ap spanish argumentative essay introduction

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52 Spanish Essay Phrases for Your AP Exam

In order to do well on the AP Spanish exam’s   free-response  section, you must be able to write a persuasive essay based on three Spanish-language sources.

Here we’ve put together a list of 52 vocabulary words and essays phrases that will come in handy for making and supporting arguments in your AP Spanish essays.

Handy Essay Phrases for Writing a Strong Spanish AP Composition

Starting your essay, agreeing and disagreeing, stating an opinion, supporting an opinion, contrasting (or comparing), transitional phrases, changing topics, concluding your essay, how to prepare for the ap spanish essay, what are the details of the ap spanish essay, and one more thing….

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Para empezar – To begin with

Hoy en día – Nowadays…

Hoy en día, las personas están en Internet hasta ocho horas por día. (Nowadays, people are on the Internet up to eight hours per day.)

A manera de introducción – We can start by saying…

Como punto de partida – As a starting point

Al principio – At the beginning… 

En primer lugar  – To start… 

Empecemos por considerar – Let’s begin by considering…

Estoy de acuerdo/No estoy de acuerdo — I agree/I disagree

Estoy de acuerdo con lo que dice el autor. (I agree with what the author says.)

No estoy de acuerdo con la idea principal de la fuente número dos . (I disagree with the main idea of source number two.)

En mi opinión — In my opinion

En mi opinión, los jóvenes deberían comer más sano. (In my opinion, young people should eat healthier.)

La verdad es   — The truth is

La verdad es que todavía hay mucha desigualdad en los Estados Unidos . (The truth is there is still a lot of inequality in the United States.)

Es verdad  — It’s true

Es verdad que las redes sociales pueden ser peligrosas . (It’s true that social media can be dangerous.)

Es falso   —   It’s false

Hay gente que dice que las redes sociales son peligrosas, pero esto es falso . (There are people who say that social media is dangerous, but this is false.)

Me parece/No me parece   —   It seems to me/It doesn’t seem to me

Me parece bien que los niños asistan a colegios bilingües . (I think it’s a good idea that children attend bilingual schools.)

No me parece bien que los niños asistan a colegios bilingües . (I don’t think it’s a good idea that children attend bilingual schools.)

Remember that since me parece implies an opinion or emotion, you must conjugate the verb in the subjunctive tense.

(Yo) pienso que   —   I think that

Yo pienso que no hay nada más importante que la familia . (I think that there is nothing more important than family.)

(Yo) creo que  — I believe that

Yo creo que todos los adolescentes deberían aprender a tocar un instrumento . (I believe that all adolescents should learn to play an instrument.)

The following phrases all have the same structure: Es  + adjective +  que .

This structure is similar to the English “It’s [adjective] that…” and is great for expressing and supporting opinions in a strong and confident manner. Here are some phrases that are especially useful when making and defending claims in a persuasive essay:

Es evidente que   —   It’s evident that

Es claro que   —   It’s clear that

Es cierto que  —   It’s certain that

Es obvio que   — It’s obvious that

Es importante que  — It’s important that

Es necesario que   — It’s necessary that

Es probable que   —   It’s probable that

Es dudoso que  — It’s doubtful that

For some of these phrases, the verb following the word que must be conjugated in the indicative, while others require the subjunctive . A good rule of thumb is that when implying that something is certain, use the indicative. When expressing doubt or expressing some other emotion, use the subjunctive.

On this list, evidente, claro, cierto  and obvio use indicative verbs, and importante, necesario, probable  and dudoso use subjunctive verbs.

Es cierto que nuestro clima está cambiando . (It is certain that our climate is changing.)

Es importante que la gente sepa hablar más de un idioma . (It’s important that people know how to speak more than one language.)

These words will help you refer to your three sources, which contain information that will help you support your argument. This section also contains transition words to connect one part of your argument to the next.

Según   — According to  

Según el autor… (according to the author…)

La fuente  —   The source

Según la fuente numero 1… (According to source number one…)

El tema   —   The theme/topic

Esto es un tema muy importante. (This is a very important topic.)

Mostrar   —   To show

La fuente muestra la importancia de la diversidad. (The source shows the importance of diversity.)

Remember, mostrar is an o-ue stem-changing verb—pay attention to conjugation!

Demostrar   —   To demonstrate

La tabla demuestra que muchos jóvenes en España juegan al fútbol. (The table demonstrates that many youths in Spain play football.)

Demostrar is also an o-ue stem changing verb. Luckily for you, it follows the exact same conjugation rules as mostrar !

Indicar   —   To indicate

La tabla indica que hay muchas familias pobres en ese barrio. (The table indicates that there are many poor families in that neighborhood.)

Apoyar   —   To support

Estos datos apoyan la idea de que el clima está cambiando. (This data supports the idea that the climate is changing)

Sin duda   — Without a doubt

Sin duda, el cambio climático es el problema más grave que enfrenta nuestra planeta. (Without a doubt, climate change is the most serious problem that our planet faces.)

Por otra parte   — On the other hand

Es importante que la economía crezca, pero por otra parte, tenemos que cuidar el medio ambiente. (It’s important that the economy grows, but on the other hand, we have to care for the environment.)

Aunque   — Even though/Although

Aunque is followed by an indicative verb when the outcome is known, but a subjunctive verb when the outcome is speculative.

Aunque cuesta mucho dinero, tenemos que buscar una solución. (Even though it costs a lot of money, we have to search for a solution.)

Aunque cueste mucho dinero, tenemos que buscar una solución . (Even though it may cost a lot of money, we have to search for a solution.)

Al igual que  —   Just like

Al igual que en los años 40, hoy en día hay mucha gente que no quiere ayudar a los refugiados de guerra . (Just like in the 40s, today there are many people who don’t want to help war refugees.)

Tanto… como… — … as well as…

Fill in this phrase with two nouns to emphasize that you’re talking equally about two different things.

Tanto chicos como chicas deberían aprender a cocinar, limpiar, coser y cuidar a los bebés. (Boys as well as girls ought to learn how to cook, clean, sew and care for babies.)  

Sino   —   But rather

Remember that Spanish has two translations for the English word “but.” The word sino is like the English phrase “but rather,” used to introduce an alternative.

En comparación  —   In comparison

En comparación, la fuente número 2 indica que hay más obesidad en Estados Unidos que en España . (In comparison, source number 2 indicates that there is more obesity in the United States than in Spain.)

Leer no es una pérdida de tiempo, sino una manera de aprender y de conocer otras culturas . (Reading isn’t a waste of time, but rather a way to learn and understand other cultures.)

Además  — Additionally

This word is usually seen at the beginning of a sentence, and it’s useful for transitioning from one idea or argument to another.

Además, es evidente que la tecnología nos ayuda mucho. (Additionally, it’s evident that technology helps us a lot.)

Sin embargo   —   However

This is another good transition word. In your essay, you may want to present an alternate argument and then explain why you disagree with it. Sin embargo is very helpful for this.

Obviamente, estudiar es muy importante. Sin embargo, es necesario que los adolescentes tengan tiempo para jugar con sus amigos . (Obviously, studying is very important. However, it’s necessary that teenagers have time to play with their friends.)

Por lo cual   —   For this reason/That’s why/Which is why

This phrase is used in the middle of a sentence to connect ideas.

La Amazonía tiene un alto nivel de biodiversidad, por lo cual la conservación de esta región debe ser una prioridad.  (The Amazon has a high level of biodiversity, which is why the conservation of this region must be a priority.)

Sobre un tema relacionado — On a related topic

Sobre un tema relacionado con la inteligencia artificial, se están llevando a cabo investigaciones para mejorar la capacidad de aprendizaje de los algoritmos de machine learning.  (Regarding a topic related to artificial intelligence, research is being conducted to enhance the learning capacity of machine learning algorithms.)

Cuando se trata de –  When it comes to

Relacionado con esta idea — Related to this idea

Una idea similar es — A similar idea is

Una idea similar es utilizar la realidad virtual como herramienta educativa para mejorar la experiencia de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. (A similar idea is to use virtual reality as an educational tool to enhance the learning experience of students.)

Ahora estoy pasando a  — Now moving onto

In your final paragraph, you’ll want to provide a summary of your main argument and your main supporting points. You can use the following helpful phrases:

En conclusión   —   In conclusion

En resumen   —   In summary

En fin   —   Finally

En conclusión,/En resumen,/En fin, las tres fuentes muestran que la contaminación del aire es un problema muy grave para todo el mundo . (In summary, the three sources show that air pollution is a very serious problem for the whole world.)

After summarizing your essay, you’ll want to restate your main argument in a succinct, strongly-worded sentence. Start with these phrases:

Por estas razones   —   For these reasons

Por eso  — That is why

Así que   —   Therefore

Entonces  — So

Por estas razones,/Por eso,/Así que/Entonces, afirmo que los adolescentes no deberían usar las redes sociales. (For these reasons, I affirm that teenagers should not use social media.)

In many ways, preparing for the free-response section is the same as preparing for the rest of the AP exam.

It involves studying grammar and vocabulary, and it also means immersing yourself in the Spanish language as much as possible.

There are also some targeted ways to practice for the free-response section.

• Do practice exams and read sample essays. The College Board  has posted the full AP exams from the last several years. Try to read the sources and write the essay in the allotted 55 minutes. When you’re done, go back and slowly revise your essay for errors in grammar, spelling and logic. After that, you can also check out the grading rubric provided by the College Board and several sample persuasive essays . Try to compare your essay against the rubric and the samples to see how you can improve your writing.
• Practice summarizing and analyzing Spanish-language sources. Remember all those great resources listed above? Well, it’s not enough to just read or listen to them. The whole point of the presentational essay is to measure your ability to summarize, synthesize and argue. So, after you read or listen to a Spanish-language source, take five minutes to summarize it—on paper. Identify the main argument, and then make a bulleted list of important points. Finally, write a few sentences summarizing your personal opinion.
• Learn targeted vocabulary for talking about opinions and arguments. Is there anything more frustrating than knowing exactly what you want to say, but not having the vocabulary to say it? This article lists many crucial vocabulary words for expressing and supporting opinions in persuasive essays. Using these words and phrases will help make your writing flow more smoothly, and allow you to argue with more credibility.

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You can also find some great info on great news outlets , podcasts , YouTube channels  and blogs —all in Spanish. Even following some Spanish Twitter feeds or listening to Spanish music can be a great way to work a little language practice into your day.

The free-response section of the exam is meant to test your ability to communicate with others in spoken and written Spanish.

There are two essays in the free-response section. The interpersonal essay asks you to respond to an email. The presentational essay  tests how well you can draw information from Spanish-language sources, form an argument and write formally. This second essay is a little less straightforward, so we’ll walk you through it here.

So, how does it work?

The presentational essay is based on three sources . Two of them are written sources and one is an audio source.

These sources can be just about anything: Advertisements, articles, infographics, letters, maps, interviews, radio programs, podcasts and conversations are just some examples of the types of sources you may encounter.

You’ll have about 55 minutes to complete this particular essay. First, you’ll have six minutes to read the prompt and the two written sources, and then you’ll hear the audio source twice. Finally, you’ll have 40 minutes to plan and write your essay.

The essay is graded on the basis of Spanish language skills like reading, listening, writing and grammar—but it’s also based on your general ability to analyze the sources and make a strong, coherent argument.

Of course, learning vocabulary and essay phrases is just one way to prepare for the free-response section.

Remember to expose yourself to as many Spanish-language sources as you can before test day, and don’t forget to think critically about those sources as you read them!

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How to Teach the Argumentative Essay for AP Spanish for Best Results

When I first started teaching AP Spanish, I panicked. How was I going to teach students how to write an argumentative essay for AP Spanish Language and Culture when I had never learned?  (Or, if I HAD learned, that information was irretrievable from the depths of my brain.)

I went running to the English teachers at my school asking for direction. And they came through.

Using their templates and resources (I spent months reading books), I created PowerPoints and activities in Spanish to help my students succeed on the argumentative essay (previously called the persuasive essay).  The curriculum took several years to perfect.

During this period of trial and error, I revised the lessons to further help students do their best writing. And they DID some excellent writing, organizing their essays, using transitions, and supporting their thesis statements. I was so proud of them!

I’D LIKE TO SHARE THE 15 STRATEGIES I USED THAT HELPED THEM SUCCEED ON THE ESSAY PORTION OF THE AP SPANISH LANGUAGE EXAM.

1. Don’t assume anything. Begin at the beginning

A novice teacher mistake (Yes, I’m talking about myself!) is to assume students know the basics.

Many of them don’t. Teach each concept from the bottom up, one step at time. First, teach students how to write a sentence, then a paragraph. Don’t assume students know how to capitalize words at the beginning of the sentence and end with a period, or that they even know how to keep to one topic in a paragraph. (Stream of consciousness writing anyone? UGH!) Do several practices, then give them incorrect sentences and paragraphs and have them write correct ones.

2. Teach the vocabulary necessary for writing a convincing persuasive essay.

Provide students with the vocabulary for expressing cause and effect, addressing opposing views, citing sources, introducing topics, expressing opposing viewpoints, and making comparisons. Teach them transition words and phrases as well as synonyms to prevent repetition of words.  Give them lists of vocabulary that they can use as a reference as well as model essays using the vocabulary.

3. Teach them how to write a thesis statement. Begin at the beginning.

Before teaching students how to organize their essays, teach them how to write a thesis statement with three reasons and practice with them until they have mastered it. Show students model thesis statements.

4. How do you get a 5 on the AP Spanish Essay? Practice, practice, practice!

Don’t move to the next step until students have thoroughly practiced and mastered the previous step. The most important step is the writing of the thesis statement. Once that is perfected, students are on their way to organizing their essays. And organization is KEY! I used to ask my students repeatedly, “What’s your point?”

Give students plenty of model thesis statements. Have them analyze good and bad “tesis con tres razones”. Then, in pairs, direct them to write their own. Choose exemplary thesis statements from student volunteers and show them to the class. Project sub-par statements from College Board examples and have them tell you how to improve them.

5. Teach students how to organize their argumentative essays for AP Spanish.

I spent a large chunk of my time correcting the organization of the essays as well as the writing. Students need to be organized in their thinking. Give them an outline template and tell them to write “un bosquejo” using the template . Here is the one I use.

It’s also helpful to provide students with a   graphic organizer to help them plan.

6. Teach students how to write an introductory paragraph.

 Model how to include the requisite components of the intro paragraph: the hook, the thesis statement with three reasons (a strong opinion), some effects, and a conclusion or transition. And, of course, practice, practice, practice. Tell students to pair up and write an introductory paragraph.

7. Next, teach students how to write developing paragraphs.

Move on to paragraphs and teach them how to write topic sentences that correspond to the three reasons in the thesis. Teach the developing paragraphs separately.  Have students peer edit using a checklist .  If not possible, give samples of student work with no names or samples you have made up.

8. Then, teach students how to write a conclusion.

Model all the required elements of a concluding paragraph: propose a solution or action, address the opposing arguments, reaffirm the thesis, end with a strong statement.

9. Teach and practice transitions.

Give students three paragraphs with no transitions and have them write connecting words or sentences.

10. Analyze model argumentative essays for AP Spanish.

After teaching students the components of each part of the essay, have them analyze a model essay and label the parts: 3 reasons, topic sentences, transitions, hook, topic sentence, evidence. (I divide the class up and use this activity as a competition.)

AND NOW THE SOURCES!

11. focus on the question..

Direct students to read and underline the question.

Have students read the written source and listen to the audio underlining and recording any information that answers the question.

12. Ensure students comprehend the written and audio texts.

Tell students to write a short title for each paragraph to help them thoroughly understand the written source. Occasionally, I had students write “una síntesis” and lift their white boards to show me what they had written.

For the audio texts, I had students practice pronouncing words using the pronunciation of the speaker’s particular region, for example: omitting the “s,” practicing the Castillian “z” and “c.” They also previewed and practiced the vocabulary they would encounter before reading or listening to the texts.

13. Insist students make a decision.

After reading and listening to the sources, students must make a decision: Yes, no, or both. They can’t be on the fence and they MUST not resort to summarizing the sources. Remind students to write THEIR opinion, not to begin with the sources. You will have to keep repeating this as students will initially summarize the sources instead of writing their own thesis statements. Ask them, “How can you use the sources to support YOUR thesis? Insist they use the sources ONLY to support their position. Show them several possible examples of thesis statements for each position, yes, no, or both.

14. Teach and practice the formal register.

Teach students how to use the third person instead of the first and second. Give them informal sentences with the first and second person and have them convert them to the third person, then do the reverse. These FORMAL ESSAY TASK CARDS help students practice.

AND NOW THE HARD PART

15. give frequent feedback..

This is why so many teachers don’t want to teach AP Spanish. In order for students to improve their writing, they need frequent feedback, which, translated, means HOURS of daily correcting. No life. I’m serious. Tell your family members or significant others that, for a few months, you will be unavailable.

I corrected the essays the first time using codes . I modeled for them how to use the codes to correct their essays. I circled the errors and gave the papers back to students to correct using the codes. I actually corrected each essay twice, first for organization (Does it have an introduction, a thesis statement with three reasons, corresponding topic sentences, transitions, conclusion, supporting evidence…?) Then, I corrected for grammar, vocabulary, and fluency.

After the students turned in the revised versions, I corrected them twice again, for organization and grammar, this time writing in the corrections and giving them a grade.  I staple their essays to the College Board Rubric , circling the areas on the rubric where they need to improve.

In the five years that I taught AP Spanish, only one of my students did not pass, so I know these strategies work. I believe they will work for your students also.

All of these tips and activities are included in my PowerPoints and Activities “ How to Write an Essay for Spanish Three and Four ” and “ El ensayo argumentativo .”

Teaching AP Spanish is rewarding, but also a time sucker. If you would rather not spend hours writing lesson plans in addition to correcting a mountain of essays and other assignments, use the ones I have created. Everything is done for you! All you have to do is teach, correct, and go home. Click on the link to see them. AP Spanish Lesson Plans and Curriculum for an Entire Year: Triángulo aprobado

AP Spanish Lesson Plans and Curriculum for an Entire Year: Vista Higher Learning and Temas

Here is the link to all the AP Spanish PowerPoints

If you would like to give your Spanish Four students a good foundation in expository essay writing, essential to success in writing an argumentative essay, click on the following link: How to Write an Essay in Spanish No-Prep Lesson Plans and Curriculum

I hope these strategies are helpful to you as you guide your students to mastery of the Argumentative Essay for AP Spanish.

In case you missed the other posts related to AP Spanish, here they are:

Three Tips for Teaching AP Spanish

What do I Teach After the AP Spanish Exam?

Why I teach AP Spanish the Way I Do

If you would like to receive these blog posts with teaching tips and freebies in your email, subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Best PowerPoints for Spanish and French . Just scroll down to the bottom and click, “Sign up.”

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• You are saving this new teacher countless hours of work!!! The preview showed great resources and examples for AP students can't wait to begin using! Worth every single penny. Gracias for all your time and energy spent on creating awesome curriculum! Angela A
• Such a lifesaver! Love the lessons! Creative and excellent resources. Thanks so much. You made my year much easier.
• My kids loved it and said it helped clarify this very difficult concept. Muchas gracias! Mrs. F's Room

This is SO helpful, Angie. Thank you so much for this. Two questions:

1) There are many different elements in which you say “have students practice X, Y, and Z”. This seems really time consuming. I see my students for 350 minutes every two weeks, as long as there are 5 day weeks, and we started school on Aug 30th. How can a teacher possibly give enough time to look at all of these different individual pieces?

2) For my own personal writing, and then when I have taught writing when students are using word processing (Google Docs or Word), I have always said they should write their opening statement / introduction last. Once you have said what you’re going to say, then you can go back and introduce what you have said. I learned this summer though that these are all written by hand. Would it be bad to teach students to leave some space to go back and write their full intro paragraph + thesis statement after they’ve done a bit of brainstorming?

Appreciate you and your resources!

Hi, Chris: So sorry I took so long getting back to you. There is no way for students to improve their writing without a ton of practice. If you have a limited amount of time, focus on essay writing and listening practice because those are the hardest parts for the students.

Yes, I would have students practice writing by hand since that is what they will be doing on the exam. The more similar the practice activities are to the exam itself, the better for the students. It also relieves test anxiety.

I’m not sure I understand the last question. I would have students brainstorm first, then write their thesis statement and three reasons, then organize their essay using a graphic organizer, then filling in with the details. Does this help?

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I taught world language for 31 years and have created countless resources for Spanish and French during that time.  I am a top seller on Teachers Pay Teachers and for the past 11 years I have devoted my time and energy to helping teachers save time, avoid burn-out, and bring their students to proficiency in the target language through the use of my proven resources. During the five years that I taught AP Spanish, all but one of my students (primarily non-native speakers) passed the AP exam most with fours and fives.

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The Argumentative Essay on the AP Spanish Exam: Part 2

In the last post we talked about how to teach students HOW to write an argumentative essay for the AP Spanish Exam. Now we will talk about the logistics of grading them to help students improve. It’s no easy task, for students or for teachers!

Day One: Argumentative Essay Sources

The first time my students will write an argumentative essay for a grade, I try to dial down the stress and anxiety.

I don’t feel that they need a real AP Test-taking scenario on the first try.

So, I usually present the sources on “Day one”. They have time to read the 2 print sources and listen to the audio source. I collect the sources and their notes. Usually this does not require an entire class period, especially if your schedule is a block schedule. I would plan 10 minutes for the listening and 10-15 for the print sources.

Every school has a different class schedule. In my school, we have 3 days of 44 minute classes and 2 days of 90 minute block classes. I do the sources on the shorter class that leads up to the block day.

Day Two: Writing the Argumentative Essay

On the block day, students write their first draft of the essay. I give them back their sources and notes. I also supply them with THIS checklist , which I uses as a pseudo-rubric when I am grading their work.

Amig@s, I cannot tell you how much time this checklist saves me. But I’ll talk more about it in the next block.

While students are writing, I walk around. I tell them that they can ask me how to say 5 words. (I realize that on the AP Test, this is not an option. But since this is usually one of their biggest grades for class, again- it’s about managing their anxiety.) I ask them to write the words at the top of their paper. I come around just a few times, so I don’t interrupt their train of thought, and I translate the words. I find that this is a great relief to my students!

As an FYI, I find that my students (at least a good many) use the entire block period to write. Again- they have far less time on the AP test, but this is their first time. It will get easier and faster with time and practice!

Grading the First Draft of the Argumentative Essay

Students have turned in their work, and now I have a TALL pile of papers to grade. Groan….. anyone else feel overwhelmed by seeing that stack??? : )

Ok. Let’s get moving! How do we give students specific and timely feedback?

I use THIS CHECKLIST . It is my life-saver.

It is broken down by paragraph with the things I’m looking for in each paragraph. A simple check or X provides the feedback and saves the time it takes to write out all the feedback.

At the end, there is a list of the general look-fors, like spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.

It is not exactly a rubric, because there are no points assigned to any part of it. But, when I am deciding on a grade for the student, or a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 in AP-style scoring, the checks and X’s on this list paint a very clear picture. Of course, if you choose to purchase this checklist, you can modify it to suit your own needs!

When I pass back their argumentative essay with this checklist, students can look paragraph by paragraph for the specific things they did right and the specific things they can fix or improve!

Final Draft

We take another class period to revise. Be prepared! Some students will have very little to revise! Some students will have a lot of work to do. Remember that all of our students will struggle in different areas. Here are some common areas of confusion:

-not having a clear thesis in the intro

-not using all 3 sources to back up your arguments

-having too many ideas in one body paragraph

-using quotes from sources that repeat (instead of support) what they already wrote or using quotes that don’t help at all

-being too wordy (we need to teach them to be concise because of the time constraint on the AP Test.)

-presenting an opposing viewpoint but NOT negating it (this is a big one!)

Take-Aways for Teachers

This is a BIG task, both for students and for us as teachers. It would be great if our AP Students came to us with spectacular writing skills, but in my experience, that is not always the case.

So, we not only teach our students the general writing skills of good essays, but the specific requirements of the AP Spanish Argumentative Essay, and throw in the challenge of Spanish reading and listening comprehension, and vocabulary and grammar in their writing. Ay caramba!

I find, in general, students will require at least 3 attempts at writing this sort of essay before they are consistently meeting the goals. Throughout the school year, I modify the different ways I ask them to practice. I have created a number of resources over the years, and I will link them below in case they can be of help to you.

Buena suerte colegas!

Resource Links

Argumentative Essay Sample Intro Paragraphs : Free!

AP Spanish Argumentative Essay: Graphic Organizer for Student Practice

AP Spanish Test Prep: Growing Mega Bundle

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Score Higher on AP Spanish Lang 2024: Tips for FRQ 2 (Argumentative Essay)

5 min read • june 18, 2024

FRQ 2 – Argumentative Essay

This guide organizes advice from past students who got 4s and 5s on their exams. We hope it gives you some new ideas and tools for your study sessions. But remember, everyone's different—what works for one student might not work for you. If you've got a study method that's doing the trick, stick with it. Think of this as extra help, not a must-do overhaul.

• Students write an argumentative essay based on 3 Spanish sources, including visual, written, and audio sources
• 13% of Exam Score
• Spend 55 minutes
• Demonstrates excellent presentational writing (5)

💭 General Advice

Tips on mindset, strategy, structure, time management, and any other high level things to know

• The sources for this FRQ are usually not lengthy or dense; instead, this FRQ tries to test your ability to understand and synthesize information presented in various different formats. When spending the allotted few minutes on each source, focus on grasping the main argument that the source supports so you can easily work it into your essay.
• For this FRQ, approach the argumentative essay with a clear stance in your thesis, firmly stating whether you agree or disagree with the prompt. Craft a strong argument by utilizing the provided sources as evidence to support your position. While you may acknowledge both sides, make sure to distinctly focus on and emphasize the side you support. If incorporating a counter-argument, do it strategically to strengthen your overall position. By maintaining a clear and assertive stance, backed by relevant evidence, you’ll enhance the effectiveness of your persuasive essay in addressing the prompt.
• Stay Time-Aware: Manage your time effectively during the writing process. Allocate time for planning, drafting, and drafting. Be mindful of the clock to submit a complete and well-crafted essay. (have a rough outline as to what you want your essay to look like- this will make the writing process easier)
• Practice: Practice your essays by using online resources with prompts or reviewing past College Board essays. Stimulate the exam environment at home, timing yourself as if you were taking the actual test. This practice will not only help you become familiar with different prompts but also improve your ability to articulate coherent arguments within the allotted time.

🕛 Before you Write

What should a student do in the first few minutes, before they start writing?

• In this section, you get to listen to the audio source twice. On the first listen, don’t focus on taking notes, instead, listen carefully and make sure you understand the overarching message and argument. On the second listen, listen for the specific details that could add to your response and write those down.
• Don’t be overwhelmed by your sources. They are given to you strategically in a way that makes it easy to make connections and create an argument, so don’t be so specific when creating an argument according to the sources.

🏛️ Structuring Your Response

• You can structure your response just like a standard essay! One major thing to consider consideration is that you should not cite sources in your opening statements of each paragraph, even if it seems to fall in line with your argument. Introduce the topic of each paragraph with a brief overview, then address the supports.
• Consider what type of essay structure works best for you. Paragraphs explaining each reason for your claim, then a counterclaim paragraph? What about a paragraph for each source and how it supports your view? They are both valid, so identify how you can best argue your point and try to adapt it in that way.
• Be sure to properly incorporate transition words into your sentences and between paragraphs to keep the text coherent.
• The most important part is making your argument clear, try to incorporate it into your intro blatantly.
• Explain the evidence from each source that supports the argument in the body paragraphs. One suggestion would be to give each source 1 paragraph.
• As a tip to sound more experienced in argumentative writing there is an option for a counter argument, to make your argument sound stronger.

😬 Common Mistakes

• You don’t have to use the sources to support exactly what they say! You can always refute a source or highlight a point they made in order to disprove it, as long as you incorporate all sources and can prove your understanding.
• You also don’t need to have 3 body paragraphs! As long as you use all the sources to support your argument you can have 2 body paragraphs.
• Make sure to connect your sources to one consistent argument, don’t alter or switch what you are arguing mid essay just to try and make a farther connection to one source.
• Remember if or when you’re associating a person or object, to sound more experienced be formal, including having the correct masculine and feminine words.

⏱️ Pacing Yourself

• Writing the thesis statement, then the body paragraphs, then going back to flesh out an introduction and a conclusion or writing the entire essay from start to finish.
• Either of these strategies (or alternatives) can determine how you spend your time, which parts of the essay you might allot more time for, or how much time you have to review your work.
• Consider taking the first few minutes to plan an outline of your essay, then determine how much time you can set aside for each individual paragraph. With 55 minutes, there is plenty of time as long as you keep your thoughts organized and stay focused.
• Be organized and plan out your essay before writing, it doesn’t have to be very detailed and shouldn’t take more than two minutes but create a rough outline before writing in order to get all your ideas in order and include everything you want to. This makes writing your essay easier and faster!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, need help with ap lang argument essay.

I'm a bit stuck on how to approach the argument essay for AP Lang and Comp. Could anyone share some tips or strategies?

Sure, of course! Here's a general strategy that should work well for this task:

1. Understand the Prompt: The first step is to thoroughly read and understand the prompt. The argument prompt will present a statement or assertion. You need to understand what the assertion is and what position it is implying.

2. Take a Stand: Decide whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree with the prompt. Remember, you don't have to completely agree or disagree — it's all about forming your argument and supporting it effectively.

3. Plan Your Argument: Think of three strong points that support your position. These should be your body paragraphs. Make sure each point is different from the others and they all effectively support your argument.

4. Write a Strong Thesis: Your thesis statement should clearly articulate your argument and the main points you will discuss in your essay. This should be in your introduction paragraph.

5. Develop Your Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. This is then followed by evidence to support the point - this can include facts, examples, and logical reasoning. End each body paragraph with a closing sentence that wraps up the idea and transitions into the next paragraph.

6. Counter-Argument: It's always a good idea to acknowledge the other side of the argument. You could have a paragraph where you present a counter-argument and then refute it, or you can weave them throughout your body paragraphs.

7. Write a Strong Conclusion: Restate your thesis in new words and summarize your main points. You might also want to reiterate why your argument is significant.

Remember to proofread your essay for clarity, grammar, and punctuation errors before you turn it in. The AP Lang argument essay doesn't require any sort of advanced language or complex menagerie of rhetorical devices, simply clear and solid argumentation. Good luck!

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2019: Spanish Language Exam Student Samples

Audio files.

Here are some sample student responses to the questions in the speaking section of the 2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. Please see the text following the files for more information about using these audio files. Commentary that goes along with these audio files can be found in PDF format on the Spanish Language Exam page.

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Student Sample 3A (Score of 5)

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2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Student Sample 3B (Score of 3)

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Student Sample 3C (Score of 2)

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Student Sample 4A (Score of 5)

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Student Sample 4B (Score of 3)

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Student Sample 4C (Score of 2)

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Part B Directions

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Task 2 Persuasive Essay

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Task 3 Conversation

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Task 4 Cultural Comparison

2019 AP Spanish Language and Culture Part B End of Directions

Downloading Files

To download an MP3 file directly to your computer, right-click on the Download link (control-click on Mac) and:

• If you use the Internet Explorer browser, choose Save Target As .
• If you use Firefox, Chrome or Safari, choose Save Link As .
• After you have downloaded the MP3 file, double-click on the file name to play it.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay for AP Spanish PowerPoint and Activities

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Description

Argumentative Essay for AP Spanish Language and Culture PowerPoint and Activities guides students, step-by step to mastery on the essay section of the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. Four versions: One for Triángulo aprobado; one for Vista Higher Learning, Second Edition; one for VHL Third Edition; and a Google-compatible version for Google Classroom or distance learning

This 72-slide PowerPoint and activities for the Argumentative Essay include the following:

• The goal of the persuasive essay’s point
• The different kinds of arguments
• The different kinds of evidence
• Vocabulary to express cause and effect
• Expressions for stating one’s opinion
• Vocabulary for meeting objections
• Components of the introduction
• Components of the developing paragraphs
• Components of the conclusion.
• Ideas for a hook
• When and how to meet objections
• Examples of the causes and effects for a particular topic and questions
• Examples of evidence for that topic
• Step-by-step instructions for the reading and analysis of the three sources and writing of an essay in Triángulo Aprobado and Vista Higher Learning (It can be adapted to use with other texts as well.)
• Possible thesis statements for that topic demonstrating how to manipulate the sources to support different thesis statements, i.e. yes, no, or both
• Instructions on how to write an outline and organize one’s essay
• Instructions and examples for how to cite sources
• Synonyms for, “dice”
• Instructions for avoiding the first and second person in formal essays
• Practice activities to avoid using the first and second person

The activities work in conjunction with the PowerPoint, “How to Write a Persuasive Essay for AP Spanish”. There are 26 pages of activities which include the following:

• Sample persuasive essay with vocabulary and indicators for thesis statement and different ways to cite sources
• Practice activity in which students interact with the essay, identify components, cause and effect, evidence, and methods of citing sources
• Answers to practice activity
• Peer edit of the introduction paragraph
• Peer edit of first developing paragraph
• Peer edit of persuasive essay
• Vocabulary for cause and effect and expressing one’s opinion
• Step-by-step instructions for the reading and analysis of the three sources and writing of an essay in Triángulo Aprobado and Vista Higher Learning (It can be used with other texts as well.)
• Template for organizing a persuasive essay
• Vocabulary for and a link to the article about stress
• Argumentative writing practice using an essay outline and essay graphic organizer
• Password for Powerpoint YOU WILL NEED POWERPOINT 2002 or later to open this password-protected PowerPoint.

This curriculum meets all the Learning Objectives set forth by the College Board and is based upon the three modes of communication: “Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational” and the six themes: “La belleza y la estética, La vida contemporánea, Las familias y las comunidades, Los desafíos mundiales, Las identidades personales y públicas y La ciencia y la tecnología”. #DistanceLearning

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY FOR AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IS INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING MONEY-SAVING BUNDLES:

AP Spanish PowerPoints for an Entire Year

AP Spanish Lessons and Curriculum for Triángulo aprobado

AP Spanish Lesson Plans and Curriculum for Vista Higher Learning

Since the purpose of the argumentative essay is both expository and persuasive, a preliminary, foundational lesson on Expository Essay is recommended.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A SHORT VIDEO EXPLAINING THIS RESOURCE: Persuasive Essay PowerPoint and Activities

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La presentación oral

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AP Spanish Lesson Plans for an Entire Year

If you are using Triángulo Aprobado you may also be interested in the vocabulary lists and quizzes: Triángulo

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And my blog: Best PowerPoints for Spanish

How to Write a Persuasive Essay for AP Spanishy by Angie Torre is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License .

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