AP Constructed Response: Synthesis Last AP essay type!!!!

What is it? Prompt (usually argumentative) that is usually based on a quotation or question. You will have to take a position on the question/quotation and incorporate the provided sources to be used for support (like a research paper). “Taking a position” means you will create an argument based on the prompt. You may also have an expository rather than argumentative prompt, but the concepts are still the same: you’re stating a thesis about a question, and using sources to support it. After the Multiple Choice portion, you will receive all of your documents for all of your essays, and you will be given 15 min. to read the materials. If you just can’t stand your curiosity, take a few (2-3) minutest to peruse the analytical and argumentative prompts, but use the majority of the 15 min. to carefully read your Synthesis prompt and sources. Complete your Synthesis essay first so the sources are fresh in your mind and you don’t waste time re-reading them because you forgot.

Details Sources are brief-likely no longer than a page. You will be asked to synthesize and incorporate AT LEAST three of the six-seven sources given. There will probably be three parts to the prompt: – Introduction: Provides background information on the topic – Task: directs you to take a position in response to the sources – Reminders: reminds you to combine sources, form a cohesive argument, AVOID SUMMARIZING, and cite sources

Synthesis Step by Step: Prewriting Read the prompt Read each source and analyze it using the Synthesis Six (more on that later). Then, decide if it more supports or more refutes the quote/question (you may even want to make a line with an S and one end and an R at the other, and place a dot on the line where you think the source falls). Decide on your position Create your thesis: see thesis structure. Decide on the claims you want to make and what sources you’ll use to support these claims. Make sure you summarize the “bounce”: how each source connects to each claim. You will have to write this every time you address a source.

Thesis Statement Structure Sample Thesis Formula: Subordinate clause addressing the opposing side  claim  universal idea Ex: Even though implementing school uniforms may disrupt students’ individual expression, integrating school uniforms will promote positive discipline and lessen the burden for parents who feel hampered by extraneous costs, therefore improving the school experience for everyone involved.

So…basic preparation breakdown: 1.Read the prompt 2.Read and analyze the sources using the Synthesis Six 3.After reading/analyzing each source, decide if it more supports/refutes the argument and indicate as such using a dot on a line. 4.Create your thesis statement using the appropriate thesis structure. 5.Come up with three claims to support your thesis. 6.Identify what sources you will use to support each claim. 7.Identify the “bounce” for each source.

Synthesis Step by Step: Introduction This is longer than any other essay intro: approximately 4-5 sentences It should start with a general statement and move to your specific, clear thesis that states your stance on the quote/question. It should do the following: – Introduce the subject and context – Indicate your position

Synthesis Step by Step: Body 1.Each paragraph should begin with a claim supporting your argument (never begin a paragraph with the source). You should then introduce and incorporate at least one source to support your claim. Each time you use a source, you must discuss the “bounce;” that is, how it specifically relates to your claim. Each body paragraph is unified by the claim. The best essays use the sources “in a conversation.” That is, they use one source in a discussion of another (to criticize it, augment it, etc.). You will need to introduce the source (state the author and context before you use it for the first time). Whenever possible, address a counterclaim, probably the one from your thesis statement. Use transitions! Remember: you are using the sources to support your argument, not the other way around!

Synthesis Step by Step: Conclusion A good conclusion provides a “dropping the mic” type of awesome closure. Bam. Done. Take that, AP Test. Yes. A good strategy is to indicate the long-term significance of your argument…why does it matter outside the purpose of this essay? One sentence is fine if you’re low on time, but incorporating a source that supports your overall statement is helpful. Do not spend a long time creating an elaborate conclusion.

General Tips Many students find it helpful to decide on a viewpoint AFTER they’ve read all sources. Reflect on EACH source, and understand whether each source supports or refutes the question/quotation. Be FIRM in your stance. Don’t waver between stances or take the “each person has his/her own opinion” stance. Don’t summarize: In her lecture entitled “Raising the Perfect Pug,” Ms. Smith explains, “Many pugs are rambunctious comedians.” This means that pugs tend to be active and playful. Duh! Include a lead-in to all quotations. Quotes can never be their own sentences. – Wrong: Pugs are funny dogs. “Many pugs are rambunctious comedians” (Source C). – Right: Pugs are funny “rambunctious comedians” (Source C). Be sure to cite BOTH DIRECT QUOTATIONS AND PARAPHRASES, either with the source letter or with the title/author given. First person should only be used in an introduction or when referring to “us” as a society. Try to stay consistent with body paragraph length. Don’t have one paragraph that’s really short and one that’s really long.