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

2. What is the purpose? Enter into conversation with other writers
Read critically
Understand texts
Analyze and evaluate texts
Develop and support a position on a given topic
Support a position with appropriate evidence from outside sources
Incorporate outside sources into the texts of an essay
Cite sources used in the essay

3. What Kinds of Synthesis Essays Can You Expect?
Expository
Compare and contrast
Cause and effect
Analysis
Argument
Most likely you’ll receive this type of prompt.

4. Planning the Synthesis Essay
Deconstruct the prompt.
Use the allotted 15 minutes of prewriting/reading time.
Read and annotate each of the sources.
Decide how you will address the prompt.
For an argument
Support, oppose, or qualify the claim
Which sources will you use?

5. Planning continued… Plan your essay.
I suggest basic outline of body & sources to be used in each body.
Where would it be appropriate to recognize the opposite position?

6. Synthesis Sources: Critical Reading
Determine the following:
purpose/thesis
intended audience
type of source (primary/secondary)
main points
historical context
authority of the author
how the material is presented
type of evidence presented
source of the evidence
any bias or agendas
how the text relates to the topic
support or opposition toward the thesis

7. Synthesis Sources: Select Sources
What is your purpose?
Is this information that will add depth to your essay?
Establish connections among sources.
Does the source support or oppose your claim?

8. Synthesis Sources: Source Quotes
Review your annotations
Ignore items you have not annotated
Determine if each excerpt contributes to the development of your thesis.
Identify the major point each will support.
Does it strengthen your position or not?
How much of it will you use?
Why have it in your essay?
What comments can you make about it?

9. Synthesis Sources: Integrating Quotes, Paraphrase, Summary
Don’t let the source overshadow your major point!
You need to sound in control of your topic.
The source merely helps you prove your point. It is not your point.
Make sure you document your source properly.
Author
(Source A, B, C etc.)

10. When to Quote: Capture the essence of an idea accurately and briefly
Stylistic strength
Establish the writer’s authority
Demonstrate conceptual power (so as not to injure the meaning)

11. When to Paraphrase:
Not necessary to quote to keep the force of the idea
Language in the original does not fit with your voice
Do not lose a sense of meaning, integrity, or authorship

12. When to Summarize: Establishing context of writer’s argument
Briefly give writer’s argument

13. Integrating Quotes
Above all, remember that a synthesis essay should reflect that you are entering into a conversation with other writers on the subject.
The source material should “bolster” your argument.
See handout titled The Art of Synthesis!

14. Rubric 9 point scale High range Mid range Inadequate 9, 8, 7 6, 5
4 and below