AP English Language and Composition 2018 FRQ 3 Sample Student Responses

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Sample C

[1] The unknown is a concept of crippling anxiety of many. There is fear in the

unfamiliar, the possibility of failure, of danger, or embarrassment. In a contrasting way, author

Anne Morrow Lindbergh describes the “disappointments and surprises” of the unfamiliar, the

failures and the unexpected moments that are “the most fulfilling. In this sense, she is

absolutely correct. The exploration of the unknown has led to unprecedented scientific

development, cultural development, and personal development alike.

[2] The principles of science are synonymous with exploration of the unknown.

President John F. Kennedy is famously quoted as saying that the US would land on the moon

“not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” In the face of public uncertainty, Kennedy set

out to explore one of the biggest unknowns of modern humanity: outer space. Obviously, the

moon landing was successful, and the subsequent technological development benefitted all

aspects of society. Billions were allocated in research funding, and as a result, humanity

expanded its sphere of knowledge greatly. Yet, this is not a recent phenomenon. One of the

most famous scientists in history, Galileo Galilei, chose to explore and challenge commonly held

truth. He was ridiculed for claiming that the Earth revolved around the Sun, yet it was his

desire to enter into the unfamiliar that led to the scientific advances by the US under Kennedy

so many centuries later. Scientists throughout history – Kepler, Brahe, Boyle, Tyson, Hawking,

Charles, Gauss, and more – made their names by engaging with the unknown, and humanity

will forever be indebted to them for their tenacity.

[3] Yet, this trend is not limited to the realm of science. Theorists of music know of the

many “era” of music, from medieval to classical to romantic. The most notable example of an

exploration into the unknown is found in the baroque period, under the compositions of

Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach is one of the few composers who can claim to have created his

own era of music, and he did this by exploring the possibilities of a chamber orchestra. He, by

exploring new territory in music, changed the face of string and orchestral music, employing

elements of fugue and countermelody that can be found frequently in subsequent eras and

even in the pop music of today. Like scientists, musicians are known for being barrier-breakers.

Listening to a performance of Dmitri Shostakovich’s 12

String Quartet (written in the 20

century, which is considered “modern” by musicians) will demonstrate how musicians are

continuing to explore the limitless possibilites of sound. By breaking the constraints of cultural

norms and exploring the unknown, composers have brought lasting cultural development to

fruition.

[4] Finally, an exploration of the unfamiliar is a powerful tool of personal development,

in addition to the scientific and cultural benefits. This is best demonstrated by the life and

legacy of Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau, Thoreau famously spent a period of his life

living in seclusion on the banks of Walden Pond in the northern United States. Like Bach and

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Shostakovich, Thoreau helped to establish a new genre is his craft. Thoreau, along with other

like Ralph Waldo Emerson, created the transcendentalist movement, now studied by millions of

scholars and student across the world. While his exploration of new ideas in literature is

certainly notable, it is the content of his writing that is most important in the context of the

theme of the unknown. Thoreau wrote Walden to summarize his thoughts and experiences

throughout the time he spent on the pond of the same name. Reading Walden gives a clear

impression of Thoreau as a dynamic character, one who develops and alters himself thanks to

the knowledge he obtains. It is clear, that after his experience on the pond, Thoreau has

changed for the better: he is more introspective; he has come to realizations about the world.

Thus, Thoreau’s decision to leave society and live in the unfamiliar wilderness led to his own

personal improvement in a grand way.

[5] When Lindbergh writes of the unknown being “enriching,” she severely understates

the true benefits of exploration. The unknown is more than “enriching.” It is a demonstration

of true humanity, a reflection of a true desire to understand the world, and a crucial point of

living in a changing world. The unknown has allowed the human race to develop, improve, and

augment itself scientifically, culturally, and personally, and for those causes, it is clearly

incredibly valuable.

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Sample G

[1] When I was nine year sold, my parents celebrated my birthday by taking me to a

ropes course. As we waited with our group to climb poles, cross logs, and hang from ropes, I

began to get cold feet. I’ve never done this before, I thought. What if I fall and get hurt, or if I

get scared and everyone makes fun of me? I decided then and there that I had no intentions of

climbing that day. When we reached the front of the line, however, my parents has other

plans: I was not able to leave until I climbed at least once. Fighting against my kicking and

screaming, I was [ILLEGIBLE]-enlously put in a harness and helmet, and placed at the top of the

ladder. “Don’t look down, and have fun!” said the belayer as they let me go. Against my better

judgement, I begin to climb. As I went up, though, I stopped feeling the shaking in my legs, and

by the top, I was smiling ear to ear. I loved this! And even after I fell off the log on my first

step, I practically dragged my parents back in line to climb again. Nowadays, climbing is one of

my favorite activities, and I’m confident that if I had not climbed that day on my ninth birthday,

if I had not ventured out of my comfort zone into the unknown and frightening, then I may have

never climbed at all for the rest of my life.

[2] Exploring the unknown is a rewarding, if initially terrifying experience. As someone

wants to go off a high dive, or is about to start their first day at a new school, anticipation eats

them alive. Nerves replace all reason, they wish they had never done this, and are nostalgic for

the known, the comfortable, the past. However, in most cases, the times when people are

most nervous about something is right before they actually do it. Once they take the plunge,

they realize this unknown experience is not all that bad. Imagination makes things out much

worse than they really are, so new experiences can even be relenting. Without taking the

plunge into the unknown, people and society can never grow or mature. By staying in the light

and comfort of familiarity, they miss every opportunity for experience that life has to offer.

Thus, venturing into the unknown is a worthwhile experience for the maturity and growth it can

provide.

[3] When Christopher Columbus began his voyage to the New World in the late 15

century, he did so on a hunch. He did not know what he would find on the other side of the

Atlantic Ocean, and many called his ideas surreal. Those who challenged Columbus feared the

unknown that lay across the murky expanse of the ocean, choosing instead to stick with what

they had and not take any chances. Despite having no knowledge of what lay ahead, Columbus

sailed west, and discovered America. Had Columbus caved into the pressure of his critics, had

he decided to remain within his European comfort zone, history as we knew it would be forever

altered. Against all odds, despite all the risks, Columbus made no voyage, changing the world

forever. Columbus’ story is a prime example of the value of venturing into the unknown. Even

if there are possible negative repercussions, even if the road ahead is veiled in shadow,

exploring new lands and trying new things are huge learning experiences. When someone tries

something for the first time, they are bound to make mistakes. Performers may forget song

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

lyrics, or musicians might miss some notes, climbers might fall early. But with each failure,

people become more familiar with the unknown. They learn how to recover from mistakes,

how to never even make any. Repeat this process of trial and error over and over, and soon

enough, the unknown becomes the known, and the worries of venturing into it have been

overcome. A wise man once said “You’ll never know until you try.” How did Michael Phelps

become an Olympic swimmer? He overcame childhood worries about swimming, overcame

worries about being in the spotlight, and thrived. He ventured into various unknowns, learned

their layouts, and made them his own. This goes for any person who was ever successful in

anything: They tried something new. If someone never has a goal, never tries to learn

something new from venturing out into the unknown, they will have no true motivation. And

without motivation, life is meaningless. That’s why people having life crises go for something

drastic or unique: they are exploring the unknown to find answers. If you cannot find a

solution within your comfort zone, you will have to go beyond it to find true happiness. Thus,

venture into the unknown can only bring positive effects for those willing to explore it.

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Sample E

[1] The unknown is often a frightening and troublesome place to explore. The very

nature of it is foreign to the individual exploring it and by very definition, pushes the explorer

from their comfort zone. However, while this feeling is odd and often uncomfortable and

ocationally distressing, it allows the person to expand their knowledge and abilities, while often

producing some of the most memorable experiences of a persons lifetime. The exploration of

the unknown is critical to the development of a person and allows them to break out of

perceived limitations. The value of exploring the unknown is rooted in its ability to expand a

person view of the world and themselves while simultaneously crafting memorable experiences

and breaking previously perceived personal barriers.

[2] One of the most obvious effects of venturing into the unknown, wether it be

physical, social, mental, or emotional, is that that persons view of the world and themselves is

perminatly changed. When someone experiences something new and revealing, once cannot

simply forget it; they are forever changed, and their world view expanded. My personal

experience serves as a prime example. During my Junior year I went on a school retreat called

Encounter where I was put in a small group with other people to simply talk about yourself, the

troubles you faced, and the interactions you have with other people and how these interactions

affect you. For me it was a very uncomfortable and foreign experience because I am not often

one to talk about my emotions, especially to other people who I would have to see in school

every day. However by the last night of the retreat I had learned more about myself than I had

ever learned in my previous 17 years of life. I told my group something about myself that I had

barely been able to accept myself. Through that journey into the unknown on that retreat I

was forever changed. I could not see myself the same way I had just a few days earlier.

Furthermore hearing the stories of my fellow Encounterites greatly expanded my view of others

and it made me realize the struggles we all face as human beings. Thus, through exploration of

the unknown parts of myself and others I experienced on my retreat, people can learn a lot and

grow tremendously as a person by expanding their world view.

[3] Furthermore, exploring the unknown creates often fond memories as well as

breaking perceived boundaries people place on themselves. By exploring the unknown we

create some of the best experiences out of some of the most uncomfortable circumstances. A

personal example is my experience joining Model UN. I did not know many people in the club

and was anxious about the trip to Boston, as I had never been on such a long trip so far away

form home without family. I found however that some of the best memories of my life were

made on that trip as I became friends with my fellow delegates and my classmates as we

ventured around Boston. Those memories would not exist if I did not venture into the

unknown and put myself out there. Furthermore, people often learn that they can do a lot

more than they thought if they push into the unknown and try things that they thought were

acompishable. One such example is a friend of mine who was hesitant to take AP classes this

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

year because she thought she just could not do them, however, after I convinced her to take

them, she did amazingly well in the class. This shows that if she had never journed into the

unknown and taken these classes she would have never known what she was capable of.

Therefore exploring the unknown is ecencial in expanding your boundries and in creating

lasting memories.

[4] Overall, it is evident that the value of exploring the unknown lies in the tremendous

personal growth a person experiences through expanded perspectives, new memories, and

new expanded boundaries. Thus showing that exploring the unknown is crucial in personal

development.

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Sample I

[1] Exploration and experimentation have been two important factors for the

development of human society. Without either, many facets of our modern tax society and

culture would simply not exist. A main driver behind both exploration and experimentation is

the thrill of excitement of discovering or doing something new. In life, doing something

unknown to us is often where most of our experience and memories will be made. “Choosing”

this unknown is vital for the development of society, and the development of ourselves.

[2] As a species, humans are the most ingenuitive and intelligent beings on Earth. We

have all of these different technologies and pieces of culture as a result. However, all of this

was only made possible by those who explored or experimented with the unknown. Without

this exploration or experimentation with the unknown, society would quickly stale and nothing

different would ever happen. Everyone would live the same boring lives. It is widely known

that humans try to resist changes, but those that are tempted to explore unknowns are often

rewarded heavily and society benefits as a result. For example, the recent effort of Space X’s

falcon launches with reusable rocket boosters may soon make commercial rocket flight a

reality, which was all but a dream just a few years ago. By exploring and experimenting with

the unknown idea of reusable rocket boosters, Space X is able to develop new technologies that

will revolutionize our society.

[3] Developing our society is important, but the development of ourselves through

choosing the unknown is even more important. Trying new things is how people develop

themselves. People learn important information that will heavily influence how they act by

choosing the unknown. Most of life’s fun is found by choosing the unknown. Without choosing

the unknown we would live cold, empty and boring lives. For example, a child who is afraid to

talk to others and doesn’t want to risk the “unknown” of social interaction will miss out on

many fun experiences and relationships. If no one chose the unknown the world would seem

sterile and robotic, not lively and wild. However, it is still important to recognize when

choosing the unknown is a dangerous option. If an option arises that brings danger to

someone, it is perfectably reasonable to ignore that option and avoid the unknown. Society

and that person will likely be better off for it.

[4] The unknown is important part of human life and society. It is how we develop as

both people and a society. However the unknown often has risks associated with it that should

be taken into consideration before it is chosen. Overall, choosing the unknown is how our lives

are improved and modified.

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Sample B

[1] “Ignorance is bliss” is a quote I have heard several times throughout my life. At first I

never really understood the purpose of this quote. However I’ve come to realize that perhaps

the unknown should remain unknown. Discovering things we don’t know is not always a good

thing. It’s costly, time consuming, and even harmful to development of humankind.

[2] Discovering the unknown is fun and games until we realize how costly it is. The

benefits of the unknown do not compensate for the amount of money that goes into it. Nasa

funds millions of dollars for space exploration every year. All of this money could be used for

more important tasks such as education, transportation, jobs, etc. However, we choose to

spend it on exploring the unknown, when doesn’t even guarantee findings or beneficial

resources.

[3] The unknown can be very interesting, but to discover it, it takes much of out time

away from us. It’s not as easy as snapping our fingers. If we want to discover something, it

requires planning, concentration and a fair amount of time. Time spent trying to discover the

unknown could be used for other tasks that are garentees to be beneficial. Why spend time

trying to discover unknown things in life, when there are still so many things that need to be

solved today?

[4] Some people may say that there are many benefits to discovering the unknown.

However, there are also many disadventages. In many horror movies, often characters end up

dying because of trying to explore the unknown. In the popular TV show “Stranger Things” the

main characters devote their time to examine an unknown other world. Along the way, this

brings many disasters, such as the disappearance of some characters and more disappointment

rather than fulfillment.

[5] Overall, we can’t just simply explore the unknown for our own delight or enrichment.

There are many other facters to take into account, such as money, time, and harm over benefit.

The unknown will reveal itself naturally as we progress, but for now, we should spend out time

working what we have.

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Sample A

[1] There are lots of places in the world that are untouched by mankind, islands gone

unexplored, all the way to the bottom of the ocean which is unknown when it will be explored.

Although some people tend to not chase the unknown to explore, it would be beneficial for

them to do so, because there is a whole world outside their window and one can never know if

there is something better in life if they never explore in order to find it.

[2] Some people are satisfied with their life, they work 9-5 jobs, with a wife and kids and

there is nothing else they need or so they believe. There is no possible way for these types of

people to realize there are other things to life than what meet the eye. If Lewis and Clark had

been satisfied with their lives and not wanted to explore, then they would not have gone down

in history for exploring America. In addition, Clark would not have met his wife, Sacajaweja

from the Native American tribes that they encountered on their journey. This is why one

should never be satisfied with their life, because just when one thinks they have everything

they need, they can go exploring and discover a whole new part of life that they realized is

wanted.

[3] The reason some might be held back is fear. Fear can hold someone back from their

dream and disable them from ever obtaining their goals. Exploring the unknown is dangerous

and many people fear danger, but that is what is holding them back from their dream and can

cause regret further down the road of life. When the 49ers, the gold diggers, went to California

for the gold rush, there was fear in their minds of danger, whether it be bears or the fear of

starving, but that did not stop them from going. If someone was thinking about going to

California for the gold rush, but never went, every time something was said about someone

striking it rich, instant regret was felt by them. This is why nothing should hold one back from

achieving their goal and exploring the unknown, because the unknown could end up holding a

gold nugget, like it did for the 49ers.

[4] There is infinite things to explore in this universe, that is why one should never stop

exploring. Who knows, the grass could be greener on the other side.

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Sample F

[1] When we are born into this world we are naturally adventurous. Even before we can

walk, we crawl around looking for new things to feel, and also new things to bite or taste. But

around 10 years old we start developing preferences, and begin to fear the “unknown.”

[2] When you think of the unknown, many will think deep space or deep in the ocean,

but the unknown can be something as simple as a new food. The unknown, simply put, can be

anything you don’t know. Using the example of food, we are quick to get something we always

get, but very hesitant to try something new. One explanation is that it is out survival instinct.

We only trust that the food we know will taste good, and we have no trust for the new food,

only skepticism.

[3] Some people in society are naturally adventurous. They seem to be getting rare but

without them we would not have walked on the moon or broke the speed of sound. For the

few courageous ones, the unknown is a fascinating place, and they will keep looking for the

unknown until they perish.

[4] I believe that exploring the unknown is essential to be a well-cultured and intelligent

individual. To be intelligent you must want to learn about unknown and understand it. A man

who stops wanting learn new things is a fool. I believe to gain knowledge, you need to keep

pursuing “your” unknown,

[5] When we are born, everything is the unknown and we want to know it. But as we

get older, we get lazier and stop pursuing the unknown. I believe the most intelligent man on

earth, is the one that never stops pursuing unknown.

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Sample D

[1] In the Book “Gift from the Sea” the author Anne Morrow Lindberg mentions, she

writes “We tend not to choose the unknown which might lie a shock or a disappointment or

simply a little difficult to cope with. And yet it is the unknown with all its disappointments and

surprises that is the most enriching.”

[2] As I think about the quote I wonder what’s my unknown. Is it my greatest god given

gift or something i seek in side. My unknown could be many things such as, first love,

volleyball, poetry, being able to socialize.

[3] Through my years of living and growing sports has always been my outlet but falling

in love was my biggest unknown. You find yourself lost in the moment of all your greatest

accomplishments and achievement you lose focus of your emotions. I lost track of myself. I

was just a freshman in highschool it feels like, but as time went by I knew. I knew my heart was

racing and my face blushed everyday for my 4 years of my highschool year. I had to cope an fall

back in place. I had clam down. Sometimes I was difficult sometimes it was disappointing but

yet I keep going til I finish. I saw him everyday until he graduated and I end up ___, but I knew

he would always come see me and help me with my studies.

[4] As my shock began to grow and my happiness filled my heart. I became surprise

with everything. Little dates in the park, studies, school, sports, everything just fell in peace.

Now that I’m becoming a freshman in college my high school sweetheart remains in my life

helping me, guiding, and also keep me humble. I couldn’t ask for an better unknown thing to

happen than a love like our.

AP English Language and Composition

Question 3: Argument (2018)

Sample Student Responses

Sample H

[1] In the book Gift from the Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote “We tend not to

choose the unknown which might be a shock or a dissapointment or simply a little difficult to

cope with. And yet it is the unknown with all its disapointments and suprises that is most

enriching.” What did she mean but choosing the unknown? Honestly, I feel like she was talking

about life. We, as humans, we are grown up in a schudule. Eat. Work. Sleep. Repeat. That

when life oppernuties come, we are unsure whether or not to take them. Sometimes, the

oppernuties are great. Other times, they can lead to mistakes or “a dissapointment.” Exploring

the unknown is that one dream or oppertunity people think about doing, but never do it due to

Possible dissapointment.