Assignment #2: Muckraker AP Prompt Essay

Hello Students,

Here are the results of the Muckraker essay.

Plato	9.1/10
Locke	9.0/10
Socrates	9.0/10
Hobbes	8.9/10
Aristotle	9.1/10
Aquinas	9.6/10
Nietzsche	9.3/10
Marx	9.4/10

Since you are able to read each other's work through these blogs, I encourage you to check out Seewan's and Kyuhong's as two examples of essays that would score high on an exam.  What I think is needed for this prompt is a clear introduction that does the following:

1.  Introduces the word "muckraker" by commenting on its etymology, referencing the question and conditions set forth in the prompt.

2.  Takes a position on whether or not the word is something to be proud of.

3.  Sets out three examples that support that position.

Then, the following paragraphs should be succinctly organized, without mixing in other things that might distract from the intent of the argument.  Things to avoid and strive for:

1.  Avoid repeating the same concept in different words.
2.  Avoid meandering statements, or thoughts/ideas that don't receive the attention they might deserve.
3.  Avoid too much summary, generalizations, absolutes, overstatements.
4.  Focus on transitions to explain specific ideas that can be backed up.
5.  Focus on giving equal attention to all examples.
6.  Focus on organized development - no backtracking, jumping ahead, or blending examples.


The conclusion should echo the intro, as we all know.  Basically, the simplest approach to this sort of essay is the best one.  A 5 paragraph, 500 word essay that gets to the point quickly and economically.  Anecdotes, preambles, metaphors etc. are good - but should be used moderately.  Keep in mind the person reading your AP exam has read thousands, and doesn't want to backtrack or think too hard about what you are explaining.

What makes a good example of an argument that forwards your thesis?  One that you know about convincingly, and one that isn't too demanding to cover.  Watergate, North Korea, Supersize Me etc. are good, but be sure to avoid extraneous facts therein that don't contribute.   

We will continue to write these kinds of essays, and also look at what AP outlines as scoring scales.