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)
Claim (Topic Sentence) – Your argument about the text.
Evidence – A short, integrated quote or detail.
Warrant (Reasoning) – 2–3 sentences explaining how the evidence proves the claim using literary terms.
Counterclaim (Optional) – Briefly acknowledge and refute an opposing view.
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:
Is my claim arguable (not summary)?
Did I use specific evidence (not plot recap)?
Do I have 2–3 sentences of reasoning (warrant) using literary terms?
Did I acknowledge and refute a counterclaim (if required)?
Does my conclusion connect to Chopin’s theme?