GRADUATION
Progress
An argumentation prompt styled after Question 3 on the examination for
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
(Suggested time – 40 minutes. This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.)
Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
~Winston Churchill, “Painting as a Pastime,” Thoughts and Adventures 1
Winston Churchill’s description of the process of painting suits anyone approaching a daunting task. Take a position on the value of attempting difficult tasks, particularly when there is a possibility that “you will never get to the end.” Support your position with personal experiences, observations, readings, and history.
1 Winston S. Churchill, Thoughts and Adventures: Churchill Reflects on Spies, Cartoons, Flying, and the
Future, “Painting as a Pastime,” ed. James W. Muller (Wilmington, Delaware: ISI Books, 2009) 331
The Churchill Centre • winstonchurchill.org AP Argumentative Essay Prompts by Eileen Bach • May be Reprinted for Educational Purposes Only 1
An argumentation prompt styled after Question 3 on the examination for
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
(Suggested time – 40 minutes. This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.)
Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
~Winston Churchill, “Painting as a Pastime,” Thoughts and Adventures 1
Winston Churchill’s description of the process of painting suits anyone approaching a daunting task. Take a position on the value of attempting difficult tasks, particularly when there is a possibility that “you will never get to the end.” Support your position with personal experiences, observations, readings, and history.
1 Winston S. Churchill, Thoughts and Adventures: Churchill Reflects on Spies, Cartoons, Flying, and the
Future, “Painting as a Pastime,” ed. James W. Muller (Wilmington, Delaware: ISI Books, 2009) 331
The Churchill Centre • winstonchurchill.org AP Argumentative Essay Prompts by Eileen Bach • May be Reprinted for Educational Purposes Only 1