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Prompt 01

Essay task

AP LanguageAP LiteratureCommon CoreIB English

In Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates contends that the systemic destruction of Black bodies isn't just a random flaw in American society; it's a core aspect of it, rooted in the myth of race and the pursuit of "the Dream." Write a thoughtful essay where you analyze how Coates employs the letter format, personal narrative, and historical references to argue that the vulnerability of the Black body is deeply intertwined with the formation of American identity. Your essay should reference at least two specific passages from the text and examine how Coates's rhetorical decisions enhance or complicate his main argument.

Guiding Considerations

  • How does the letter format (addressed to his son, Samori) influence the emotional and rhetorical weight of Coates's argument?
  • What does Coates mean by "the Dream," and how does he relate it to the Black experience?
  • How does Coates incorporate his own experiences — growing up in Baltimore, attending Howard University, and the loss of his friend Prince Jones — to support his broader social critique?
  • Does Coates convey hope, resignation, or something more nuanced? How does your interpretation of his tone shape your understanding of his argument?

Prompt 02

Essay task

AP LanguageAP LiteratureCommon Core ElaIB English

In Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates contends that the systemic violence against Black bodies is not merely an unfortunate aspect but an integral part of American society and "the Dream." Write a well-developed essay in which you argue how Coates employs the epistolary format — a letter to his son — to render his critique of American racial violence more personal, urgent, and morally compelling. In your essay, explore how specific rhetorical choices (like direct address, anecdote, and body imagery) work together to position the reader and bolster Coates's primary argument.

Guiding Questions to Consider Before Writing

  • What does Coates mean by "the Dream," and who benefits from it?
  • How does the letter format influence the emotional and ethical dimensions of the argument?
  • What significance does the physical body hold as a recurring symbol throughout the text?
  • How does Coates intertwine personal memoir with a broader social and political critique?

Requirements

  • Develop a clear, arguable thesis that goes beyond summary.
  • Integrate at least three specific textual references (quotes or paraphrases with page numbers).
  • Analyze rhetorical and literary devices — do not simply identify them.
  • Suggested length: 4–6 paragraphs (or as directed by your teacher).

Prompt 03

Essay task

AP LanguageAP LiteratureCommon Core ElaIB English

In Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates contends that the systematic destruction of Black lives is not a random occurrence in American history but a fundamental aspect of it. Compose a well-structured argumentative essay that analyzes how Coates employs the epistolary form, personal narrative, and historical evidence to bolster his main argument that racism in America is rooted in structures and experiences rather than just attitudes.

Guidance for Students

Your essay should be driven by a clear thesis, grounded in the text, and consist of approximately 4–6 paragraphs.

  • Introduce Coates's main argument and discuss the importance of his decision to address the letter to his teenage son, Samori.
  • Analyze at least two rhetorical or literary strategies (e.g., anaphora, the extended metaphor of "the body," allusion to James Baldwin, vivid personal anecdote) and clarify how each one enhances his argument.
  • Engage with a counterargument: Think about how a reader might dispute Coates's view of America as irreparably centered around racial violence, and illustrate how Coates's text foresees or addresses that challenge.
  • Conclude by considering the broader implications of Coates's argument for current discussions about race, justice, and the American Dream.

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