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.