2. How to Attack a Synthesis Prompt for the AP Language Test A successful synthesis response requires students to 1. deconstruct the prompt 2. consider the issue thoughtfully in order to generate an original position. 3. “converse” with the sources in order to synthesize them in development of that original position.

3. Synthesis Practice: Considering the issue before looking at the sources Notate the synthesis prompt as directed below. 1.Underline the issue once. 2.Underline the exigency (Why has this issue arisen and why does it continue to be important?) twice. 3.Underline your writing task three times. 4.Circe key terms that must be understood or defined in order to respond appropriately.

4. Consider this! What is the relevance of this prompt to you? What questions do you have about this prompt?

5. Basically you can defend, challenge, or qualify the issue given in a prompt: Example: I agree that space exploration is financially and ethically necessary. I challenge the notion that space exploration is financially beneficial and important to the human race. While the space exploration has produces many benefits, space exploration is costly and dangerous. Ms. Sample says it’s better to pick defend or challenge unless you are a fabulously talented gato writer!

6. Begin reading the sources: Imagine you are entering into a conversation with the source. Ask the source “Who are you?” and “Where are you from?” Conclude your conversation with a source by summarizing what “they say”. Add your personal response to the source. Ex: I agree with source A’s stance that… Note: On the AP exam you can treat all sources as valid. There is no “bad” or “false” source as on the AP US History DBQ.

7. Good Verb Choices AcknowledgeAffirmAgree Concede QuestionBelieve DisagreeSympathizeSupport SuggestChallengeMaintain DenyCounterDispute AdoptContendAdmit ContestConcur

8. Remember! You must quote three of the sources directly! Here are your options: Old School: Livingston claims, “the manned space exploration program is absolutely worth the cost,” but I assert that it is too costly for a society burdened by massive debt. Short Hand: Source A claims “The money disperses throughout the economy in the same way as money spent on medical research”. Paraphrase: Though Livingston claims that space exploration is worth the cost, the graphic Chamberlian offers clearly shows the chunk of money allocated to it is larger than federal money spent on education. Note: You must quote or paraphrase the sources directly on the AP Language and Comp exam, unlike the AP US History DBQ where you can not quote.

9. I suggest you use the following format for citing the sources: Livingston (Source A) claims, “the manned space exploration program is absolutely worth the cost,” but I assert that it is too costly for a society burdened by massive debt. You must cite at least three sources and since AP test graders grade so quickly, I feel there is a danger in not using the letters in addition to the names of the authors.

10. Please remember that as with the argument prompt, it is always better to decide your position on the issue and make the evidence fit your view rather than attempting to “discover” the “answer” that the graders are looking for. Your position does not determine your grade! Good luck Gatos!