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How to approach the synthesis exam. (Think of it as a research essay with all of the research done). Entering a “conversation”. To be successful on the synthesis portion of the AP Language exam you will need to “enter a conversation” with the author’s of the documents and sources.
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How to approach the synthesis exam (Think of it as a research essay with all of the research done)
Entering a “conversation” • To be successful on the synthesis portion of the AP Language exam you will need to “enter a conversation” with the author’s of the documents and sources. • In other words, you must acknowledge that a debate exists and you must then become a part of the exchange. • (Remember what we observed in class today)
#1 – Read the sources CAREFULLY! • Just as we do in analysis, read and annotate the sources carefully. • There is an extra 15 minutes on the exam for you to do this. Take advantage of it. • If you misinterpret the document you may cite incorrect evidence. • Your goal is to understand the claim each author/source makes.
#2 – Analyze each source • Here’s some questions to ask as you annotate: • What claim is the source making about the issue? • What data or evidence does the source offer in support of that claim? • What are the assumptions/beliefs (explicit or unspoken) that warrant using this type of evidence or data to support the claim? • Don’t forget to look at where the source came from, the date of publication, and where it was published (what medium too)
#3 – Finding and establishing a position • Begin by generalizing in your mind (or on paper) your stand on the issue. • Ask yourself, • “What are two or three possible positions on this issue that I could take?” • “Which of those positions do I really want to take?” • “Why?”
Keep an open mind • Now that you have “entertained” a few questions you MUST keep an open mind. • Jumping to quick conclusions could result in oversimplification of the topic. • All of the synthesis prompts will be based on issues that require careful and critical thinking. They will be nuanced in nature – not black or white but grey. • The issues will be complex!
#4 – You need to ARGUE! (sort of) • Create an imaginary conversation between yourself and each of the writers/authors of the sources. • “Would the writer agree with your position/claim? Disagree? Why? Would he/she want to qualify it in some way?” • This may sound silly but it is the most important step – it is the heart of synthesis.
#5 – Now DO something with that conversation! • Based on this imagined conversation you (the writer) should refine your thesis statement and sub-claims. • Your thesis/claim is what will guide your whole paper. It must be strong and central and should appear relatively quickly in your paper. Don’t beat around the bush - make a BOLD statement.
#6 – The final step • It’s time to prove your claim. • Now is the time to incorporate within your own argument the conversations you had with each of the sources. • Try saying things like • “Source A takes a position similar to mine…” • “Source C would refute my ideas but here’s why I maintain that they are valid…” • “Source B offers a slightly different perspective, one that I would alter (qualify) a bit…” Actually, using the name of the writer/author is better than saying “Source A.” Try, “Michaelson takes a position similar to mine when he states…”
Synthesis is similar to a DBQ but not the same • Much like a DBQ you will be analyzing different sources to qualify/argue a certain statement. • Reading comprehension is essential on both exams. • You MUST cite sources in support of a thesis in each exam.
