Writing structure for AP Government
Full Example:
Impeachment proceedings can have catastrophic effects on the morale of the country. According to Singler (2009), “the act of unseating a President sends the message to the people, the economic forces, and the international community that the country has been fundamentally destabilized” (p. 97). This quote suggests that as the head of state, the President has a symbolic importance that goes beyond the formal powers of the Constitution. In fact, the President’s emblematic power sends a message to both the country and world that America is either healthy and vibrant, or dysfunctional. This is significant because in the United States, where the three branches of government have strong checks and balances, Presidential impeachment is very rare. Because of this, the act of Presidential impeachment has the effect of indicating that an important disruption is underway,which can have long-lasting and far-reaching effects on many aspects of American political life.
Deconstructed:
(1) Topic Sentence: function – states the topic and makes a simple assertion.
Impeachment proceedings can have catastrophic effects on the morale of the country.
(2) Evidence:function – support the topic sentence with more information and another voice of corroboration.
According to Singler (2009), “the act of unseating a President sends the message to the people, the economic forces, and the international community that the country has been fundamentally destabilized” (p. 97).
Sentence starters and structures to use (mix it up)According to Singler (1975),
Singler (1975) reminds us that
Singler (1975) puts it this way:
Singler (1975) reinforces this idea, saying
Along those lines, Singler (1975) explains
Singler (1975) states,
find more….:) / “______
______
______” (p. 118).
(3) Explanation and Commentary: function – answer the questions that come to your readers mind regarding what you have written so far. After you have answered “why,” or “how,” test to see if your reader will have more questions. Keep testing in this way until you feel all possible “why” questions have been answered.
This quote suggests that as the head of state, the President has a symbolic importance that goes beyond the formal powers of the Constitution. In fact, the President’s emblematic power sends a message to both the country and world that America is either healthy and vibrant, or dysfunctional.
Sentence starters and structures to use (mix it up)This means…
This shows…
Here, Singler points out that… / This suggests...
This highlights…
This demonstrates…
Here, the idea that ______is emphasized …
(4) Impact Analysis: function – demonstrate the impacts (effects) of the topic. You should explore: what are the bigger implications? Why does it matter? Why and how are other groups or institutions directly or indirectly affected? What’s the big deal? Hint: usually, you
This is significant because in the United States, where the three branches of government have strong checks and balances, presidential impeachment is very rare. Because of this, the act of presidential impeachment has the effect of indicating that an important disruption is underway, which can have long-lasting and far-reaching effects on many aspects of American political life.
Sentence starters and structures to use (mix it up)This is significant because…
The greater impact of this…, because…
This reinforces the idea of…, because…
This is important because…
Find more / This highlights the importance of…because…
In the long run,…
In the final analysis,…
All things considered,…