AP Lang Synthesis Test

Format 40 minutes Multiple Sources (Must use 3). I say 4, no more than 5. DBQ: 20% from Source/ 80% from Prior Knowledge Synthesis: 80% from Sources they give you / 20 % from your prior knowledge. Both persuasive and expository

Where to Begin 15 minutes to Read the Prompt/Sources and Develop your view by annotating! Look for Language to see what it asks you to do… Count Factors = Issues. Bullet point them and consider each a “positive” or a “negative” AP wants you to have a conversation with these sources… Introduce sources and what they say, how they may relate to other sources, and how YOU perceive them.

While You Read Reading the prompt: What are the asking?! It gets tricky when they ask for more than one thing. Define, Evaluate, Propose. T Chart: Put sources into two column T Chart Sources are + or – or Both for “it.” Decide which sources are best to use /Criteria: - Something you are familiar with - Sources that agree and disagree with each other

Sample Prompt In 2001, Representative Jim Kolbe introduced legislation to eliminate the penny… blah, blah, blah (it failed), but there are still consistent calls to eliminate the penny blah blah blah. Read the following sources (including the introductory information) carefully. Then write an essay in which you develop a position on whether or not the penny should be eliminated. Synthesize at least three sources.

Introduction Introduction: - Hook that restates the assignment. - Thesis Sentence Frame: In choosing ______________, __________ should consider ___________, _______________, and ______________. For example, “In choosing to eliminate the penny, Congress should balance its historical significance with its modern-day uselessness and cost of production saved.” Lends itself well to a five-paragraph essay.

Conversation With Sources Topic sentence does not include a source but rather a claim – Example: Some believe the penny honors President Lincoln, and therefore, should not be eliminated. Then Introduce Sources with conversation either linking sources OR your original commentary - Example: In defense of the penny for it’s historical significance, historian and penny expert Jane Jones argues, “______ “ (Source A). Meanwhile, President of the Abraham Lincoln- lover Club, Sam Smith, agrees with Jones, “______ “ (Source B). Clearly, Lincoln has fans. No one denies President Lincoln’s valued place in history, however, the ‘preserving history argument’ has one great flaw: Lincoln’s placement on the five-dollar bill assures proper Presidential reverence. Notice how the sources are introduced TWICE each. The first time is to impress College Board with your close reading of the introductory information and the second is kind of like a College Board-world citation format – like MLA, but not. Notice the transition above - by making it argumentative – your voice stands out among the other sources. Your arguments MUST remain central.

Conclusion Restate challenge, this time use a metaphor. Restate issues, factors. Restate your argument.

AP Survival Week: 1. Turn in Technology Synthesis Re-write 2. Take 1, 2, or 3 practice tests in preparation for final (Participation points: 1 = 8/10; 2 = 10/10; 3 = 11/10) 3. Go to Saturday Study Session (Removes a Formative Low Score): Sign-up TODAY. 4. IF you need to present TIB, do so MONDAY. Otherwise, you should have a recording ed or shared with me already. 5. Make sure you take home synthesis essay for final on Monday and BRING Schemes/Tropes Bookmark for final on Thursday.