SYNTHESIS
How many sources must you use at minimum in a synthesis essay?
At least 3 (more is fine!)
What are the three parts of a strong body paragraph?
Claim → Evidence → Commentary
What is the core formula for rhetorical analysis?
Strategy → Effect → Purpose
What are MCQs mostly testing?
What the author is doing and why it matters
What are the three appeals and what do they appeal to?
Ethos - credibility and trust (experts)
Logos - logic and reason (stats and data)
Pathos - emotions (tug on the "heartstrings")
What is the main goal of the synthesis essay?
Create an argument using multiple sources
Name one type of evidence you can use without sources
Personal experience, history, current events, literature
What is the biggest mistake students make in RA essays?
Listing devices instead of explaining them
If two answers are similar, what should you choose?
The one that best matches the author’s purpose/tone
What is an anecdote?
A short story used as evidence
What is the biggest mistake students make in synthesis?
Summarizing sources instead of using them to support an argument
Why include a counterargument?
Shows complexity and strengthens your argument
What does inclusive language (we, us, our) do?
Builds unity and connects audience
What is a “shift”?
A change in tone, idea, or direction
What is juxtaposition?
Placing ideas side by side for comparison
What should your thesis do in synthesis beyond just answering the prompt?
Establish a clear position (pick a s side!) AND preview reasoning (LOR)
What is the danger of using only anecdotes and/or hypotheticals?
Can seem weak or unconvincing without stronger evidence
Why does repetition work as a strategy?
Emphasizes key ideas and makes message memorable
Why are extreme answers usually wrong?
They exaggerate beyond what the text supports
What is syntax?
Specific sentence structure (e.g., short and punchy vs. long and wordy)
You use 4 sources but your essay still scores low for Row B (Evidence & Commentary).
Give the most likley reason why.
Because sources must be used as evidence to support your thesis and have commentary, not just mentioned
What separates a mid-level argument from a high-scoring one?
Specific evidence + deep explanation of WHY it matters
“The speaker uses ___ to create ___, which reinforces ___.”
Strategy → Effect → Purpose (full analytical move)
"The speaker’s use of parallelism emphasizes unity and collective effort. →
For example, when Kennedy states that the mission will “organize and measure the best of our energies and skills,” the structure highlights multiple strengths working together. →
This creates a sense of shared responsibility, reinforcing his purpose of gaining support for the space program."
What’s the best strategy if you don’t know the answer?
Eliminate wrong choices and guess (no penalty)
How is antithesis different from juxtaposition?
Antithesis = a direct, balanced contrast in wording (often in the same sentence)
Juxtaposition = a broader placement of contrasting ideas or images that may occur across sentences or the whole text.