Synthesis Essay
explain what the synthesis essay is
read (6-7) texts that are all relevant to a given topic and the write an argument
the highest number of points you can score on an AP lang essay?
6
This should be done before writing to understand the prompt and sources.
planning (or prewriting/annotating)
You notice your paragraph is mostly summarizing Source A without connecting it to your argument.
Add commentary explaining how the source supports your thesis.
Identify what the issue is here, and how you'd tell the student to fix it.
“Uniforms limit creativity.” (…and that’s the entire paragraph)
Add evidence (including sources) and commentary to fully develop the paragraph.
of the 6-7 sources you are given, how many should you use?
3
This essay asks you to combine multiple sources to develop your own argument.
synthesis essay
including these at the start of body paragraphs helps organize your essay and ensures each paragraph has a clear focus
topic sentences
You have a strong argument but have only used one source in your essay.
Incorporate additional sources to support and develop your argument.
Identify what the issue is here, and how you'd tell the student to fix it.
“School uniforms are bad. Source A says students don’t like them.”
Make the claim more specific and add commentary explaining why the evidence matters.
What kind of sources can you expect to encounter for the synthesis essay?
articles, graphs, charts, etc.
The AP Lang essay rubric focuses on three key areas?
thesis, evidence and commentary/reasoning, sophistication
This is the biggest mistake students make! Summarizing sources instead of...
analyzing
You get halfway through and realize you don't actually agree with your argument
Time is crucial. As long as you have a clear thesis, strong evidence and reasoning, and nuance, you should just keep writing!
Identify what the issue is here, and how you'd tell the student to fix it.
“Source B says uniforms cost money. Source C says uniforms are uncomfortable. Source D says students want freedom.”
This is a list. Diversify your sentence structure, synthesize the sources, and connect them to one clear argument.
as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the description in parentheses
In order to receive the thesis point, it must be "defensible." What does this mean?
It makes a claim instead of restating the prompt, it is something that can actually be argued.
This should clearly restate your argument and leave the reader with a final insight/ impact
conclusion
You realize one source contradicts your argument, but it makes a valid point.
Address it as a counterargument and respond to it to strengthen your essay.
Identify what the issue is here, and how you'd tell the student to fix it.
“Uniforms are bad because Source A says so.”
Avoid relying on the source as the claim. State your OWN argument and use the source as support.
This writing strategy involves acknowledging and responding to an opposing viewpoint
counterargument
Which is the hardest essay point to receive, and why?
Sophistication. It seems subjective (according to collegeboard: a sophisticated synthesis essay illustrates the writer’s ability to see both the impact of an argument and the ways in which it could be expanded)
This happens if you fail to take a clear position in your essay.
No thesis point
You’re running out of time and haven’t written a conclusion yet.
Quickly write a brief conclusion that restates your thesis and reinforces your argument.
Identify what the issue is here, and how you'd tell the student to fix it.
“While some people think uniforms are good, they are wrong.”
Develop a real counterargument by fairly explaining the opposing view and responding with reasoning.