AP Language Research Paper

This is the opportunity you have awaited with baited breath. Yes, at long last it has arrived; the chance to

showcase your mastery of rhetorical devices. This research paper requires a demonstration of the skills we

practice while studying for the AP English Language test while conducting thoughtful research on a field

of interest of your choice. This paper is intended to engage the material thoughtfully. To succeed, you

will do the following: analyze appropriate sources representative of diligent research efforts, effectively

synthesize non-fiction sources, evaluate print and non-print rhetoric, and create a qualified argument

demonstrating your ability to consider the complexity of the issue.

Topic Select a topic or issue of controversy. We will brainstorm possible topics in class. First, select an issue of

controversy. Your issue may be of local or global interest but must be cleared with me, in writing, prior to

starting your research. Avoid stock issues such as abortion or the death penalty, as these issues will rarely

be of personal interest while creating an overwhelming pool of research to sort through. Pay attention to

local newspapers as well as national news magazines for ideas. In my experience, the most compelling

papers explore extremely specific issues. Topics will be assigned on a first come basis- no repetitions.

Research Find sources that represent a balanced discussion of the issue. In your literature review, you must include

the following:

Source A: one objective non-fiction source of scholarly merit (a national publication or academic

database, not a .com)

Source B: one newspaper editorial either for or against the issue

Sources C and D: two sources in favor of your argument (not web-based: magazines, news articles,

documentaries, professional journals)

Sources E and F: two sources against your argument (not web-based: magazines, news articles,

documentaries, professional journals)

Source G: one private (.com) website in favor of your argument

Source H: one private (.com) against your argument

Sources I and J: two book length pieces of non-fiction that, in some way, explore either the specific

issue or the greater social, legal, or political implications of that issue (You do not have to read

these books in their entireties; refer to them for relevant information.)

Non-print Option (Alternative Source J): You may substitute one full-length documentary for one

of the book length pieces of non-fiction. The documentary must be approved by me.

Source K: One non-print source of data (a graph, spreadsheet, editorial cartoon, advertisement, etc.)

Directions Follow these directions when structuring your paper. The assignment is divided into five parts, each

accessing the skills we develop in this class, followed by an oral presentation.

Introduction Succinctly introduce the reader to the subject, the controversy surrounding it, and end with your thesis,

rooted in your sources.

AP Language Research Paper

Literature Review (approximately five pages) The first part of your paper will SYNTHESIZE your sources for the reader, who presumably knows

nothing about your topic. Objectively summarize the totality of your sources and provide a complete

overview of the work. You must include and label copies of all research used behind your works cited

page (except the alternative Source J). I strongly recommend structuring the literature review by

argument rather than summarizing each source, one at a time.

Rhetorical Analysis (approximately three pages) The second part of your paper will ANALYZE the rhetorical strategies of each side. Focus on the specific

devices used by each side, analyzing and evaluating the rhetorical use of ethos, logos, and pathos in

persuasion. Look for trends in diction, specific appeals, interpretation of data, creation of visual media, or

any other tool used to create an argument. You must refer specifically to the sources you have selected,

referencing them appropriately as Sources A-K. You do not need to analyze all of your sources; just

reference those representative of the general strategies of each side. You may not perform a rhetorical

analysis on the optional non-print source.

Accept, Reject, or Qualify (approximately one or two pages) Form an ARGUMENT regarding the issue, and support it with evidence from your research. In doing so,

you must attempt to find common ground; consider conceding to the opposition in order to find a win/win

scenario. Remember, while seeking to qualify this issue, you must clearly select a position.

Presentation Prepare and present a 2 to 2 ½ minute speech on topic. In essence, you are presenting your argument to the

class. Submit fully annotated copy of your final speech- all rhetorical devices should be highlighted. No

visuals aides will be permitted.

Prepare your paper according to MLA guidelines. Your work must be no longer than eleven pages. The

twelfth page of text will not be scored. This does not include your works cited page. Remember to

follow your works cited page with the copies of your research. Only include copies of texts you actually

reference, and including the copies you physically handle over the course of writing this paper is perfectly

acceptable: you don’t need to make “clean copies”.

Due Dates If you are absent on any of these dates, your work must be turned in via e-mail by the start of class that day.

No late work for any of these assignments will be accepted for credit, for any reason. Failure to present

your paper will result in a zero for the final written assignment.

Your final topic October 16.

Your preliminary works cited page November 6.

Your first draft November 20.

Your final draft December 14.

Your presentation date December 16.