Writing a Strong Argumentative Paragraph in AP Literature

Using “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Why This Matters

In AP Literature, every essay begins with one strong paragraph. Unit 1 focuses on building paragraphs that argue, not summarize, by combining clear claims, textual evidence, and reasoning. To do this, you need to think step by step and use the precise terms of argumentation: claim, evidence, warrant, counterclaim, and conclusion.

How to Think as You Write

Step 1: Craft a Claim (Your Main Argument)

Ask yourself:

• What is Chopin saying about Louise Mallard, freedom, or marriage?

• What interpretation could someone disagree with (not just summary)?

Examples:

• Weak (summary): Louise Mallard feels sad, then happy, then dies.

• Strong (arguable): Chopin uses Louise Mallard’s emotional shift to critique the restrictions of marriage, suggesting that freedom—not love—is her deepest desire.

Step 2: Choose Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Ask yourself:

• Which specific words or details show Chopin’s point most clearly?

• Avoid plot summary—zoom in on diction, imagery, or symbols.

Example Evidence:

• “There was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself like a goddess of Victory.”

Step 3: Write the Warrant (Commentary) (Your Reasoning)

This is where you prove your point. Answer: How does this evidence support my claim?

• Focus on literary techniques (tone, symbolism, diction, imagery).

• Explain in at least two sentences—don’t stop at “this shows that…”

Example Warrant:

• Chopin’s reference to a “goddess of Victory” portrays Louise as triumphant, not grieving, suggesting that her husband’s death symbolizes liberation rather than loss. The diction elevates her, implying that freedom is her ultimate triumph.

Step 4 (Optional): Add a Counterclaim

Ask yourself:

• What would someone argue against my point? How can I show my idea is stronger?

Example Counterclaim:

• Some might argue Louise’s heart trouble shows she is fragile and dependent, but Chopin’s celebratory imagery (“triumph… goddess of Victory”) highlights strength, not weakness, proving her desire for freedom outweighs fragility.

Step 5: Conclude by Connecting to Theme or Insight (Closing Sentence)

Tie your paragraph to the bigger meaning:

• What does Chopin suggest about marriage, identity, or freedom?

Paragraph Framework (With Terms)

1. Claim (Topic Sentence) – Your argument about the text.

2. Evidence – A short, integrated quote or detail.

3. Warrant (Reasoning) – 2–3 sentences explaining how the evidence proves the claim using literary terms.

4. Counterclaim (Optional) – Briefly acknowledge and refute an opposing view.

5. Conclusion – Connect to the text’s theme or larger meaning.

Model Paragraph (Annotated)

Prompt: How does Chopin use Louise Mallard’s reaction to her husband’s death to comment on marriage?

Paragraph (with terms labeled):

Claim: Chopin uses Louise Mallard’s shift from grief to joy to critique marriage as a confining institution, showing that Louise values freedom over companionship.
Evidence: As Louise looks out the window, Chopin writes that “there was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself like a goddess of Victory.”
Warrant: The triumphant diction and divine imagery transform Louise’s reaction into a celebration, not sorrow, framing her husband’s death as a release from confinement. By elevating her to a “goddess,” Chopin emphasizes that independence, not romantic love, is Louise’s source of empowerment.
Counterclaim (optional): Some might argue that Louise’s heart trouble symbolizes her fragility, but Chopin’s deliberate use of “triumph” and “Victory” highlights strength, reinforcing that her freedom—not weakness—is central to her transformation.
Conclusion: Through Louise’s revelation, Chopin critiques the societal expectations of marriage, suggesting that true fulfillment lies in autonomy rather than duty.

Sentence Starters (Thinking Prompts)

• Claim: Chopin’s use of [technique] reveals… / Through Louise’s [reaction/image], Chopin suggests…

• Evidence: For example, when Chopin writes “___”…

• Warrant: This [word/imagery] highlights… / This shows… because… / The author’s choice of [symbol/tone] emphasizes…

• Counterclaim: Some might argue… however…

• Conclusion: Ultimately, Chopin suggests… / This moment connects to the theme of…

Quick Self-Check

Before turning in your paragraph, ask:

1. Is my claim arguable (not summary)?

2. Did I use specific evidence (not plot recap)?

3. Do I have 2–3 sentences of reasoning (warrant) using literary terms?

4. Did I acknowledge and refute a counterclaim (if required)?

5. Does my conclusion connect to Chopin’s theme?

Composition Book Activity

Mind-Mapping Directions for Your Composition Book

Goal

Create a visual map that shows how the key ideas in AP Lit Writing Assignment #2 connect. This helps you see how themes, literary elements, and evidence interact.

Steps to Follow

1. Title Your Page
At the top of your composition book page, write:
Mind Map – AP Lit Writing Assignment #2

2. Create Your Central Node (Main Idea)

• In the center of the page, draw a circle.

• Inside the circle, write the big topic you’re focusing on. Choose one of the following:

  • Theme (like Power, Freedom, Loss)

  • Character (like the narrator or a key figure)

  • A main concept from the assignment (such as argument structure or literary analysis focus)

3. Add First-Level Branches

• Draw 4 to 6 lines out from your central circle.

• At the end of each line, write important elements related to your main idea, such as:

  • Motifs or Symbols (images or ideas that appear repeatedly)

  • Narrative Shifts (changes in tone, perspective, or pacing)

  • Important Quotes or Evidence (from the text or assignment instructions)

  • Literary Devices (imagery, irony, juxtaposition, etc.)

  • Connections to the Assignment (how it will help write your essay)

4. Add Supporting Details (Second-Level Branches)

• From each first-level branch, draw smaller branches.

• Add short notes explaining:

  • How the idea works in the story or assignment

  • Specific page numbers, quotes, or examples

  • How this supports your argument or analysis

5. Make Connections

• Draw arrows or dotted lines between ideas that are related.

• Label these connections briefly, for example:

  • “builds tension”

  • “reveals contrast”

6. Wrap It Up

• In a corner of the page, write 2 to 3 sentences summarizing what your mind map shows about the text or assignment.

• Explain how these connections can help you write a clear paragraph or essay later.

Use this mind map as a tool to organize your thoughts and plan your writing clearly!

7. Complete The Following:

Write a 5–7 sentence argumentative paragraph for one of the following:

1. How does Chopin’s imagery of nature reflect Louise Mallard’s emotional state?

2. What does Louise Mallard’s final reaction suggest about freedom versus love?

3. How does Chopin’s diction portray Louise’s view of marriage?

4. Is Louise Mallard’s joy selfish or justified? Defend your view with evidence.