Unit 4 Overview: How writers develop arguments, intros, and conclusions

5 min read•march 13, 2023

Nora Anzer

AP English Language ✍🏽

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This guide will provide a brief overview of the guides in unit 4 which fall under the subject how writers develop arguments, intros, and conclusions.

Developing strong arguments, introductions, and conclusions are essential for success on the AP English Language and Composition test. The exam assesses a student's ability to analyze, evaluate, and create arguments, and the ability to effectively communicate those arguments through writing.

Developing a clear and compelling argument is the key to success on many of the exam's writing tasks, including the synthesis essay, the rhetorical analysis essay, and the argument essay. The ability to develop and connect thesis statements and lines of reasoning, as well as developing parts of a text with comparison-contrast and definition-description methods, are also important skills to demonstrate in order to score well on these tasks.

Crafting effective introductions and conclusions is essential for the exam. Introductions provide the reader with context and a roadmap for the argument, while conclusions help to wrap up the essay and leave the reader with a lasting impression.

What are arguments, introductions and conclusions?

An argument is a claim or thesis statement that presents the author's position on a topic, supported by reasons and evidence. The purpose of an argument is to persuade the reader to agree with the author's position.
A conclusion is the final section of an essay that restates the thesis statement and summarizes the main points of the argument. The purpose of a conclusion is to provide closure and leave the reader with a final thought or suggestion.
An introduction is the first section of an essay that provides background information on the topic and presents the thesis statement. The purpose of an introduction is to engage the reader and provide context for the argument that follows.

Why are they important?

Arguments, introductions, and conclusions are all important in an essay because they each serve a specific purpose and work together to create a cohesive and effective piece of writing.

An argument is important because it is the backbone of the essay and the reason for the writing. Without a clear argument, the essay lacks direction and purpose, and the reader will be left unsure of what the author is trying to convey.
An introduction is important because it sets the stage for the argument and provides the reader with background information and context. A good introduction should grab the reader's attention, introduce the topic, and clearly state the thesis or main argument.
A conclusion is important because it brings the essay to a close and leaves the reader with a final impression. A good conclusion should restate the thesis and main points, provide closure, and leave the reader with something to think about or a call to action.

Overall, arguments, introductions, and conclusions work together to create a well-structured and persuasive essay that effectively communicates the author's ideas and engages the reader.

Developing and connecting thesis statements and lines of reasoning

This involves crafting a clear and debatable thesis statement that lays out the main argument of the text. The thesis statement should be connected to the lines of reasoning used throughout the text, which serve to support and develop the argument. This can involve outlining the main points or evidence that will be used to support the thesis, and ensuring that all points are relevant to the overall argument. A thesis statement serves as the main argument or point of the essay, and it should be clear, concise, and debatable. It is important that the thesis statement is supported by lines of reasoning that are developed throughout the text, which serve to support and strengthen the argument. This can involve outlining the main points or evidence that will be used to support the thesis, and ensuring that all points are relevant to the overall argument. When the thesis statement is well developed and connected to strong lines of reasoning, it helps to create a compelling and coherent essay.

Developing introductions and conclusions

Introductions serve to set the tone for the text and provide the reader with some context and background information. A good introduction should engage the reader and clearly present the thesis statement. Conclusions, on the other hand, should restate the thesis statement and provide a summary of the main points of the text. They should also provide some closure and leave the reader with a final thought or suggestion. Developing introductions and conclusions are important components of effective academic writing. The introduction is the first impression that the reader has of the text, and a well-crafted introduction can engage the reader and create interest in the topic. A good introduction will provide context and background information that is relevant to the topic of the essay, and will clearly present the thesis statement. Conclusions, on the other hand, serve to provide closure to the text and summarize the main points that have been made. The conclusion should restate the thesis statement in a way that is consistent with the overall argument that has been presented. It should provide a final thought or suggestion for the reader to consider, and should leave a lasting impression of the text.

Developing parts of a text with comparison–contrast and definition–description methods

These methods involve comparing and contrasting two or more concepts, or providing a clear definition or description of a concept. When using comparison-contrast, it is important to identify the similarities and differences between the concepts, and to explain the significance of these similarities and differences. When using definition-description, it is important to provide a clear definition of the concept, and to use vivid and specific details to help the reader understand the concept. Both methods can be used to develop different parts of a text, such as body paragraphs or supporting evidence for the thesis statement. Using these methods in developing parts of a text helps the writer to create a well-structured essay that is easy to follow and understand. The comparison-contrast method helps to establish the relationships between different ideas or concepts, while the definition-description method ensures that the reader has a clear understanding of the topic being discussed. These methods can be used in developing different parts of the text, such as body paragraphs, to support the thesis statement and provide evidence for the argument.

Browse Study Guides By Unit

🧠Exam Skills

📑Exam Review - Synthesis Essay

📝Exam Review - Rhetorical Analysis Essay

💬Exam Review - Argument Essay

🧐 Multiple Choice Questions

📆Big Reviews: Finals & Exam Prep

🥇Unit 1 – Claims, Reasoning, & Evidence

🗂️Unit 2 – Organizing Information for a Specific Audience

👀Unit 3 – Perspectives & How Arguments Relate

🔚Unit 4 – How writers develop arguments, intros, & conclusions

4.0Developing introductions and conclusions