EOC A: Identifying Arguments and Explaining Lines of Reasoning

Part A of the End of Course test is a series of short answers. You have 3 specific tasks you must accomplish that all relate back to how you analyze and interpret sources. By the time you take the EOC, you will have practiced this skill multiple times - we've already done this throughout our coursework and Performance Task 1. This is what you do each time you find a source. . . but this time someone else has found the sources for you. You'll get additional practice with stimulus materials provided to you as we work on Performance Task 2 over the next few weeks.

Let's begin by looking at Question 1 and Question 2 of EOC A. One source will be provided to you for EOC A. Using that source, answer the following questions:

Identify the author's argument, main idea or thesis
Explain the author's line of reasoning by identifying the claims used to build the argument and the connections between them.

Remember, Question 1 earns points on the rubric by:

Correctly identifying all of the main parts of the argument.
Demonstrating an understanding of the argument as a whole.

Question 2 earns points on the rubric by:

Accurately identifying most of the claims.
Clearly explaining the relationships between claims (including how they relate to the overall argument).

Please review the following EOC A strategies from AP Seminar Instructor Lou Pompilii.

Helpful Tips & Phrases EOC A

Q1 - Identifying author’s main idea

The author makes the argument that…
The author explains that…
The author’s thesis is…
The author’s main argument is…

**be sure to read the article in its entirety before identifying the main argument. The author will often state their argument at the beginning, but sometimes will tack on specificity at the end.

Q2 - Line of reasoning & Connecting claims

General Q2 LOR statements:

“The author’s line of reasoning is … “ (clear, concise, logical, confusing, etc.)
Stuck on how to connect claims? You must first figure out the type of relationship between the claims. Once you’ve done that, try plugging in some of these phrases below.
This claim __________________________ the previous claim by . . . (go on to explain the relationship)

Types of Claims:

Claims of Fact
- The author establishes a fact to show historical relevance...
- The author contextualizes by establishing the fact…
Claims of Definition
- The author defines _________ to establish the focus of his/her argument
- The author characterizes…
Claims of Quality
- The author illustrates the benefits/consequences of __________ when he/she claims…
- The author argues that X is a better option than Y when he/she says …
Claims of Policy
- The author proposes …
- The author calls for…
- The author suggests...

How to Connect Claims

Consider using these phrases in Q2 to explain how the author uses claims to formulate their LOR/argument.

Ways to Connect Claims
Type of Relationship	Phrases
Adds specificity to a previous claim	Builds on Develops Elaborates on Augments Supports Refines
Improves a previous claim	Complements Supplements Refines
Problem - solution	Offers a solution to
Similarity	Is similar to Is comparable to
Opposing viewpoints/multiple perspectives	Shows a different side to Introduces another way to look at Offers an alternative perspective on Addresses the opposing viewpoint of
Sequence/chronology	Builds logically from Flows logically from Follows the sequence established by
Other helpful phrases	The author builds his/her argument by… Several examples of … are provided in order to… The line of reasoning is weakened because the author does not… The author attempts to introduce the concept of … but fails because ...

Want More Information?

Consider watching these videos from Justin Galusha.

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INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS COURTESY OF LOU POMPILII