7.1 Examining complexities in issues

5 min read•february 13, 2023

Sylvia Rodriguez

AP English Language ✍🏽

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In this unit, you will be analyzing popular writings and examining the complexities in various issues. Understanding the complexities in issues is an essential part of constructing and analyzing arguments. In this study guide, you will learn how to identify complexities in issues through examples of popular writings.

Popular writings with complexities in issues

"The Death Penalty" by Justice Stephen G. Breyer

Overview of the article

"The Death Penalty" is an article written by Justice Stephen G. Breyer, a Supreme Court Justice of the United States. In the article, Breyer examines the complexities in the issue of the death penalty, specifically its morality and constitutionality.

Complexities in the issue of the death penalty:

The morality of the death penalty: Is it ethical to take someone's life as a punishment for their crime?
The constitutionality of the death penalty: Does the death penalty violate the Eight Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment?
The efficacy of the death penalty: Does the death penalty serve as a deterrent to crime or is it simply a form of revenge?
The fairness of the death penalty: Is the death penalty applied fairly and without bias to all defendants, regardless of race, gender, and socio-economic status?

Justice Breyer uses evidence and logic to examine the complexities in the issue of the death penalty. He cites studies on the deterrent effect of the death penalty, the racial and geographic disparities in its application, and the possibility of executing innocent people. He argues that the death penalty raises serious constitutional questions and that its efficacy as a deterrent is questionable. He ultimately calls for a re-examination of the death penalty in the United States.

"The Case for Reparations" by Ta-Nehisi Coates:

In "The Case for Reparations," Ta-Nehisi Coates argues that African Americans should be given reparations for centuries of slavery, segregation, and discrimination that they have endured in the United States.

The article provides a historical perspective on the racial injustices experienced by African Americans and explains how this legacy continues to impact the lives of black people today.

Complexities in the issue of reparations:

There is a debate about the feasibility and viability of providing reparations to African Americans.
There are concerns about the cost and how reparations would be funded.
There is a lack of consensus on the definition of reparations and what it would entail.

Coates draws on historical events and policies to demonstrate how black Americans have been systematically deprived of their rights and resources. He uses personal stories and experiences of African Americans to illustrate the impact of racial injustice.

Coates employs data and statistics to show how economic disparities between black and white Americans are rooted in a history of discrimination and exploitation. He argues that reparations would not only help address the past injustices but would also create a more equitable society for future generations.

"The Ethics of Eating Meat" by Peter Singer

"The Ethics of Eating Meat" is an article by philosopher Peter Singer that explores the ethical and moral implications of consuming animal products.
Singer argues that animals deserve to be treated with respect and that their lives should be considered just as valuable as human lives.
He challenges the traditional view that humans are superior to animals and that it is acceptable to use them for food, clothing, and other purposes.

Complexities in the issue of eating meat:

The moral and ethical implications of eating meat and using animal products, including the treatment of animals in factory farms, is a complex issue with various viewpoints.
Singer argues that the consumption of animal products is not justifiable because it causes suffering and harm to animals.
He also points out the environmental and public health impacts of factory farming and the consumption of animal products.
However, some people argue that eating meat is necessary for human survival, and that it is a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

How Singer uses evidence and logic to examine the complexities in the issue:

Singer uses logical arguments and evidence to support his claims about the ethics of eating meat.
He cites research and studies that show the negative impacts of factory farming on the environment, public health, and animal welfare.
He also uses ethical reasoning and the principle of equal consideration of interests to argue that the lives of animals should be valued and respected.
Singer's arguments are based on the idea that animal welfare is important and that there is a moral obligation to reduce suffering and harm to animals.

Strategies for analyzing complexities in issues

For the AP English Language and Composition Exam, it is important to understand and analyze the complexities in various issues that are presented in popular writings. To do so, there are several key strategies that can be applied when examining these texts.

Understanding the different perspectives on the issue:

It is essential to understand the different perspectives and viewpoints that are present in the issue being discussed. This can be done by considering the author's stance on the issue, as well as other perspectives that may be presented in the text.

Identifying the stakeholders involved in the issue:

Identifying the stakeholders involved in the issue is crucial in understanding the complexities of the issue. This includes considering the individuals or groups who are directly impacted by the issue and those who have a stake in its resolution.

Examining the potential consequences of different solutions to the issue:

In order to fully analyze the complexities of an issue, it is important to consider the potential consequences of different solutions that may be proposed. This includes evaluating the positive and negative outcomes that may result from different approaches to resolving the issue.

When applying these strategies on the AP English Language and Composition Exam, it is important to focus on how the author uses evidence and logic to support their argument and examine the complexities in the issue. This can be demonstrated through the use of textual evidence and effective writing techniques, such as the use of transitional phrases, clear and concise language, and well-structured paragraphs

In conclusion, understanding the complexities in issues is crucial in constructing and analyzing arguments. By examining popular writings, you can learn how to identify the complexities in issues and use evidence and logic to analyze them. Remember to consider different perspectives, stakeholders, and potential consequences when analyzing complexities in issues. With this study guide, you will be well equipped to tackle any complexities in issues that you may encounter in the AP English Language and Composition exam

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