1. Synthesis Question

2. You will have 55 minutes for this one
What you need to know…
You will have 55 minutes for this one
Give yourself 15 extra reading minutes and 40 minutes to write
It will usually ask you to analyze/evaluate the issue/factors and identify variables a certain group would need to weigh/consider

3. 3 Types of Synthesis Question
Argument
Consideration- of these, which is better?
Cause/effect argument

4. When you answer
Always try to Qualify the claim (the validity of the claim)
Use evidence from the sources they give you AND your own evidence
Use and cite at least three- four sources for a high score Cite: source A or document one
You will have to analyze the documents for validity and then refer to the documents in your response
Use rhetorical strategies
Full introductory paragraph is a must!!!
Do not re-tell sources

5. Steps Read all of the sources
Annotate/take notes on each source’s factors/issues and write a thesis for each source
Brainstorm the most important factors/issues
Outline/plan

6. Example of outline Intro Attention getter
Transition: background information
Thesis:
Although transferring non-indigenous species might seem like a viable way to ___________,
(Positive Issue/factor 1)
businesses should first consider issues of ___________ and ____________.
(Negative Issue/factor 2) (Negative Issue/factor 3)

7. Your own example _________
Body paragraph one (Issue One) Provide food
Source ___________
Your own example _________
Body Para two (Issue Two) However, can ruin biosphere
Body paragraph three (Issue 3) Spread diseases

8. Body paragraph 4- Prioritize your factors/issues from key to least relevant.
I find factor one to outweigh factors two and three because … (Really hit the factors/issues from both sides if you can) Prioritize the factors/issues
After considering the pertinent issues ____________, ___________, ___________ what businesses could do would be win/win.
Other factors such as ___ are not important because…
***No need for conclusion, only if you have time***
Conclusion Paragraph- Go to significance, not a summary (P.S.: NEVER USE “In conclusion…”)

9. When taking the AP test-
Answer the Synthesis question first (hour and 15 min)
Then answer the General Argument question (one hour)
Leave the Rhetorical Analysis last, unless you feel strongly about the prompt and want to write it second (one hour)

10. Bad papers… Didn’t use the word “factor” or “issue” Have long quotes
Have limited personal commentary
Use overgeneralizations/use hypotheticals
Use absolutes (no grey area)
Have a tendency to react compulsively, rather than reflect (do not pit documents against each other, reflect on it, do not react)
Do not use source documents

11. Questions???
(show example) Indigenous prompt