Understanding the Synthesis Essay
What makes the synthesis essay different from the argument essay?
A. It does not require a thesis
B. It requires outside sources provided on the exam
C. It focuses only on personal opinion
D. It does not require evidence
B. It requires outside sources provided on the exam
Which thesis would MOST likely earn the thesis point?
A. “This essay will discuss school lunches.”
B. “School lunches have pros and cons.”
C. “Although school lunches aim to be healthy, schools should improve them to better support student focus.”
D. “Many people disagree about school lunches.”
C. “Although school lunches aim to be healthy, schools should improve them to better support student focus
How many sources are required to earn full evidence credit?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. All provided sources
B. Three
Which sentence is commentary?
A. “Source A explains the effects of sleep deprivation.”
B. “The article provides statistics about teens.”
C. “This evidence suggests that later start times improve focus and learning.”
D. “The author describes school schedules.”
C. “This evidence suggests that later start times improve focus and learning.”
Which organization is MOST effective?
A. Paragraphs organized by reasons or claims
B. One paragraph per source
C. Chronological order of sources
D. Random order
A. Paragraphs organized by reasons or claims
In the synthesis essay, where do the sources come from?
A. Student background knowledge
B. The internet
C. The provided source packet
D. A single article
C. The provided source packet
A defensible thesis must:
A. Be detailed and specific
B. Take a clear position
C. Be longer than one sentence
D. Mention the counterargument
B. Take a clear position
Which is the BEST way to introduce a source?
A. “When discussing technology in the calssroom source A says…”
B. “This article talks about…”
C. “According to Source B…”
D. “I believe this source proves…”
A. “When discussing technology in the calssroom source A says…”
What is the MAIN purpose of commentary?
A. To restate the source
B. To explain how evidence supports the claim
C. To introduce new data
D. To increase length
B. To explain how evidence supports the claim
What is “source dumping”?
A. Using too many sources
B. Listing sources incorrectly
C. Including evidence without explanation
D. Using only direct quotes
C. Including evidence without explanation
Which of the following BEST describes the student’s role in a synthesis essay?
A. Reporter
B. Summarizer
C. Judge
D. Argument-maker
D. Argument-maker
Which thesis is TOO weak for a synthesis essay?
A. “Public transportation should be expanded to reduce traffic congestion.”
B. “Technology affects students in many ways.”
C. “The government should invest in renewable energy.”
D. “Schools should delay start times to improve student health.”
B. “Technology affects students in many ways.”
Why are sources used in a synthesis essay?
A. To replace the student’s argument
B. To show research was completed
C. To support and strengthen claims
D. To summarize information
C. To support and strengthen claims
An essay with too much summary will MOST likely:
A. Earn higher evidence points
B. Score lower due to weak reasoning
C. Be off-topic
D. Receive extra credit
B. Score lower due to weak reasoning
Which mistake MOST hurts a synthesis essay score?
A. Using fewer than three sources
B. Weak transitions
C. Minor grammar errors
D. Short paragraphs
A. Using fewer than three sources
What should the student’s voice do in a synthesis essay?
A. Disappear behind the sources
B. Repeat the sources exactly
C. Control how the sources are used
D. Only appear in the conclusion
C. Control how the sources are used
How is the synthesis essay scored?
A. On creativity only
B. On grammar and length
C. Using a rubric focused on argument, evidence, and reasoning
D. Based on how many sources are quoted
C. Using a rubric focused on argument, evidence, and reasoning
Which example shows effective source integration?
A. “Source C explains the issue clearly.”
B. “The article provides many statistics.”
C. “This quote proves everything.”
D. “By showing increased graduation rates, Source D supports the claim that funding improves outcomes.”
D supports the claim that funding improves outcomes.”
Which ratio is generally strongest in a body paragraph?
A. Mostly summary
B. Mostly commentary
C. Only quotes
D. Equal quotes and commentary
B. Mostly commentary
Why is it risky to agree with every source?
A. It lowers clarity
B. It confuses the grader
C. It shows limited critical thinking
D. It violates exam rules
C. It shows limited critical thinking
Which thesis is MOST effective for a synthesis essay?
A. “This issue is complicated and has many sides.”
B. “Sources A and B discuss this topic.”
C. “Although some argue X, policy Y is more effective because Z.”
D. “I will explain both sides of the argument.”
C. “Although some argue X, policy Y is more effective because Z.”
Which thesis is TOO weak for a synthesis essay?
A. “Public transportation should be expanded to reduce traffic congestion.”
B. “Technology affects students in many ways.”
C. “The government should invest in renewable energy.”
D. “Schools should delay start times to improve student health.”
B. “Technology affects students in many ways.”
Why should students avoid relying on only one source?
A. It weakens synthesis across ideas
B. It lowers the word count
C. It is against AP rules
D. It causes grammar errors
A. It weakens synthesis across ideas
Which phrase BEST signals commentary?
A. “The article states…”
B. “According to the author…”
C. “This shows that…”
D. “The source was published…”
C. “This shows that…”
What is the BEST purpose of the conclusion?
A. Introduce a new argument
B. Summarize every source
C. Reinforce the significance of the argument
D. Restate the prompt word-for-word
C. Reinforce the significance of the argument