The AP Language and Composition Exam requires students to write an argumentative research paper as part of their final assessment. While students are given a choice of essay prompts to respond to, the research paper must follow specific guidelines and demonstrate skill in crafting arguments, incorporating and synthesizing outside sources, and using proper citation format. To help students understand what is expected, examples of successful AP Lang argumentative research papers can provide invaluable insights. Here are analyses of three such sample papers that achieved high scores:
Sample Paper #1 (Score: 8/9)
This 17-page paper argues that social media has had an overall negative impact on political discourse and civic engagement in the United States. The introduction establishes the paper’s thesis in a clear, sophisticated manner and previews the structure of the argument. Each body paragraph focuses on a different negative consequence of social media (e.g. filter bubbles, spread of misinformation, shallow political conversations) and supports claims with evidence from a variety of credible academic sources.
Source material is smoothly integrated using a variety of effective techniques – paraphrasing, summarizing, quoting. Attribution is provided for all incorporated information using Chicago citation style footnotes. The student analyzes and comments on quoted material rather than simply inserting it, demonstrating a clear understanding of each source’s argument and relationship to their own thesis. Counterarguments to the position are acknowledged and effectively rebutted with additional evidence.
Transitions between paragraphs and sections are coherent and maintain the flow of logic. The conclusion does not merely restate the introduction but provides a reflective extension of the argument. Overall stylistic elements such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and organization reflect a mastery of academic writing conventions. This paper received a high score due to its sophisticated, evidence-based argumentation and skillful incorporation of multiple credible sources.
Sample Paper #2 (Score: 7)
In this 8-page paper, the student argues that standardized testing is an imperfect but necessary part of the American education system that can be reformed rather than abolished. The introduction clearly previews counterarguments to the student’s position. Each body paragraph focuses on a different benefit of standardized testing (e.g. measuring student/school performance, college admissions criteria) but acknowledges limitations, incorporating source material to present a balanced perspective.
While source use is generally integrated smoothly, occasionally block quotes are directly inserted without sufficient commentary. Source attribution is mostly provided in Chicago style footnotes, though a small number of sources are not cited completely. The conclusion reinforces the key points made in the argument and suggests potential policy solutions, though it does not extend the analytical framework in a new direction.
Some sentences could be tightened for increased clarity and flow. Overall, the paper demonstrates competency in making an evidence-based claim, addressing counterarguments, and using sources to explore nuances, though the integration and citation of sources as well as degree of sophistication is not consistently at the level of the highest scoring papers. This paper would receive a 7 for its effective if somewhat straightforward argumentation.
Sample Paper #3 (Score: 5-6)
This 10-page paper argues that social media has had a predominantly positive effect on youth activism and political participation. The introduction establishes the thesis claim but could more explicitly preview the overall structure and scope of the argument. Each body paragraph focuses on a benefit of social media (e.g. raising awareness, organizing protests, exposing injustices) but supporting evidence relies more on examples and personal observations than academic sources.
Source attribution is provided for direct quotes using MLA style in-text citations, though block quotes and summaries are not always smoothly integrated into the student’s own prose. Counterarguments to the position taken are briefly acknowledged but not thoroughly engaged with or rebutted using evidence. Transitions between ideas could be sharper and the overall flow of logic could be tighter.
The conclusion restates key points of the argument but does not suggest implications or extensions. While the paper demonstrates an attempt to make a claim and support it with some evidence, the argumentation lacks sophistication, nuance and integration of credible sources expected at this level. Issues with structure, logic, and source use indicate this paper would likely earn between a 5-6.
These sample papers provide valuable examples for students to understand how successfully crafted argumentation and skillful incorporation of outside sources can earn high scores on the AP Lang exam. Even marginally lower scoring papers offer insights into areas students should focus on to strengthen analytical writing ability. Comparing paper structure, argument logic, use of evidence, discussion of counterarguments and citation practices across scoring levels can help students better understand exam expectations and improve.
The AP Lang research paper prompts students to thoughtfully explore complex issues and marshal evidence to support a position. While a substantial undertaking, these sample papers demonstrate that with practice developing nuanced, well-supported arguments and smoothly integrating credible sources, students can earn top scores through mastery of the key skills assessed. Analyzing model responses illuminates the exam standards and equips students to write their best paper.
Andrew Stroud