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

2. NOT a DBQ
An APUSH DBQ is different from the Lang Synthesis Essay. The synthesis essay requires coherence and control of language that is not as important a factor in a DBQ.
At its core, a synthesis is an argumentative essay that uses sources to support that argument. It is not a question that requires you to reveal your content knowledge about a particular historical period nor does it require any outside knowledge whatsoever. Though it is mainly skill-based, outside knowledge is helpful, but not a requirement for success, as it is on a DBQ. It is much more like what you have seen on FSA arguments in the past, although the sources are more complex.
Overall, a synthesis requires accurate evaluation of sources, integration of sources, and clear and effective written expression. The synthesis question is not designed to assess a content-driven body of knowledge.
Maintain this distinction when approaching either type of question.

3. Entering the Conversation
Presented with a controversial topic.
Your job: Enter the conversation with an argument of your own.
Decide on your side of the issue before delving into sources.
Use the sources to hone your addition to the conversation about the topic or issue.
Become informed about the issue by reading the sources carefully and consider their usefulness as evidence for your argument.

4. Appropriate Evidence
Anecdotes – Can be useful, but avoid relying on them only. Should help illustrate a point you are making based on your own experience or someone else’s. It’s usually best to relate it to something in the sources.
Facts – Verifiable information that can be found in an encyclopedia, history book or biographical dictionary.
Quantitative data – especially statistical information. It can be more than just numbers, such as trends (high school graduation rates over a span of ten years that includes data comparing males versus females or urban versus suburban schools.)

5. Appropriate Evidence
Expert testimony – citing someone with credibility, such as a doctor, scientist, politician or other person with specialized knowledge.

6. Counterargument
Remember: to establish and maintain credibility, you should have a firm understanding of multiple viewpoints of an argument.
Sources that support other sides of the argument can (and should!) be used in a counterargument.
Should you include a counterargument, which certainly elevates the effectiveness of your argument, you must concede (make a concession) and refute it by poking holes in the counter evidence or disproving it altogether.
Not a requirement, but certainly a helpful rhetorical tool.

7. Synthesis Planning
After reading the sources, determine a thesis. Make sure it is informed by the complexity of the topic. Simple thesis statements that “choose a side” and argue it are often much less informed. Strong syntheses are often qualifications.
Develop reasons for your thesis and draw evidence from at least three sources (upper-level essays incorporate more than three!)
Always cite sources as “Source A” or “Source B”, whether you’ve referred to them explicitly (direct quote) or implicitly (paraphrase).
Be sure not to simply summarize each source, but USE it to support a reason for your thesis.

8. Citing Sources in Synthesis
Very similar to MLA.
If you paraphrase, write the ideas in your own words, and at the end of the sentence, cite the source:
According to Jeffrey Stein, there is a positive correlation between later start times in schools and academic success for high schoolers (Source B).
If you directly quote, copy it word for word, and at the end of the sentence, cite the source:
But to claim that the majority of street performers are simple derelicts with little education is a false assumption. In fact, according to a decade-long study in the 1990s, “More than 60% of street performers in New York City had a Bachelor’s degree or higher, often in theatre or music performance” (Source D).

9. Your Ideas are Central
As you write, consistently refer back to your claim.
Be careful not to digress into a tangential idea.
Maintain your thesis by connecting your evidence to the thesis.
Above all, DO NOT simply summarize the sources. Use the ideas within them to support your argument.

10. Homework
Carefully read the prompt and sources starting on page 74 through 81. As you read, complete the following:
Indicate in the margin the kind of perspective the source implies regarding the topic. Is it a positive, negative, or neutral perspective?
Identify anecdotes, facts, quantitative data, and/or expert testimony. Paraphrase or make notes about these ideas in the margins. For the images (cartoon and graphs), analyze their arguments and paraphrase them in the margin as well.
Once you have thoroughly annotated the sources, write an introductory paragraph for this topic that includes a well- informed thesis statement. Do this on a separate sheet of paper. I will check annotations and intros in class tomorrow.