AP English Language and Composition The Synthesis Essay AP English Language and Composition

What is the purpose? Enter into conversation with other writers Read critically Understand texts Analyze and evaluate texts Develop and support a position on a given topic Support a position with appropriate evidence from outside sources Incorporate outside sources into the texts of an essay Cite sources used in the essay

What Kinds of Synthesis Essays Can You Expect? Expository Compare and contrast Cause and effect Analysis Argument Most likely you’ll receive this type of prompt.

Planning the Synthesis Essay Deconstruct the prompt. Use the allotted 15 minutes of prewriting/reading time. Read and annotate each of the sources. Decide how you will address the prompt. For a take a position paper Support, oppose, or qualify the claim Determine key issues Which sources will you use?

Planning continued… Plan your essay. I suggest basic outline of body & sources to be used in each body. Where would it be appropriate to recognize the opposite position?

Synthesis Sources: Critical Reading Determine the following: purpose/thesis intended audience type of source (primary/secondary) main points historical context authority of the author how the material is presented type of evidence presented source of the evidence any bias or agendas how the text relates to the topic support or opposition toward the thesis

Synthesis Sources: Select Sources What is your purpose? Is this information that will add depth to your essay? Establish connections among sources. Does the source support or oppose your claim?

Synthesis Sources: Source Quotes Review your annotations Ignore items you have not annotated Determine if each excerpt contributes to the development of your thesis. Identify the major point each will support. Does it strengthen your position or not? How much of it will you use? Why have it in your essay? What comments can you make about it?

Synthesis Sources: Integrating Quotes, Paraphrase, Summary Don’t let the source overshadow your major point! Sources are back-up singers! You need to sound in control of your topic. The source merely helps you prove your point. It is not your point. Make sure you document your source properly. Author (Source A, B, C etc.)

When to Quote: Capture the essence of an idea accurately and briefly Stylistic strength Establish the writer’s authority Demonstrate conceptual power (so as not to injure the meaning)

When to Paraphrase: Not necessary to quote to keep the force of the idea Language in the original does not fit with your voice Do not lose a sense of meaning, integrity, or authorship

When to Summarize: Establishing context of writer’s argument Briefly give writer’s argument Be careful that you don’t over-summarize. The task is not to summarize the sources. It is to incorporate it as part of the conversation.

Integrating Quotes Above all, remember that a synthesis essay should reflect that you are entering into a conversation with other writers on the subject. The source material should “bolster” your argument.

Rubric 9 point scale High range Mid range Inadequate 9, 8, 7 6, 5 4 and below