AP Lang argument essay your position, your evidence.
The argument essay is one of three on the AP English Language exam, scored on six points in about 40 minutes. You respond to a prompt with your own position and your own evidence, with no sources provided. Here is how the rubric works and how to build a strong one.
The argument essay at a glance
It is the essay where the evidence comes entirely from you.
The six points
The shared AP Lang rubric applies here too.
Where your evidence comes from
Because no sources are provided, your evidence comes from what you know: history, current events, literature, science, or your own observations and experience. Specific examples beat general claims every time. One developed example with real reasoning is worth more than three vague gestures. Plan two or three examples before you start writing so your essay has a clear line of reasoning.
Where students lose points
Vagueness is the main one. A position without specific evidence reads as opinion, and the rubric rewards support. The other is ignoring complexity: the strongest essays acknowledge a counterargument or a limit to their claim. Tighten your draft with our AP Writing Tools, and check a raw score with the AP English Language score calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers — written by humans, not a chatbot.
Does the AP Lang argument essay give you sources?
No. You respond with your own position and your own evidence drawn from history, current events, literature, science, or personal observation.
How is the AP Lang argument essay scored?
On a six-point rubric: one point for the thesis, four for evidence and commentary, and one for sophistication.
What kind of evidence works best on the argument essay?
Specific, relevant examples that you can explain in depth. One developed example with strong reasoning beats several vague ones.