of the video is on alignment in argumentative writing, specifically how to align the purpose of an argument with the research question and conclusion to achieve a high-scoring research paper.

What are lenses and perspectives in the context of writing and researching?

A lens is a filter through which an issue or topic is considered or examined, while a perspective, which is emphasized in AP Seminar, is a point of view conveyed through an argument.

Why is it important to watch the UAP video one on introducing lenses and perspectives?

It is important to understand the differences between lenses and perspectives as they are key concepts that one needs to consider during the writing, researching, and reviewing process.

What are the three options for the end goal of an argument according to the video?

The three options for the end goal of an argument are to produce a conclusion, reveal a resolution, or present a solution.

What is the difference between a position-based research question and a solution-based research question?

A position-based research question leads to an argument that presents a conclusion or resolution, while a solution-based research question produces an argument focused on proposing a solution.

Why is it necessary to review and realign the argument with the research question during the research process?

It is necessary to ensure that the paper remains focused and aligned from the introduction to the conclusion, which helps in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the argument.

What should one do if they realize their paper might better fit a different research question during the writing process?

If the paper seems to fit a different research question, one should revise the research question to ensure that the argument and the research question are aligned.

How does the type of research question influence the end goal of the argument?

The type of research question (position-based or solution-based) will lead to a specific end goal, with position-based questions leading to conclusions or resolutions and solution-based questions leading to proposed solutions.

What are the implications of choosing a broad research question or attempting to do multiple things in a paper?

Choosing a broad research question or attempting to do multiple things can lead to a lack of focus and alignment, potentially resulting in a lower-scoring paper.

Why is it important to consider objections, limitations, and implications when developing an argument?

Considering objections, limitations, and implications strengthens the argument by addressing potential counterarguments, acknowledging the scope of the argument, and exploring the consequences of the argument's position or solution.

How can one ensure their revisions and arguments remain grounded within the theme of the stimulus sources?

One should regularly review the stimulus sources and ensure that any revisions or developments in the argument maintain a thematic connection to the original theme identified.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Alignment in Argumentative Writing

In this introductory segment, Jerry Gonzalez, a teacher at Lane Tech College Prep, sets the stage for a video on argument alignment. He emphasizes the importance of aligning the purpose of an argument with its conclusion and research question to achieve a high-scoring paper. Jerry introduces the concepts of 'lenses' and 'perspectives' as critical components in the writing, researching, and reviewing process. A lens is described as a filter to examine an issue, while a perspective is a point of view conveyed through an argument. The audience is encouraged to watch a related video for a better understanding of these terms before proceeding. The main focus then shifts to the alignment of an argument's end goal, which can be to produce a conclusion, a resolution, or present a solution. The type of research question developed will influence this end goal, with position-based and solution-based research questions leading to different argument outcomes.

05:01

🔍 Navigating Research Question Alignment and Revision

This paragraph delves into the nuances of aligning research questions with the overall argument of a paper. Jerry explains that a paper's research question should guide the entire writing process, from introduction to conclusion. If the paper's direction changes during research or writing, the research question may need to be revised to maintain alignment. Two types of research questions are discussed: position-based and solution-based. Position-based questions lead to arguments that conclude or resolve an issue, while solution-based questions result in arguments proposing a specific strategy or plan. Examples are provided to illustrate how different positions and solutions can be derived from a general research question, such as colonizing Mars. The paragraph concludes with a caution about staying true to the theme of the stimulus sources to avoid going off-task.

10:01

🚀 Advanced Alignment Strategies: Objections, Limitations, and Implications

In the final paragraph, Jerry discusses advanced strategies for strengthening arguments by considering objections, limitations, and implications. He explains that a robust argument should address these elements, which are contingent on the type of research question posed. For position-based questions, objections might involve presenting a counter-argument or discussing concerns, while limitations require the writer to make concessions about their argument's validity. Implications, in this context, refer to the consequences of accepting the argument's position. For solution-based questions, objections could present alternative solutions or critiques, limitations might highlight aspects of the problem not addressed by the proposed solution, and implications would forecast the short-term and long-term effects of implementing the solution, as well as its impact on stakeholders. Jerry suggests reviewing additional resources for a more in-depth understanding of these components and their role in argument alignment.

Keywords

💡Alignment

Alignment refers to the consistency and coherence between different parts of an argument or paper, such as the research question, argument, and conclusion. In the video, alignment is emphasized as crucial for achieving a high-scoring threshold in research papers. It ensures that the paper's purpose, argument, and conclusion are logically connected and that the paper remains focused on the research question throughout.

💡Lens

A lens is a filter or perspective through which an issue or topic is considered or examined. In the context of the video, using a lens helps to shape the way an argument is presented and the evidence is interpreted. It is a critical component in the writing, researching, and reviewing process, as it influences how the topic is viewed and analyzed.

💡Perspective

Perspective, as highlighted in the video, is the point of view conveyed through an argument. It is a fundamental aspect of AP Seminar, where the argument is crafted to reflect a specific viewpoint. The perspective dictates how the implications, limitations, and objections are addressed in the research paper.

💡Research Question

The research question is the central inquiry that guides the investigation and argument in a research paper. It is developed early in the research process and should be aligned with the argument throughout the paper. In the video, it is mentioned that the type of research question—whether position-based or solution-based—determines the end goal of the argument and the nature of the analysis.

💡Position-Based Research Question

A position-based research question is one that seeks to establish a stance or position on a topic. It often leads to an argument that presents a conclusion or resolution. In the video, an example is given regarding the colonization of Mars, where different positions (yes, no, maybe) are explored, each requiring an analysis of implications and consequences.

💡Solution-Based Research Question

A solution-based research question focuses on proposing a solution to a problem. It leads to an argument that presents a strategy or plan of action. The video discusses how this type of question requires the writer to consider the consequences of implementing the proposed solution and how it aligns with the end goal of presenting a strategy.

💡Implications

Implications refer to the consequences or effects that follow from a particular action or decision. In the video, implications are discussed in the context of both position-based and solution-based arguments, where the speaker explains the need to consider what would happen if the argument's stance or proposed solution were to be implemented.

💡Limitations

Limitations are the constraints or factors that may affect the validity or feasibility of an argument or solution. The video emphasizes the importance of acknowledging limitations in an argument, as it demonstrates critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the topic. It is a key aspect of developing a strong and credible argument.

💡Objections

Objections are counterarguments or opposing views that challenge the main argument or solution presented in a research paper. The video discusses how to incorporate objections into the argument, either by addressing alternative viewpoints or by considering critiques of the proposed solution, which strengthens the overall argument by showing its robustness.

💡Stimulus Sources

Stimulus sources provide the thematic foundation for the research question and argument. The video script mentions the need to remain grounded within the theme of the stimulus sources throughout the revision process. Deviating too far from the original thematic connection can result in the paper being marked as off-task.

💡Concert Argument

A concert argument, as discussed in the video, is an opposing viewpoint that challenges the main argument. It can be seen as an argument that takes a contrary position or raises concerns about the main argument. In the context of the video, addressing a concert argument helps to strengthen the main argument by anticipating and responding to potential objections.

Highlights

Jerry Gonzalez teaches at Lane Tech College Prep and focuses on the alignment of argument purpose in research papers.

The video discusses strategies to incorporate implications, limitations, and objections into research papers.

Alignment between research question, argument, and conclusion is emphasized as crucial for high-scoring papers.

The importance of understanding the difference between lenses (filters) and perspectives (points of view) is stressed.

The audience is urged to watch a specific video on lenses and perspectives for a deeper understanding.

The end goal of an argument can be a conclusion, a resolution, or a solution, which should be clear from the outset.

Broad research questions might indicate a need for a more focused paper or argument.

Differentiating between position-based and solution-based research questions is key to setting an argument's direction.

The type of research question asked will lead to a specific end goal for the argument.

Maintaining alignment of the argument with the research question throughout the writing process is critical.

If the paper veers off track, it's necessary to make changes to realign the paper's contents with the research question.

Examples of alignment are given for both position-based and solution-based arguments, using the topic of colonizing Mars.

Implications, or the consequences of an argument, are typically addressed in the conclusion.

The importance of staying within the theme of the stimulus sources to avoid being marked as off-task is highlighted.

Stronger arguments consider objections, limitations, and implications, which are examined based on the research question posed.

Incorporating objections, limitations, and implications is essential for achieving a high score on the rubric.

The way objections, limitations, and implications are discussed depends on the type of argument being made.

The video concludes with a reminder to reflect on how to incorporate objections, limitations, and implications into the argument.

Transcripts

hey and welcome to another video on pt2

my name is jerry gonzalez i teach at

lane tech college prep

in this video we'll be taking a look at

alignment

specifically aligning the purpose of

your argument

so in this video we'll be developing

strategies

to incorporate implications limitations

and objections into our research papers

and then we'll be taking a look at

reviewing the need

for proper alignment between your

research question

your argument and your conclusion

because that alignment is really going

to be something that's necessary

to make our paper reach that high

scoring threshold

now i want to take a moment here before

um getting into that

to review lenses and perspectives

because those two terms are going to be

something that you

are needing to consider in the writing

researching and reviewing process

so a lens is a filter through which

an issue or topic is going to be

considered or examined

and a perspective which is really what

we're emphasizing in ap seminar

perspective is going to be a point of

view conveyed through an argument

now i want to really make sure that at

this point before

we move on that you're taking a moment

to watch

uap video one which is on introducing

lenses and perspectives have a qr code

here

which if you scan with your phone will

take you to

these this ap daily video specifically

so i really really really cannot

emphasize enough

that you in that you watch this video to

understand

what the differences between lenses and

perspectives are

i'm gonna move forward operating under

the assumption that you can

that you understand that difference

so in thinking about alignments the big

picture

you need to think about what is the end

goal

of your argument what do you want to

accomplish

and as part of your argument you have

three options

you can have an argument that produces a

conclusion

you can have an argument that produces a

revel a resolution

or you can produce an argument that

presents

a solution successful papers

will do one of these things if you have

a paper that attempts to do

multiple that might be an indication

that you have too broad of a paper

or too broad of a research question

in terms of alignment in terms of this

end goal your decision

on what you want to do producing a

conclusion

which is a final understanding resulting

from analysis or

evidence of evidence producing a

resolution

which is declaration proposing

action to solve a problem or dispute

or producing a solution depending on

what you want to do

it will lead you to a specific type of

research question

we have two different types of research

questions that you can develop

we have position-based research

questions or solution-based research

questions

the type of research question that you

ask will lead you to a specific

end goal a solution-based research

question

will produce a solutions based argument

a position-based research question will

lead to an argument

that presents a conclusion or resolution

it's important that you understand this

because we want to make sure

that your paper that your argument is

aligned

from the beginning of the introduction

all the way through that last paragraph

in the conclusion

so throughout that research process it's

going to be critical that you review

and that you re-review your argument to

ensure that it remains

aligned with your research question

if your paper gets off track you need to

make the necessary changes

to realign the contents of the paper

you always have to go back to your

research question

you always have to go back to reviewing

is my paper is my argument actually

answering my research question

so from research question development

which we covered in earlier videos

from that development once you have that

research question

that's the question that you need to

research that's the question that you

need to answer

that's the question that you're writing

your paper about

if at one if at some point in the

research in the

in the writing process you realize that

your paper

might better fit a different research

question

that's when you need to go and revise

the research question

because as a reader we're looking to

make sure

that you're answering that question

we're looking to make sure that the

quality of your argument

is aligning with that research question

that you made

so make sure throughout the research

process

throughout the writing process that

you're reflecting back

on whether or not your research question

is aligned

so let's take a look at a couple of at

two examples of alignment here

so this first example is a

position-based alignment

okay and i have my position-based

question here

very generally should the united states

colonize

mars that is my research question in the

yellow box

and some different positions some

different stances

that we can take to that research

question we can say

yes we can say yes but only if

or we could say no those are three

very generally three different ways that

we can answer the research question

that is what the position is yes no

maybe so in the broad sense those are

our positions

now we know that that's not specific

enough

but if we start thinking about the

consequences

okay what are the consequences of us

doing that

thinking about those implications if we

argue

that we should colonize mars

what would need to happen to do that

investments in technology would need to

be made to make it possible

international agreements would need to

be made to ensure cooperation

on the other hand if we argue no we

shouldn't

the consequences or the implications of

that would be

a greater risk of other countries

beginning the process before the united

states

which could weaken the position of the

us

so positions and a position-based

question

still requires to talk about

implications on the end

those implications will usually be

seen within the conclusion of an

argument

in this case that middle part

that middle chunk will be the actual

argument

the green part is going to be the so

what

now we see that

in a separate example here for a

solution based alignment

similar topic similar content but

instead of arguing

whether or not we should colonize mars

in this example we are evaluating how

should we colonize mars

and so in this case for alignment

instead of seeking to take a position

our position here is what is the

solution that you are

arguing for so in this case

the alignment is i believe that this

solution

is the best strategy to colonize mars

so the united states should aim to

colonize mars without the aid of other

countries

or the united states should work with

other countries to colonize mars

those are two different strategies to

colonize mars

and so for the implications for this

consequences of this

what are the consequences of

implementing your solution what will

happen

if we follow your plan what will happen

if we take your plan seriously and go

through with it

well if we aim to colonize mars without

the aid of other countries

this approach would allow the united

states to set the terms for colonization

of mars

and ensure the united states be in a

position of power on the new frontier

on the other hand if the united states

works with

other countries this approach would

prevent colonial rivalries that have

historically led to deathly conflict

notice those two those two green boxes

once again

would be positioned more toward the

consequences more toward the

the so what happens now kind of idea

now with all of this in mind you have to

be

mindful of the stimulus sources

because i mentioned how revision

might impact the overall alignment of

your research question

it might take you in a different

direction than you had originally

anticipated

but you have to remain grounded within

the theme of the stimulus sources for

this paper

so it is possible in making revisions

that you originally started out within

the theme of the stimulus sources

but that through revision you eventually

are too far away from that thematic

connection

that strain away from the stimulus

sources

has the potential to

having your response being marked as off

task

and you don't want that right you want

to make sure that you

are remaining within that theme that you

identified originally

for those stimulus sources

some other things that you need to

consider in thinking about alignments

remember that stronger arguments will

consider

objections limitations and implications

and the way that you're going to be

examining these elements are going to be

highly dependent on the research

question that you posed

for a general overview of objections

limitations and implications

you should check out esa videos 6 and

esa video 7

where we go into detail on um reviewing

these three components

for both position based and solutions

based questions

so let's review a little bit

in thinking about position based

questions

there are a couple of strategies that

you can consider when thinking about

how you will incorporate objections

limitations

and implications because you need to do

all three to be able to score high

on the rubric and thinking about

objections

the concert argument would be sort of

like an opposite position

right so if you say yes to something a

concert argument might be saying no to

something

it could also be seen in terms of a

discussion of concerns

a concern of concerns or objections

there

or if you have like a to what extent

type of research question

a contour argument could fall somewhere

else along the spectrum of possible

arguments

so this is where having that gray area

within your research question is

beneficial

in thinking about limitations what are

some concessions that you're willing to

make

concerning the argument that you're

advocating for

and what are some of the factors that

might influence or limit the overall

validity of your argument

and finally in thinking about

implications

so what now i started think talking

about that a little bit

when i was discussing alignment but a

solution type of paper

would typically follow the argument that

you make

in a position-based paper so what should

a solution

consider if we take your argument

seriously

and finally for a solution based

question

objections are likely going to be seen

as an alternative approach so it might

be people who don't agree with your

proposed solution who might offer

up another solution or who might offer

up

a critique or criticism of the solution

that you are proposing

in thinking about limitations what

aspects of the problem

that you identified in the introduction

is not considered by the solution that

you are advocating for

are there any new issues raised by the

implementation of your solution

what factors might uh make this solution

too difficult to implement

finally on the implication side what

will happen in the short term if your

solution is implemented

what's going to happen in the long term

if that solution is implemented

and how will your targeted stakeholders

be impacted for better or for worse

there's a lot to consider here so you

should take a moment to sort of reflect

on

how you're going to incorporate all of

these just always keep in mind

that these three aspects objections

limitations implications the way that

you discuss them

will be highly dependent on the type of

research question

the type of argument that you're making

thanks for watching