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Writing the Synthesis Essay on the AP Lang Exam

Writing the Synthesis Essay on the AP Lang Exam. Created by Megan Pankiewicz , on behalf of The English Teacher’s Friend. Fall 2011. syn·the·size. — to combine or cause to combine into a whole. Requires students to…. Comprehend what they are reading

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Writing the Synthesis Essay on the AP Lang Exam

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  1. Writing the Synthesis Essay on the AP Lang Exam Created by Megan Pankiewicz, on behalf of The English Teacher’s Friend Fall 2011

  2. syn·the·size — to combine or cause to combine into a whole

  3. Requires students to… • Comprehend what they are reading • Understand CLAIMS made in each source • Synthesize and cite sources to SUPPORTAN ARGUMENT • Consider author’s purpose, audience and point of view in documents • Blend ideas and source material using own unique “voice” and good transitions

  4. “Enter the Conversation” • Prompts allow for multiple opinions and nuanced arguments • Acknowledge that a debate exists – must show consideration of all aspects of issue • Pay very close attention to wording of the prompt and what you are asked to do

  5. Timing • 15 min. to read the sources • If you finish reading the sources, but still have time, create an outline or start writing your introduction in the green booklet • 40 min. to write (suggested) • Bottom line: write the synthesis FIRST

  6. Tackle the Question • STEP 1:Jot down your answer to the prompt – don’t worry, you can change it later if you need to • STEP 2:Read all of the sources. Important: annotate as you read each one; use + or – symbols • STEP 3:Know your position before you begin writing • STEP 4:Write your essay

  7. Understanding the parts of the synthesis prompt

  8. Reminders. Don’t need to read this paragraph again. Source list. Don’t need to read this. Background information. Important to read. Pay attention to context of issue. MOST IMPORTANT PART. This is where you find out what to do in your essay.

  9. It’s all about the VERBS. Pay careful attention to the VERB PHRASES used in the prompt – this is the key to understanding what they want from your answer.

  10. The Sources • It’s like a research paper - test developers have “done the research for you” • Primary Sources • Secondary Sources • One visual (picture, cartoon, advertisement, etc.) • 6-8 total - MUST use THREE provided sources • Suggested, not required to include outside info • Use + or – to mark what side of the argument they fall on (+/- if it’s neutral or qualifies)

  11. Handling Citation • May synthesize through paraphrasing or direct quotes • Cite ANY reference to provided sources • Reference a source explicitly (direct intro) • Reference a source implicitly (use parenthetical citation) • Use author names OR source letters (Hint: easier to use source letters) • Pick a citing format and stick with it

  12. CAUTION • Avoid merely summarizing the sources • Avoid analyzing the sources for rhetorical techniques

  13. Important: • YOUR ARGUMENT IS CENTRAL – THE SOURCES SHOULD SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENT.

  14. Follow-up questions

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