AP Seminar Performance Task 2: Building Your Argument, Part 1

Summary

Ms. Malloy's seminar focuses on crafting an effective argument for the IWA, emphasizing the importance of a detailed outline before drafting. She instructs students to refine their research questions and engage with multiple credible sources to build a well-supported argument. The seminar covers the rubric criteria for a high-scoring argument, including clear and logical organization, and the connection between claims and evidence. Malloy guides students through the process of narrowing their research scope, analyzing sources, and planning their argumentative structure, including main claims, subclaims, evidence, counterclaims, and rebuttals. She underscores the significance of the main claim as the central sentence of the paper and the necessity of addressing both sides of an argument for academic integrity. The seminar concludes with a reminder to stay true to the argument's purpose and to outline the argument carefully before writing.

Takeaways

• 📝 The importance of outlining an argument before starting to write is emphasized for effective writing.
• 🔎 The argument for the IWA must be evidence-based, grounded in research from multiple credible and relevant sources.
• 🛠 Students are advised to refine their research question after gathering sources to ensure a focused and concrete argument.
• 🌐 The process involves putting sources in conversation with each other to understand different perspectives and how they can frame the argument.
• 🔑 The significance of verifying the use of stimulus material and ensuring it is incorporated throughout the argument is highlighted.
• 🎯 The main claim or thesis is identified as the most crucial sentence in the paper, answering the research question and guiding the argument.
• 📚 It's suggested to use color coding or themes to organize and identify patterns in sources for better understanding and argument development.
• 🤔 The need to consider counterclaims and oppositions to make the argument robust and to address potential weaknesses or concessions.
• 📈 The process of developing sub-claims and reasons to support the main claim, backed by sufficient evidence from the sources.
• ✍️ The conclusion should remind readers of the argument's value, implications, and potential next steps without introducing new arguments.
• 📈 The rubric is used to evaluate the argument, with a focus on clarity, logical organization, and the connection between claims and evidence.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Mrs. Malloy's discussion in the video?

The main focus of Mrs. Malloy's discussion is on building the argument for the IWA, emphasizing the importance of carefully outlining the argument in advance before starting to write the essay.

What is the significance of having a well-outlined argument before drafting an essay?

A well-outlined argument is significant as it ensures that the essay is logically organized, well-reasoned, and leads to a plausible, well-aligned conclusion, which are key components for a high-scoring argument.

What did Mr. Gonzalez help the students with in the previous video?

In the previous video, Mr. Gonzalez worked with the students on refining their research questions and gave them the task of finding sources for their IWA argument.

Why is it essential to have multiple credible and relevant sources for the IWA argument?

Having multiple credible and relevant sources is essential because the argument for the IWA must be evidence-based, grounded in research, and not just based on personal perspectives or singular opinions.

What does Mrs. Malloy suggest students should do if they haven't found sources yet?

Mrs. Malloy suggests that if students haven't found sources yet, they should stop the video, find their sources, and then come back to the video for further guidance.

What is the purpose of rubric row four in evaluating an argument?

Rubric row four evaluates the clarity, convincing nature, logical organization, and reasoning of the argument, ensuring that it is well-connected and leads to a plausible conclusion.

What is the difference between a high-scoring argument and one that scores in the middle?

A high-scoring argument is clear, convincing, logically organized, and well-reasoned, with claims and evidence connected effectively. A middle-scoring argument may present a claim with logical organization but may have flaws in reasoning, development, or organization.

What does a score of zero on the rubric indicate about an argument?

A score of zero indicates that the argument is not being made effectively, either by just summarizing without an argument or providing an argument based on unsubstantiated opinions without the use of credible sources.

Why is it important to refine the research question after collecting sources?

Refining the research question after collecting sources is important because it allows for a more specific, concrete argument and ensures that the question aligns with the evidence gathered, leading to a well-developed argument.

What is the role of the stimulus material in the argument development process?

The stimulus material plays a crucial role in the argument development process as it needs to be incorporated in an essential way, ensuring that the argument is connected to the source material and not treated as an afterthought.

How does Mrs. Malloy suggest students should approach the organization of their argument?

Mrs. Malloy suggests a multi-step process for organizing the argument, which includes refining the research question, putting sources in conversation, verifying the use of stimulus material, and carefully planning the argument with main claims, sub-claims, evidence, counterclaims, and rebuttals.

What is the significance of the main claim in an argumentative essay?

The main claim is significant as it is the most important sentence in the paper, answering the question of what the writer is trying to prove and why. It should be clear, specific, narrow, argumentative, and explicitly referenced to guide the entire paper.

Why is it important to consider the counterclaim or opposition in the argument?

Considering the counterclaim or opposition is important because it adds complexity and depth to the argument, showing that the writer has engaged with the existing research and is being fair and academic in their approach.

What does Mrs. Malloy advise regarding the conclusion of the argumentative essay?

Mrs. Malloy advises that the conclusion should remind the reader of the value, limitations, implications, and consequences of the argument. It should not introduce a new argument or solution but can suggest future directions or the need for further action.

What is the final takeaway from Mrs. Malloy's discussion on building an argument?

The final takeaway is that writing an effective argument begins with carefully outlining the argument in advance, going through a thorough process of refining questions, analyzing sources, and planning the structure of the argument before drafting the essay.