spanish argumentative essay

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52 Spanish Essay Phrases for Your AP Exam and Beyond

In order to do well on the AP Spanish exam’s   free-response  section, you must be able to write a persuasive essay based on three Spanish-language sources.

You can conjugate any irregular verb , you’ve got conditionals down and your vocabulary is out of this world.

But can you form a coherent argument… in Spanish?

Here we’ve put together a list of 52 vocabulary words and essays phrases that will come in handy for making and supporting arguments in your AP Spanish essays, and in any other piece of Spanish writing !

Handy Essay Phrases for Writing a Strong Spanish AP Composition

Starting your essay, agreeing and disagreeing, stating an opinion, supporting an opinion, contrasting (or comparing), transitional phrases, changing topics, concluding your essay, how to prepare for the ap spanish essay, what are the details of the ap spanish essay, and one more thing….

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Para empezar – To begin with

Hoy en día – Nowadays…

Hoy en día, las personas están en Internet hasta ocho horas por día. (Nowadays, people are on the Internet up to eight hours per day.)

A manera de introducción – We can start by saying…

Como punto de partida – As a starting point

Al principio – At the beginning… 

En primer lugar  – To start… 

Empecemos por considerar – Let’s begin by considering…

Estoy de acuerdo/No estoy de acuerdo — I agree/I disagree

Estoy de acuerdo con lo que dice el autor. (I agree with what the author says.)

No estoy de acuerdo con la idea principal de la fuente número dos . (I disagree with the main idea of source number two.)

En mi opinión — In my opinion

En mi opinión, los jóvenes deberían comer más sano. (In my opinion, young people should eat healthier.)

La verdad es   — The truth is

La verdad es que todavía hay mucha desigualdad en los Estados Unidos . (The truth is there is still a lot of inequality in the United States.)

Es verdad  — It’s true

Es verdad que las redes sociales pueden ser peligrosas . (It’s true that social media can be dangerous.)

Es falso   —   It’s false

Hay gente que dice que las redes sociales son peligrosas, pero esto es falso . (There are people who say that social media is dangerous, but this is false.)

Me parece/No me parece   —   It seems to me/It doesn’t seem to me

Me parece bien que los niños asistan a colegios bilingües . (I think it’s a good idea that children attend bilingual schools.)

No me parece bien que los niños asistan a colegios bilingües . (I don’t think it’s a good idea that children attend bilingual schools.)

Remember that since me parece implies an opinion or emotion, you must conjugate the verb in the subjunctive tense.

(Yo) pienso que   —   I think that

Yo pienso que no hay nada más importante que la familia . (I think that there is nothing more important than family.)

(Yo) creo que  — I believe that

Yo creo que todos los adolescentes deberían aprender a tocar un instrumento . (I believe that all adolescents should learn to play an instrument.)

The following phrases all have the same structure: Es  + adjective +  que .

This structure is similar to the English “It’s [adjective] that…” and is great for expressing and supporting opinions in a strong and confident manner. Here are some phrases that are especially useful when making and defending claims in a persuasive essay:

Es evidente que   —   It’s evident that

Es claro que   —   It’s clear that

Es cierto que  —   It’s certain that

Es obvio que   — It’s obvious that

Es importante que  — It’s important that

Es necesario que   — It’s necessary that

Es probable que   —   It’s probable that

Es dudoso que  — It’s doubtful that

For some of these phrases, the verb following the word que must be conjugated in the indicative, while others require the subjunctive . A good rule of thumb is that when implying that something is certain, use the indicative. When expressing doubt or expressing some other emotion, use the subjunctive.

On this list, evidente, claro, cierto  and obvio use indicative verbs, and importante, necesario, probable  and dudoso use subjunctive verbs.

Es cierto que nuestro clima está cambiando . (It is certain that our climate is changing.)

Es importante que la gente sepa hablar más de un idioma . (It’s important that people know how to speak more than one language.)

These words will help you refer to your three sources, which contain information that will help you support your argument. This section also contains transition words to connect one part of your argument to the next.

Según   — According to  

Según el autor… (according to the author…)

La fuente  —   The source

Según la fuente numero 1… (According to source number one…)

El tema   —   The theme/topic

Esto es un tema muy importante. (This is a very important topic.)

Mostrar   —   To show

La fuente muestra la importancia de la diversidad. (The source shows the importance of diversity.)

Remember, mostrar is an o-ue stem-changing verb—pay attention to conjugation!

Demostrar   —   To demonstrate

La tabla demuestra que muchos jóvenes en España juegan al fútbol. (The table demonstrates that many youths in Spain play football.)

Demostrar is also an o-ue stem changing verb. Luckily for you, it follows the exact same conjugation rules as mostrar !

Indicar   —   To indicate

La tabla indica que hay muchas familias pobres en ese barrio. (The table indicates that there are many poor families in that neighborhood.)

Apoyar   —   To support

Estos datos apoyan la idea de que el clima está cambiando. (This data supports the idea that the climate is changing)

Sin duda   — Without a doubt

Sin duda, el cambio climático es el problema más grave que enfrenta nuestra planeta. (Without a doubt, climate change is the most serious problem that our planet faces.)

Por otra parte   — On the other hand

Es importante que la economía crezca, pero por otra parte, tenemos que cuidar el medio ambiente. (It’s important that the economy grows, but on the other hand, we have to care for the environment.)

Aunque   — Even though/Although

Aunque is followed by an indicative verb when the outcome is known, but a subjunctive verb when the outcome is speculative.

Aunque cuesta mucho dinero, tenemos que buscar una solución. (Even though it costs a lot of money, we have to search for a solution.)

Aunque cueste mucho dinero, tenemos que buscar una solución . (Even though it may cost a lot of money, we have to search for a solution.)

Al igual que  —   Just like

Al igual que en los años 40, hoy en día hay mucha gente que no quiere ayudar a los refugiados de guerra . (Just like in the 40s, today there are many people who don’t want to help war refugees.)

Tanto… como… — … as well as…

Fill in this phrase with two nouns to emphasize that you’re talking equally about two different things.

Tanto chicos como chicas deberían aprender a cocinar, limpiar, coser y cuidar a los bebés. (Boys as well as girls ought to learn how to cook, clean, sew and care for babies.)  

Sino   —   But rather

Remember that Spanish has two translations for the English word “but.” The word sino is like the English phrase “but rather,” used to introduce an alternative.

En comparación  —   In comparison

En comparación, la fuente número 2 indica que hay más obesidad en Estados Unidos que en España . (In comparison, source number 2 indicates that there is more obesity in the United States than in Spain.)

Leer no es una pérdida de tiempo, sino una manera de aprender y de conocer otras culturas . (Reading isn’t a waste of time, but rather a way to learn and understand other cultures.)

Además  — Additionally

This word is usually seen at the beginning of a sentence, and it’s useful for transitioning from one idea or argument to another.

Además, es evidente que la tecnología nos ayuda mucho. (Additionally, it’s evident that technology helps us a lot.)

Sin embargo   —   However

This is another good transition word. In your essay, you may want to present an alternate argument and then explain why you disagree with it. Sin embargo is very helpful for this.

Obviamente, estudiar es muy importante. Sin embargo, es necesario que los adolescentes tengan tiempo para jugar con sus amigos . (Obviously, studying is very important. However, it’s necessary that teenagers have time to play with their friends.)

Por lo cual   —   For this reason/That’s why/Which is why

This phrase is used in the middle of a sentence to connect ideas.

La Amazonía tiene un alto nivel de biodiversidad, por lo cual la conservación de esta región debe ser una prioridad.  (The Amazon has a high level of biodiversity, which is why the conservation of this region must be a priority.)

Sobre un tema relacionado — On a related topic

Sobre un tema relacionado con la inteligencia artificial, se están llevando a cabo investigaciones para mejorar la capacidad de aprendizaje de los algoritmos de machine learning.  (Regarding a topic related to artificial intelligence, research is being conducted to enhance the learning capacity of machine learning algorithms.)

Cuando se trata de –  When it comes to

Relacionado con esta idea — Related to this idea

Una idea similar es — A similar idea is

Una idea similar es utilizar la realidad virtual como herramienta educativa para mejorar la experiencia de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. (A similar idea is to use virtual reality as an educational tool to enhance the learning experience of students.)

Ahora estoy pasando a  — Now moving onto

In your final paragraph, you’ll want to provide a summary of your main argument and your main supporting points. You can use the following helpful phrases:

En conclusión   —   In conclusion

En resumen   —   In summary

En fin   —   Finally

En conclusión,/En resumen,/En fin, las tres fuentes muestran que la contaminación del aire es un problema muy grave para todo el mundo . (In summary, the three sources show that air pollution is a very serious problem for the whole world.)

After summarizing your essay, you’ll want to re-state your main argument in a succinct, strongly-worded sentence. Start with these phrases:

Por estas razones   —   For these reasons

Por eso  — That is why

Así que   —   Therefore

Entonces  — So

Por estas razones,/Por eso,/Así que/Entonces, afirmo que los adolescentes no deberían usar las redes sociales. (For these reasons, I affirm that teenagers should not use social media.)

In many ways, preparing for the free-response section is the same as preparing for the rest of the AP exam.

It involves studying grammar and vocabulary, and it also means immersing yourself in the Spanish language as much as possible. The more exposure you have to Spanish-language sources leading up to the exam day, the easier it’ll be for you to understand and analyze the three sources you encounter in the essay task.

There are also some targeted ways to practice for the free-response section.

• Do practice exams and read sample essays. The College Board  has posted the full AP exams from the last several years. Try to read the sources and write the essay in the allotted 55 minutes. When you’re done, go back and slowly revise your essay for errors in grammar, spelling and logic. After that, you can also check out the grading rubric provided by the College Board and several sample persuasive essays . Try to compare your essay against the rubric and the samples to see how you can improve your writing.
• Practice summarizing and analyzing Spanish-language sources. Remember all those great resources listed above? Well, it’s not enough to just read or listen to them. The whole point of the presentational essay is to measure your ability to summarize, synthesize and argue. So, after you read or listen to a Spanish-language source, take five minutes to summarize it—on paper. Identify the main argument, and then make a bulleted list of important points. Finally, write a few sentences summarizing your personal opinion.
• Learn targeted vocabulary for talking about opinions and arguments. Is there anything more frustrating than knowing exactly what you want to say, but not having the vocabulary to say it? This article lists many crucial vocabulary words for expressing and supporting opinions in persuasive essays. Using these words and phrases will make your writing flow more smoothly—and they’ll allow you to argue with more credibility and style.

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You can also find some great info on great news outlets , podcasts , YouTube channels  and blogs —all in Spanish. Even following some Spanish Twitter feeds or listening to Spanish music can be a great way to work a little language practice into your day.

The free-response section of the exam is meant to test your ability to communicate with others in spoken and written Spanish.

There are two essays in the free-response section. The interpersonal essay asks you to respond to an email. The presentational essay  tests how well you can draw information from Spanish-language sources, form an argument and write formally. This second essay is a little less straightforward, so we’ll walk you through it here.

So, how does it work?

The presentational essay is based on three sources . Two of them are written sources and one is an audio source.

These sources can be just about anything: Advertisements, articles, infographics, letters, maps, interviews, radio programs, podcasts and conversations are just some examples of the types of sources you may encounter.

You’ll have about 55 minutes to complete this particular essay. First, you’ll have six minutes to read the prompt and the two written sources, and then you’ll hear the audio source twice. Finally, you’ll have 40 minutes to plan and write your essay.

The essay is graded on the basis of Spanish language skills like reading, listening, writing and grammar—but it’s also based on your general ability to analyze the sources and make a strong, coherent argument.

Learn and study the words listed above—they’ll help you express yourself more fluidly in your AP Spanish essays.

But, of course, learning vocabulary and essay phrases is just one way to prepare for the free-response section.

Remember to expose yourself to as many Spanish-language sources as you can before test day, and don’t forget to think critically about those sources as you read them!

With practice, writing strong essays for the AP Spanish exam will be a breeze.

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Specialty Spanish

Ideas and Resources for Spanish Teachers

The Argumentative Essay on the AP Spanish Exam: Part 2

In the last post we talked about how to teach students HOW to write an argumentative essay for the AP Spanish Exam. Now we will talk about the logistics of grading them to help students improve. It’s no easy task, for students or for teachers!

Day One: Argumentative Essay Sources

The first time my students will write an argumentative essay for a grade, I try to dial down the stress and anxiety.

I don’t feel that they need a real AP Test-taking scenario on the first try.

So, I usually present the sources on “Day one”. They have time to read the 2 print sources and listen to the audio source. I collect the sources and their notes. Usually this does not require an entire class period, especially if your schedule is a block schedule. I would plan 10 minutes for the listening and 10-15 for the print sources.

Every school has a different class schedule. In my school, we have 3 days of 44 minute classes and 2 days of 90 minute block classes. I do the sources on the shorter class that leads up to the block day.

Day Two: Writing the Argumentative Essay

On the block day, students write their first draft of the essay. I give them back their sources and notes. I also supply them with THIS checklist , which I uses as a pseudo-rubric when I am grading their work.

Amig@s, I cannot tell you how much time this checklist saves me. But I’ll talk more about it in the next block.

While students are writing, I walk around. I tell them that they can ask me how to say 5 words. (I realize that on the AP Test, this is not an option. But since this is usually one of their biggest grades for class, again- it’s about managing their anxiety.) I ask them to write the words at the top of their paper. I come around just a few times, so I don’t interrupt their train of thought, and I translate the words. I find that this is a great relief to my students!

As an FYI, I find that my students (at least a good many) use the entire block period to write. Again- they have far less time on the AP test, but this is their first time. It will get easier and faster with time and practice!

Grading the First Draft of the Argumentative Essay

Students have turned in their work, and now I have a TALL pile of papers to grade. Groan….. anyone else feel overwhelmed by seeing that stack??? : )

Ok. Let’s get moving! How do we give students specific and timely feedback?

I use THIS CHECKLIST . It is my life-saver.

It is broken down by paragraph with the things I’m looking for in each paragraph. A simple check or X provides the feedback and saves the time it takes to write out all the feedback.

At the end, there is a list of the general look-fors, like spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.

It is not exactly a rubric, because there are no points assigned to any part of it. But, when I am deciding on a grade for the student, or a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 in AP-style scoring, the checks and X’s on this list paint a very clear picture. Of course, if you choose to purchase this checklist, you can modify it to suit your own needs!

When I pass back their argumentative essay with this checklist, students can look paragraph by paragraph for the specific things they did right and the specific things they can fix or improve!

Final Draft

We take another class period to revise. Be prepared! Some students will have very little to revise! Some students will have a lot of work to do. Remember that all of our students will struggle in different areas. Here are some common areas of confusion:

-not having a clear thesis in the intro

-not using all 3 sources to back up your arguments

-having too many ideas in one body paragraph

-using quotes from sources that repeat (instead of support) what they already wrote or using quotes that don’t help at all

-being too wordy (we need to teach them to be concise because of the time constraint on the AP Test.)

-presenting an opposing viewpoint but NOT negating it (this is a big one!)

Take-Aways for Teachers

This is a BIG task, both for students and for us as teachers. It would be great if our AP Students came to us with spectacular writing skills, but in my experience, that is not always the case.

So, we not only teach our students the general writing skills of good essays, but the specific requirements of the AP Spanish Argumentative Essay, and throw in the challenge of Spanish reading and listening comprehension, and vocabulary and grammar in their writing. Ay caramba!

I find, in general, students will require at least 3 attempts at writing this sort of essay before they are consistently meeting the goals. Throughout the school year, I modify the different ways I ask them to practice. I have created a number of resources over the years, and I will link them below in case they can be of help to you.

Buena suerte colegas!

Resource Links

Argumentative Essay Sample Intro Paragraphs : Free!

AP Spanish Argumentative Essay: Graphic Organizer for Student Practice

AP Spanish Test Prep: Growing Mega Bundle

Other Blog Posts You May Like

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How To Crush the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam [+ FREE Practice Guide]

The AP Spanish Language and Culture exam is one of the best Spanish tests you can take. It doesn’t only focus on the Spanish language, but also on the overall Spanish culture. 

This exam prepares you to travel around Latin America and it can even give you a college credit. For all these reasons, the AP Spanish test is very popular among Spanish learners. 

However, this doesn’t mean that it’s an easy exam. On the contrary, you need to prepare yourself well to get a good result in this test. 

Keep reading to learn all you need to know about the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam, its format, and how to study for it. 

Additionally, you will get a free downloadable practice guide. 

About the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam

The AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam is a high school exam with a college level. 

It’s administered every May by the College Board after completion of an AP Spanish Language course. It offers the possibility of earning college credits, depending on your score. 

The AP Spanish exam has four sections: 

Multiple Choice

30 multiple choice-type questions to be answered in 40 minutes. 

This part is known as “Section IA,” consists of a diversity of print materials, and counts for 23% of your score. 

Multiple Choice with Audio

This part known as “Section IB” includes 35 multiple choice questions related to a variety of audios. 

You have 55 minutes to answer Section IB and it counts for 27% of your score. 

Free Response Written

“Section IIA” focuses on your writing skills. It includes only 2 questions, but gives you 1 hour and 10 minutes to answer them. 

In one question you need to reply to an email, and in the second one you have to write an argumentative essay. This section counts for 25% of your score. 

Free Response Spoken

Finally, in “Section IIB” you have to answer two questions and have 18 minutes to do so. 

The first question is a simulated conversation, while the second one is a 2-minute presentational speaking. This last section also counts for 25% of your score. 

How To Study for AP Spanish

If you’re planning to take the AP Spanish exam and you want to know how to get a 5 on AP Spanish language, there are a few things you can do to help you get ready for it. 

Take an AP Spanish Practice Test

This is one of the best tips you can get during your AP Spanish prep. 

Find a free online AP Spanish Practice Test , and see for yourself how you would do if you were taking the real exam today. 

These tests have been designed following the structure of the AP exam and are a good way to diagnose your current Spanish level. 

Study the Questions Beforehand

If you want to know how to study for a Spanish exam, perhaps one of the best methods is getting the questions of the exam beforehand. 

Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you cheat on the test. There are different websites that take some of the hardest questions from previous AP Spanish Language and Culture exams and analyze them to help students prepare for their test. 

Of course, you’re not getting the exact same questions in your test, but you’ll get a pretty good idea of the type of questions you’ll get. 

Focus on the AP Spanish Themes

During your AP Spanish course you should have covered certain topics required by the College Board. It’s very important that you get familiarized with these themes: 

Contemporary Life

Families and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, global challenges, get an ap spanish book.

Among exam tips, this one may be the more obvious one. Get yourself an AP Spanish exam preparation book . 

Some of these books include audio tracks to help you with the listening section, translations for all the test passages and questions, and full-length practice tests too. 

Use Different Learning Techniques

There are many different learning techniques that can help you prepare for your AP Spanish exam. 

Strategies such as spaced repetition , tracking your progress , and taking Spanish classes , can make the difference between having a successful test or a not so successful one.

If you happen to be taking more than two foreign languages at once, here is a hand-picked piece for you: 9 Tips for Learning Multiple Languages At Once .

Develop Essay Writing Skills

One of the most feared sections of the AP Spanish test is the essay-writing one. 

That’s because it requires developing not only writing in Spanish skills, but essay writing skills in general. 

There are some essay writing tools that can help you in this regard, such as Talk Typer , the Royal Spanish Academy Dictionary , and different grammar checkers . 

Use a Diversity of Spanish Resources

The best thing you can do when studying Spanish and preparing yourself for the AP Spanish exam is to use a balanced approach and include different resources in your preparation efforts. 

This way, you will cover different angles and make sure to develop different skills. These days there are so many resources online that it’s hard to choose the right ones, but here you can find a list of the most useful ones .

AP Spanish Practice Guide

Is AP Spanish hard? Yes, a little bit. I’d be lying to you if I said otherwise. 

But you can prepare yourself with this AP Spanish Practice Guide. You can download it and work through the different exercises on it, they follow the same structure as the AP Spanish test questions and include preparation answers. 

Important Vocabulary You Need to Master

The following list of words will help you enrich your written answers and strengthen your essay. After learning some useful verbs, each group of words is related to a specific AP Spanish theme.

Merecer – to deserve

Miguel merece un ascenso.  Miguel deserves a promotion. 

Adquirir – to acquire

El maestro adquirió varios libros para su biblioteca.  The teacher acquired various books for his library. 

Destacar – to stand out

María destaca por su inteligencia. Maria stands out for her intelligence.

Señalar – to point out 

Le señalé su error. I pointed out her mistake.

La informática – computer science

La informática es la carrera del futuro.  Computer science is the career of the future. 

El progreso – progress

El progreso de la ciencia se ha ralentizado en los últimos dos años.  The progress of science has slowed down in the last couple of years. 

Las creencias personales – personal beliefs

Estas son mis creencias personales.  These are my personal beliefs.

La identidad étnica – ethnic identity

Su identidad étnica es un misterio.  His ethnic identity is a mystery. 

La autoestima – self esteem

Carlos tiene una gran autoestima.  Carlos has great self esteem.

El cambio climático – climate change

El cambio climático es un gran desafío para la humanidad.  Climate change is a great challenge for humanity. 

La población – population

La población de Argentina ha crecido mucho en los últimos años.  Argentina’s population has grown a lot in the last few years. 

El pronóstico – forecast

El pronóstico del tiempo se equivocó de nuevo.  The weather forecast was wrong again. 

El patrimonio – heritage 

Chichén Itzá es patrimonio de la humanidad.  Chichén Itzá is humanity’s heritage. 

Los valores – values

En México los valores familiares son muy importantes.  In Mexico family values are very important. 

Las raíces – roots

Queremos echar raíces en esta comunidad.  We want to put down roots in this community. 

El desempleo – unemployment

El desempleo creció mucho en Latinoamérica.  Unemployment grew a lot in Latin America. 

El trabajo comunitario – community work

Mi hermano está haciendo trabajo comunitario en Centroamérica.  My brother is doing community work in Central America. 

El crimen – crime

El crimen organizado es un problema global. Organized crime is a global problem. 

La armonía – harmony 

Debemos vivir en armonía con la naturaleza.   We should live in harmony with nature. 

El tratamiento – treatment

Necesito un tratamiento para la piel.  I need a skin treatment. 

El equilibrio – balance

La sociedad debe crecer con equilibrio.   Society must grow in a balanced way.

Test Yourself

Choose the right word on each sentence:

1. Mi papá ____________ un nuevo refrigerador.

2. la _____________ mundial casi llega a los 8 billones de personas., 3. miguel ama las computadoras y quiere dedicarse a la _______________ ., 4. el juez le ordenó hacer 30 horas de ____________ ., 5. esta casa es _________________ de la familia., 6. el ________________ económico para los próximos años es positivo., 7. las ________________ de juan son muy distintas a las mías., 8. para _______________ en español tienes que esforzarte., 9. erika es muy tímida y tiene muy baja ________________ ., 10. pedro no cree en el _____________ ., get ready for your ap spanish language and culture exam.

Use the different strategies and learning techniques shared with you throughout this lesson and make sure to download the AP Spanish Practice Guide to get ready for your upcoming test. 

Don’t forget to check out the dates for the AP Spanish exam 2022 here . 

Prepare for the AP Spanish test and sign up for a free trial class with one of our certified, native Spanish speaking teachers. They teach over 24,000 actively enrolled students every month, have experience preparing students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam, and offer flexible scheduling. 

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

“Getting to know wonderful teachers who care about me and my growth in language and education. Evelyn Gomez and Erick Cacao are two of the most extraordinary people I have ever met, and talking with them in Spanish at the beginning of classes is always so fulfilling and greatly contributes to my happiness, joy, and wellbeing.”

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• Mexican Spanish

Ap Spanish Essay Examples

Are you struggling to find examples of AP Spanish essays? Look no further!

In this article, we’ll explore various essay samples that will help you ace your AP Spanish exam.

From cultural comparison essays to persuasive and literary analysis essays, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration or guidance, our expertly crafted examples will provide you with a solid foundation.

So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the world of AP Spanish essay writing.

Key Takeaways

• Analysis of causes and effects of immigration
• Examination of cultural assimilation and its positive and negative effects
• Importance of understanding immigration’s impact on individuals and communities
• Significance of comparing cultures to gain a deeper understanding

Sample AP Spanish Essay on Immigration

You should start your essay on immigration with an analysis of the causes and effects of this complex issue.

Immigration challenges and cultural assimilation are two key aspects of this topic that need to be explored. Immigration challenges refer to the difficulties faced by individuals and families as they navigate the process of moving to a new country. These challenges can include language barriers, discrimination, and the struggle to find employment and housing.

On the other hand, cultural assimilation refers to the process by which immigrants adopt the customs, language, and values of their new country. It’s important to examine both the positive and negative effects of cultural assimilation, as it can lead to a loss of cultural identity but also foster greater integration and acceptance within society.

Understanding these causes and effects is crucial in developing a comprehensive understanding of immigration and its impact on individuals and communities.

Analyzing a Cultural Comparison Essay for AP Spanish

Analyzing a Cultural Comparison Essay for AP Spanish requires examining the similarities and differences between two cultures in order to gain a deeper understanding. Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping societies and individuals, and by comparing different cultures, we can uncover the various factors that contribute to their uniqueness. One key aspect to consider is language barriers, as language plays a crucial role in communication and expression. To illustrate this, let’s take a look at a table comparing the cultural influences and language barriers between two Spanish-speaking countries, Spain and Mexico:

Exploring a Persuasive Essay Example for AP Spanish

Take a moment to explore an engaging persuasive essay example for AP Spanish and see how the author effectively uses rhetorical strategies to convince the reader.

In this essay, the author discusses the importance of cultural diversity and language proficiency. The author begins by providing a clear thesis statement that highlights the significance of these two factors in today’s globalized world.

Throughout the essay, the author incorporates persuasive language and evidence to support their argument. They use emotional appeals to evoke empathy and understanding from the reader, and logical appeals to provide logical reasoning and evidence.

Additionally, the author uses rhetorical questions to engage the reader and make them reflect on the topic at hand.

Overall, this persuasive essay serves as an excellent example for AP Spanish students to learn how to effectively persuade their audience and convey their message.

Examining a Literary Analysis Essay in AP Spanish

In order to understand the intricacies of a literary analysis essay in AP Spanish, start by examining the author’s use of literary devices and the overall structure of the essay. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural influences and literary techniques employed by the writer.

Literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing can reveal underlying themes and messages in the text. By analyzing the author’s use of these devices, you can uncover the deeper meanings and intentions behind their words.

Additionally, the overall structure of the essay, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, plays a crucial role in conveying the writer’s argument and supporting evidence. By examining these elements, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of the literary analysis essay in AP Spanish.

Understanding a Synthesis Essay Sample for AP Spanish

You should read at least two synthesis essay samples for AP Spanish in order to gain a better understanding of the writing style and structure. This will help you familiarize yourself with the expectations and requirements of this type of essay. By analyzing these samples, you can learn how to effectively organize your ideas and arguments, as well as how to incorporate evidence from multiple sources.

Additionally, examining synthesis essay samples will allow you to see examples of effective language use, such as using transitions to connect ideas and incorporating appropriate vocabulary. Overall, reading synthesis essay samples is a valuable exercise in understanding the synthesis essay structure and developing your own writing skills.

• Analysis of writing style and structure
• Effective organization of ideas
• Incorporation of evidence from multiple sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to consider when writing an ap spanish essay on immigration.

When writing an AP Spanish essay on immigration, consider key elements such as organization, vocabulary choice, and grammar. Use clear and concise sentences, incorporate relevant examples, and support your arguments with evidence.

How Can I Effectively Analyze a Cultural Comparison Essay for AP Spanish?

To effectively analyze a cultural comparison essay for AP Spanish, start by carefully examining the similarities and differences between the cultures being compared. Look for patterns, themes, and cultural nuances to provide a comprehensive and insightful analysis.

What Are the Persuasive Techniques Used in the Persuasive Essay Example for AP Spanish?

To effectively analyze a persuasive essay example for AP Spanish, identify persuasive techniques such as ethos, pathos, and logos. Consider how the author appeals to emotions, credibility, and logic to persuade the reader.

How Do I APproach Examining a Literary Analysis Essay in AP Spanish?

Approaching analysis in a literary analysis essay, consider the author’s use of literary techniques. By examining the text closely, you can identify how the author employs symbolism, imagery, and characterization to convey their message effectively.

What Are the Steps to Understanding and Analyzing a Synthesis Essay Sample for AP Spanish?

To understand and analyze a synthesis essay sample for AP Spanish, start by breaking down the text and identifying key themes and arguments. Then, analyze the author’s use of evidence and rhetorical strategies to support their claims.

In conclusion, despite the challenges and objections that may arise, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of studying and mastering the Spanish language, specifically in the context of the AP Spanish exam.

By immersing ourselves in the language, we gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich Hispanic culture, literature, and history.

Let’s embrace this opportunity to broaden our horizons, connect with others, and become global citizens who can truly appreciate the beauty of the Spanish language.

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AP® Spanish Language

How to approach ap® spanish language free-response questions.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

The AP® Spanish Language Course targets interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication through writing, reading, speaking, and understanding. Strategies that emphasize vocabulary, language structure, communication, and culture in both contemporary and historical contexts are taught almost exclusively in Spanish. Instruction is often interactive, using Spanish books, music, and patterns of social interactions within a culture to familiarize students with the language.

This AP® Spanish study guide will briefly outline the format of the AP® Spanish Language Exam, putting particular emphasis on the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response section. It will provide insights into why the free-response section is important to the overall test results, mention content covered in the free-response section, and discuss how to prepare for AP® Spanish Language Free-Response section. Finally, this guide will provide you with AP® Spanish Language Exam tips to help you answer the free-response questions on the day of the test, and provide AP® Spanish Language practice questions.

What is the Format of the AP® Spanish Language Exam?

The AP® Spanish Language Exam is approximately three hours long and consists of two sections divided into several components.

The first section asks test takers to complete a number of listening and reading comprehension questions. Here students are asked to listen to prerecorded interviews, radio programs, podcasts, or to read articles from newspapers, web pages, special reports, or literature, and answer multiple choice questions about each of them.

The second section, also referred to as the “AP® Spanish Free-Response” section, lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. It deals with writing and speaking both informal and formal Spanish. The Interpersonal Writing component, for example, asks that students look over a document – an email, perhaps – and respond with a written answer. The Presentational Writing component asks students to draw together an argument from a number of sources like articles, tables, graphs, or an audio artifact to express their views on a particular topic.

Students also interact with documents in the informal and formal speaking component as well. In the Interpersonal Speaking component, test takers are given five listening passages meant to provoke conversation. Students then respond to the clip for about 20 seconds per question. The Presentational Speaking component asks that test takers speak for a bit longer – for two minutes, to be exact. Here they are given a prompt on a cultural topic, where they are asked to compare how such an issue may be similar or different in their own community and that of a Spanish-speaking country.

Why is the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Important?

The AP® Spanish Language Exam is scored by a team of college faculty and seasoned AP® teachers trained in fair-mindedness and uniformity. This Free-Response section, like the multiple choice section, is 50% of your final exam grade – so it’s pretty important. The weighted scores from the Free-Response section are combined with those from a machine-graded multiple choice. These are summed and given an AP® composite score of a 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 (5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest).

What Content is Covered in the Free-Response Section of the AP® Spanish Language Exam?

The exam tests the social, cultural, academic, and workplace skills you have been developing throughout your AP® Spanish course. In particular, test-takers are presented with questions on global challenges, science & technology, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities, and beauty and aesthetics. Within these themes, students are asked to interact with an assortment of media, voice their opinions, and make connections and comparisons between English and Spanish speaking communities.

How can Test Takers Prepare for the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Section?

In this section, you’ll find a few suggestions on how you can conduct your own AP® Spanish review during your free time. The CollegeBoard also offers some additional insights to get test-takers ready for test day. You can find out more by clicking here .

One way to prepare for the writing section of the exam is to look through various review books — in addition to your textbook, AP® Spanish: Preparing for the Language and Culture Examination by José M. Díaz, Prentice Hall’s Una Vez Más (Once More), or Triángulo (Triangle) by Barbara Gatski all come highly recommended. When looking through these books, check out a few practice questions that are modeled after writing prompts from the test. Doing a few practice drills will better acquaint you with the sorts of essay questions asked on the test. If your AP® Spanish teacher has the time, ask them to go over any mistakes you may have made while working out your answers.

You’ll improve your Spanish skills by speaking the language on a daily basis. As mentioned, the exam asks you to discuss various topics in Spanish, for times ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. Practicing this skill will be invaluable. Without limiting yourself, speak in simple, frank sentences that use vocabulary and grammar you are most conversant in. Investing in a digital recorder so that you can practice speaking into it is one way to improve your oral communication skills while developing muscle memory for particular tough-to-pronounce Spanish sounds.

How can Test Takers Answer the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Questions?

Albert offers test takers some useful tips to prepare them for the writing section of the AP® Spanish Language exam (see Albert’s The Ultimate List of AP® Spanish Language Tips for further details). Here are a few more insights regarding how you may want to tackle answering these during the exam.

AP® Spanish Language Essay Tips & Advice

• Begin your paragraphs with clear topic sentences and follow them with well-organized supporting sentences. Link paragraphs with transitional phrases like De esta manera, como resultado, además de eso.
• Write neatly in pen.
• If using difficult sentence structures, be sure you use them correctly. Practice these prior to the example so that you’ll have them down to a science!
• Incorporate each of the sources you’re being asked to discuss.
• Be sure to follow the directions so that you answer what is being asked of you. If, for example, an email prompt asks that you “include a greeting and a closing,” so be sure to include this in your reply.
• Show off your language skills by using the subjunctive.
• The Presentational Writing component asks that you write a persuasive essay. Be sure that you include a strong argument backed up with the sources provided to support your position. You may want to reference and disclaim the opposing arguments first, to strengthen your point.

Interpersonal and Presentational Speaking Examples and Tips

• Use the time you have to talk! If you get stuck, return to the main idea to help jog your memory.
• Rather than using filler words in English (ahh, but, so, and…), try Spanish fillers instead (pues, bueno, y, o sea, entonces… )
• Don’t be afraid to correct any mistakes you’ve made.
• Keep your Interpersonal Speaking answers casual.
• Be sure to address the task or answer the question presented to you.
• Consider who you are talking to and decide if you should use informal ( tú ) or formal ( Usted ) pronouns.
• Jot down an outline, grammar notes, or a vocabulary bank to glance upon in case you get stuck.
• The Presentational Speaking component is formal, so remember who your audience is and adjust accordingly.
• Stay organized by building your comparisons off of a thesis or main idea, then go into differences and similarities with supporting evidence. Remember to conclude with a summary of your arguments.
• Outline key ideas, but do not script what you want to say.
• Remember that in this section you are being asked to compare aspects of your culture with those of a Spanish-speaking culture. Jot down a Venn diagram or other visual tools to help you organize your claims.
• Research a few specifics on Spanish speaking countries so that you’ll have cultural references to draw from.
• Use transition words like además, por ejemplo, por otro lado, aunque, por el contrario…
• Remember it is okay to talk about your personal experiences. Use this to support your opinion.

What are the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Questions Like?

Below you’ll find some examples of real Free-Response Questions from the CollegeBoard’s AP® Central (you can check out specific details and more sample questions here ). Try a few of these questions in the months before the test to ensure you are getting your fill of AP® Spanish practice!

Example 1 : You will write a reply to an e-mail message. You have 15 minutes to read the message and write your reply. Your reply should include a greeting and a closing and should respond to all the questions and requests in the message. In your reply, you should also ask for more details about something mentioned in the message. Also, you should use a formal method of address.

Example 2 : You will write a persuasive essay to submit to a Spanish writing contest. The essay topic is based on three accompanying sources, which present different viewpoints on the topic and include both print and audio material. First, you will have 6 minutes to read the essay topic and the printed material. Afterward, you will hear the audio material twice; you should take notes while you listen. Then, you will have 40 minutes to prepare and write your essay. In your persuasive essay, you should present the sources’ different viewpoints on the topic and also clearly indicate your own viewpoint and defend it thoroughly. Use information from all of the sources to support your essay. As you refer to the sources, identify them appropriately. Also, organize your essay into clear paragraphs.

Example 1 : You will participate in a conversation. First, you will have one minute to read a preview of the conversation, including an outline of each turn in the conversation. Afterward, the conversation will begin, following the outline. Each time it is your turn to speak, you will have 20 seconds to record your response. You should participate in the conversation as fully and appropriately as possible.

Example 2 : You will make an oral presentation on a specific topic to your class. You will have four minutes to read the presentation topic and prepare your presentation. Then you will have two minutes to record your presentation. In your presentation, compare your own community to an area of the Spanish-speaking world with which you are familiar. You should demonstrate your understanding of cultural features of the Spanish-speaking world. You should also organize your presentation clearly.

How can Test Takers Practice for the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Section?

In summary, there are a lot of resources that test takers can draw from to help them with the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response section. Wrap your mind around as many interviews, radio programs, podcasts, newspapers, web pages, special reports, or literature in Spanish as you can handle. Meet with your fellow students or Spanish speakers in your community to attend Spanish cultural events and films, Discuss current global events; the latest tech gadgets; or your love, family, or work life. In other words, if you engage with the language on a daily basis, you’ll not only be developing skills that will help you practice for the test, but you’ll be opening yourself up to unique social worlds in new and dynamic ways.

Looking for AP® Spanish Language practice?

Kickstart your AP® Spanish Language prep with Albert. Start your AP® exam prep today .

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World Language Instruction

GETTING THE AP SPANISH ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY UNDER CONTROL!

Dear AP Spanish Language and Culture colleagues. We all know how stressful is for both students and teachers to prepare well for the essay portion of the exam. In this webinar I explain the steps I take to make this a more manageable, kind and effective experience for my students.

I hope you find the webinar helpful. As always I´m open to any quiestions and/or kind comments. Please remember that this is only my experience and my practice that have resulted in good scores for my students.

Click HERE to find an Argumentative Essay organizer that I´m sharing with you for free. You will know how to use it after watching the webinar.

I have created more supporting resources to prepare the Argumentative Essay that you can find in my TpT store: Real Language Acqusition. Find this resource HERE .

I invite you to browse my AP and non AP related resources in my TpT store.

I´m sure you will find something helpful and fun for your classes. Click HERE to access the store

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Excelente clase. Mil gracias y bendiciones.

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• Knowledge Base
• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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Using Transition Words in Spanish

To sound natural when writing in Spanish, it is important to use conectores ( transition words ). Transition words link your ideas together, allowing them to flow smoothly from one sentence to the next.

There are many types of transition words you can use when you are writing in Spanish. Let’s take a closer look!

Sequence and Order

The following transition words help us arrange ideas, events, and reasons according to their order of importance or to the order in which they happened chronologically .

Let’s put some of these into context!

Cause and Effect

Use these transition words to make a connection between cause and effect .

Let’s take a look at some examples!

Addition and Agreement

The following transition words add information , express agreement , and reinforce relationships and ideas that came before .

Check out these examples!

Examples, Emphasis, and Clarification

The following transitions are used to introduce examples as support , emphasize a particular fact , or explain a point .

Use these transition words to connect two things by focusing on their differences .

Here are some examples!

Summarizing and Concluding

These transition words can be used to conclude an argument or to summarize ideas .

Want more tips on writing in Spanish? Check out these articles!

• Spanish Punctuation
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Guest Essay

Some Words Feel Truer in Spanish

By Natalia Sylvester

Ms. Sylvester is the author of the forthcoming children’s book “A Maleta Full of Treasures” (“La Maleta de Tesoros”).

My earliest relationship with language was defined by rules. As an immigrant who came to this country from Peru at age 4, I spent half of my days in kindergarten occupied with learning the rules of the English language. There was the tricky inconsistency of pronunciation to navigate and, once I learned to speak it, the challenge of translating what I’d learned into reading skills.

At home, my mom would often create games to help my sister and me preserve our Spanish and improve our grammar. Driving around our neighborhood in Miami, she’d point at a traffic light, hold up four fingers and say, “Se-ma-fo-ro — on which syllable do you put the accent?”

Each language had its defined space: English in school, Spanish at home. But as my parents became more fluent (and my sister and I more dominant) in English, the boundaries became blurred. Being bilingual empowered us to break barriers beyond the rules and definitions attached to words. Some things were simply untranslatable, because they spoke to this new space we were living in — within, between and around language. We were making a new home here, same as so many immigrants who end up shaping language as much as it shapes us.

It became evident as the phrase “Cómo se dice?” or “How do you say?” became a constant in my home. Sometimes, it’d be my parents who asked, “How do you say” followed by a word like “sobremesa” or “ganas.” It seemed simple enough in theory, but proved nearly impossible for us to translate without elaborating using full sentences or phrases. After all, to have a word to describe a long conversation that keeps you at the table and extends a meal, you’d have to value the concept enough to name it. Some ideas are so embedded in Latin American and Spanish cultures that they exist implicitly. Of course “ganas” can be something you feel but also give, and be at once more tame yet more powerful than “desire.” (If you know, you know.)

Other times, it’d be my sister and I who were curious about a word’s Spanish counterpart. Was there really no differentiating in Spanish between the fingers (dedos) on our hands, and those on our feet we call toes? When we wanted to say we were excited about something, the word “emocionada” seemed to fall short of capturing our specific, well, emotion. Sometimes we would blank on a word. But sometimes, we would find that the perfect word isn’t necessarily in the language we’re speaking.

What I’m describing, of course, has its own word: code switching. The act of shifting from one language or dialect to another, particularly based on social context, is often framed as something that so-called minorities do to fit into more mainstream spaces. It’s true that code switching can be a form of assimilation, a way of shielding ourselves from the prejudices rooted in racism, classism and xenophobia that can arise when we freely express our culture and language in spaces not designed to embrace them. But what I seldom see discussed is how code switching isn’t solely a reactionary response to feeling unwelcome. Within our own communities, it can signal comfort and belonging.

Take the Spanish word “maleta,” or “suitcase” in English. This year, I was at a writing conference and met up with two Mexican American authors, one of whom brought her suitcase to the venue because she had already checked out of the hotel. We walked the halls and offered to help with her maleta, making several jokes and references to it, but never once using the word “suitcase,” despite speaking mainly in English.

This was an entirely natural and unspoken decision. There are some words that simply feel truer in Spanish than they do in English. I call these home words and heart words because I associate them with the place I most grew up using them: at home, among family. Though the words might share a literal definition with their translation, one version carries emotional depth that enriches its meaning. To code switch this way among friends implies we share not only a language, but an intimate understanding of where we come from.

A suitcase is for clothes and possessions when someone travels, but to me, a maleta meant family had arrived from Peru, carrying flavors, textures and memories of my birthplace. Language is rooted in context, which is another way of saying that language is driven by memory. In this way, what we do or don’t choose to translate is another way of telling stories about our past.

Last year, a study on the specific way that Miamians use direct Spanish translations to form English phrases called the practice an emerging dialect. It’s a form of borrowing between languages that results in what is known as calques. For decades, expressions like “get down from the car” and “super hungry,” which are translated from Spanish, have made their way into regional speech, even in the case of non-Spanish speakers.

When I shared the article on social media, my DMs were flooded by friends and family — not only in Miami but also in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and in Southern California — who joked that they’ve been using these phrases since they were children, and their parents had, too. The novelty was not in their usage but in their validation (whether or not we sought that validation). My friends and I grew up being told to speak a certain way and respect the rules of both languages. We, in turn, didn’t so much break the rules as we simply played with them, swirling bits of English and Spanish together until it resembled something new yet familiar, our fingerprints proudly planted in its mess.

This is one of my greatest joys as a writer. I love language not only for all it can do but also for all it can’t and all the space it leaves in the gaps for creation. It is empowering that something as supposedly fixed as the meaning of a word or phrase is actually alive and evolving. It means we don’t have to lose parts of ourselves to assimilation; we can expand language to include the full breadth of our experiences.

Words are just sounds and letters until we collectively give them meaning through story. When we use language to connect, it’s one of the most beautiful things that make us human.

Natalia Sylvester is the author of the forthcoming children’s book “A Maleta Full of Treasures” (“La Maleta de Tesoros”).

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