Unit 6: Research and Composition
AP English Language: 47 practice questions with detailed explanations.
Unit Study Guide
Executive Summary
Writing is a process: research, draft, revise. Strong essays come from planning the argument, integrating sources, and revising for clarity — not from a perfect first draft.
Research
Form a research question, then find credible sources: peer-reviewed journals, reputable news, primary documents. Evaluate authority, accuracy, currency, and bias. Track sources as you go for citation.
Planning
Outline the line of reasoning: thesis, claims, evidence, commentary. Decide organization — chronological, cause-effect, problem-solution, or concession-refutation. Strong essays plan the argument before drafting.
Drafting and integrating sources
Draft with your voice leading; integrate sources through quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing with attribution. Every paragraph needs a topic sentence, evidence, and commentary.
Revision and style
Revise for argument first, style second: tighten sentences, vary syntax, cut wordiness, check transitions. Proofread last for grammar and mechanics. Writing clarity is an argumentative asset.
Exam traps
The exam rewards finished thinking, not process — but planning on paper first pays off. Commentary (analysis) is weighted over summary everywhere. Manage time: read, plan, write, then revise.