Synthesis Unlike AP USH…. Doesn’t Require Recognizing Bias Provided with 4-8 sources At least one image (photo, cartoon, graph) – you are not required to use this as evidence Requires evaluating, citing, and utilizing sources USUALLY argumentative (rarely analytical) 15 extra minutes for reading and prewriting Watch out for: Trick Sources (like satire, political cartoons, etc) TIPS: Make sure to use the BEST Sources with the BEST information to support a position MUST use at least 3 sources to earn a 4 or higher CITE your sources – by (Source F), (Koppel), OR In Off Camera, Koppel argues… Unlike AP USH…. Doesn’t Require Recognizing Bias Doesn’t Require 60% outside info Doesn’t Presume Prior Study of Topic – everything you need is in the sources

Both the synthesis prompt (Q1) and the argument prompt (Q3) ask students to take a position. This means that you must take a clear stance on an issue presented to you. The main difference between synthesis and argument is: Synthesis: Provides you with 5-8 sources from which to pull evidence. Argument: No outside information is provided; Pull evidence from your own knowledge, experience, and observations. Both tasks require that you make a convincing argument. Regardless of your personal opinions, you want to make the STRONGEST argument in order to be the MOST convincing. Choosing a position

Choosing a Position: So, How do I decide? When reading the synthesis and argument prompts: Identify the possible sides. Many prompts will have more than just two possible positions. Consider the reasoning and evidence for each side. For Synthesis: What claim does each source make about the issue (PRO, CON, or NEUTRAL)? What data or evidence does the source offer? How does this connect to the possible positions? For Argument: What do I know about the topic? What evidence can I generate for each side? Remember your connections chart and current events topics – historical, literary, political, science, psychology, sports, medicine, pop culture, etc. Determine which side has the most/best evidence. Eliminate positions with weak or little evidence. Pick your side. Ask yourself, “Which position do I really want to take? Why?”

Important WARNING about synthesis and argument Prompts: Remember to keep an open mind and consider all the complexities of the argument you are about to make. Many synthesis prompts lean towards one side of the argument. Don’t be stubborn and pick a side based on your personal opinions – if the evidence isn’t there, don’t pick it! If you don’t pre-write to determine your position/reasoning/possible evidence, you will not write a strong argument.

Turning a Position into a thesis Once you have determined your position, you must write a thesis statement. Many times, students get so overwhelmed by the pressure that they don’t plan out what they want to write and/or forget to write a thesis statement. Thesis statements should clearly state your position and reasoning, as well as any qualifying statements. Sample thesis: While truth may be an important concept in a court room, story-truth is most definitely truer than happening-truth which can be seen in literature, mythology, and popular culture. Remember, avoid the following in your thesis: Formulas, personal pronouns, un-parallel reasoning, specific evidence, clichés, etc.

Notes on Choosing the Best Evidence: The most common mistake people make when choosing a supporting piece of evidence is choosing a statement rather than a piece of evidence. Ex: As Shierholz explains, “The rewards for the time, energy, and money that young people put into college are less than they were a decade ago” proving that college is not worth the cost anymore. (Actually, some person saying it doesn’t prove anything.)

Notes on Choosing the Best Evidence: What counts as good evidence: Specific statistics Specific studies (bonus if it tells you who conducted the study and when it was conducted). Expert testimony (not just some dude’s opinion). If you USE expert testimony, explain their credibility when you introduce their testimony.

Let’s look at one together 2011 Free Response Question 1: Synthesis prompt Locavores are people who have decided to eat locally grown or produced products as much as possible. With an eye to nutrition as well as sustainability (resource use that preserves the environment), the locavore movement has become widespread over the past decade. Imagine that a community is considering organizing a locavore movement. Carefully read the following seven sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed essay that identifies the key issues associated with the locavore movement and examines their implications for the community. Make sure that your argument is central; use the sources to illustrate and support your reasoning. Avoid merely summarizing the sources. Indicate clearly which sources you are drawing from, whether through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. You may cite the sources as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the descriptions in parentheses.

Practice Choosing the Best Evidence Read the prompt for the synthesis essay from 2011. Scan for overall position – Pro, Con, Neutral Read each source all the way through, then go back an highlight the three BEST pieces of evidence in each. Beside your highlighting, briefly explain how those are the best. Then, determine which sources presents the best evidence overall and explain.