Considerations for Synthesizing
Tone in a synthesis essay
FAQ synthesis essay
Synthesis Essay Tips/Miscellaneous
Bonus
100

List and explain three steps that are important to consider when writing a synthesis essay.

 1. Consider the potential positions, assumptions and perspectives on the issue- which position you want to take and why 2. Analyze the source materials and their arguments that each source is making  3. Select 3 sources to utilize an create an imaginary conversation b/t you and the authors, think if the author would agree/disagree/qualify Bonus:Pick a tone- tone helps to guide your readers to hear your voice and position on the topic 

100
Why is tone important in a synthesis essay?
Tone is important because intentional tone is evidence of a mature writer, and helps the audience hear the speaker's voice on the claim/position that they take.
100

Explain where a thesis should be in a synthesis essay and why it is important.

A thesis should be in the intro paragraph, and it is important because it is your claim and position in the essay.

100
What is a synthesis essay?
A synthesis essay is a written work that takes a unique viewpoint about a central idea, theme, or topic, and backs it up with a combination of multiple sources.
200

All of the following can be effective when writing your synthesis essay EXCEPT...A.Using clear and concise evidence B. Quoting the information of the sources and providing an introduction C. Using a thesis statement correctly D. To use quotes from as many sources as possible

D. Using (brief) quotes from at least three different sources demonstrates that one utilized the sources, and is something that AP graders like to see.

200
Name 3 examples of different tyes of tone.
ex: humorous, objective, subjective, alarmist, folksy, enthusiastic, satiric, balanced, nostalgic, playful, critical, appreciative, serious, partriotic, urgent, disdainful, skeptical, respectful, etc.
200

This part of the synthesis essay requires you to combine multiple sources to support a central argument, not just summarize them.

What is developing a coherent argument?

200

To begin writing a synthesis essay, one should always ______ ___ _______.

analyze the prompt- make sure you know what the prompt is saying and the position it is taking.

200

This technique shows awareness of the complexities of an issue, such as acknowledging gray areas or multiple perspectives.

What is qualifying your argument?

300

This strategy involves grouping sources by theme or idea to help structure your argument logically.

What is synthesizing by thematic categorization?

300
Describe the type of tone in the following sentences: 1. And the trees all died. They were orange trees. I don’t know why they died, they just died. Something wrong with the soil possibly or maybe the stuff we got from the nursery wasn’t the best. We complained about it. So we’ve got thirty kids there, each kid had his or her own little tree to plant and we’ve got these thirty dead trees. All these kids looking at these little brown sticks, it was depressing.- The School (Donald Barthelme) 2. There was a steaming mist in all the hollows, and it had roamed in its forlornness up the hill, like an evil spirit, seeking rest and finding none. A clammy and intensely cold mist, it made its slow way through the air in ripples that visibly followed and overspread one another, as the waves of an unwholesome sea might do. It was dense enough to shut out everything from the light of the coach-lamps but these its own workings, and a few yards of road; and the reek of the labouring horses steamed into it, as if they had made it all.- A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens) 3. The way I look at it, someone needs to start doing something about disease. What’s the big deal? People are dying. But the average person doesn’t think twice about it until it affects them. Or someone they know.
1. negative, unhappy 2. mysterious, secretive, ominous, or evil 3. casual (as opposed to formal tone)
300
When creating a counter-argument, which of the following help make your essay more effective? A. To use a counter-argument that does not overpower your position on the subject matter B. To think about why the sources opposes your position on the topic C. All of the above D. None of the above
C. All of the above
300

When developing a synthesis essay, what is the minimum number of sources the College Board recommends you cite in your synthesis essay.

Three (3)

300

This method of introducing an idea sets up your essay to explore broader implications beyond the prompt.

What is contextualizing the argument or connecting to a larger conversation?

400

Explain what it means to be 'for', 'against', or 'qualified' in your position. Give an example/explain for each position

For (Agreeing with the Prompt/Claim)

Example Prompt: Should schools implement a year-round calendar?

For Example:
“Yes, schools should move to a year-round calendar because it reduces learning loss, promotes retention, and offers more consistent scheduling for families.”

Against (Disagreeing with the Prompt/Claim)

Against Example:
“No, schools should not switch to a year-round calendar because it disrupts family vacations, increases operational costs, and can cause student burnout.”

Qualified (Agree with Some Parts, Disagree with Others)

  • You take a middle ground.

Qualified Example:
“While a year-round calendar can help reduce summer learning loss, it should only be implemented in districts where students are falling significantly behind, as it may not be necessary or beneficial in all communities.”

400
Decide if the sentece uses an informal or formal tone: 1. He checked up on accountant. 1. He investigated his accountant. 2. She understood very quickly. 2. She caught on very quickly. 3. The cost of living went up 3. The cost of living increased/rose.
1. informal 1. formal 2. formal 2. informal 3. informal 3. formal
400

In a strong synthesis essay, this strategy involves balancing your own argument with multiple perspectives from the sources to build credibility and depth.

What is integrating and evaluating sources effectively?

400
Which of the following is the most effective way to reference a source in your synthesis essay? A. ' ...' (author's last name). B. According to source A... C. There needs to be no reference, since the sources are also given to the person who grades the essay.
Answer: B
400

Is it acceptable to summarize sources without analyzing them?

What is no, you must analyze and connect them to your argument?

500

Using a source without proper attribution or relying too heavily on its wording can lead to this major academic offense.

What is plagiarism?

500

Do you have to agree completely with one side in your synthesis essay?

What is no, you can qualify your position?

500

In the synthesis essay, this skill helps you acknowledge opposing viewpoints while reinforcing your own position.

 What is concession and refutation?

500

Should you use direct quotes or paraphrase in your synthesis essay?

What is both, as long as they support your argument and are properly cited?

M
e
n
u