Writing the Synthesis Essay on the AP English Language Test

15 Minute Reading Period 1) Read the prompt 2) Determine your thesis 3) Annotate the sources Yes, you get to keep the sources during the writing of the essay.

Two Hours to Write Three Essays You will have two hours to write the three kinds of essays: synthesis, argument, and rhetorical analysis. You decide how long to invest in each essay. You decide what order to write the essays.

Two Hours to Write Three Essays Many prefer to write the synthesis essay first because the sources will be fresh in their minds. You must use at least three of the sources to support your ideas in the synthesis essay.

Two Hours to Write Three Essays Accurate, source-based; paraphrase/summarize sources ideas Organized so readers see where the information from the sources overlap Helps reader understand sources in greater depth.

The synthesis essay requires you to... ① Analyze = break sources down into their parts ② Synthesize = put together parts from at least three sources in a new way to support your thesis, argument, and counterargument

You must make connections with sources and personal observations to support your stand on the issue. You must understand how to use a variety of sources including non-print text (pictures, etc.) You will use this “synthesis” to support your thesis.

How is this done? Writer Uses quotes or phrases to extract key information. Demonstrates understanding in using the quotes or phrases. Uses the quotes to support his/her opinion/position. Cites sources because a writer NEVER wants to plagiarize.

Remember! Synthesis is not merely incorporating sources. Synthesis is combining information from other sources with your opinion!

So, how do you do it? Essay must be thesis driven, so form a thesis based on the prompt. Use your prewriting time to jot down ideas that support your thesis. Highlight information in the sources that support your thesis so you can find them later. (Remember annotating text? Mark it up! Make comments as you read!)

So, how do I do it? Draw on 3 or more sources. Use different phrases and sentences to support a central idea - use these as your quotes. Only 1 text -- baaad! 3 or more texts -- goood!

So, how do I do it? Make connections among the sources - make sense of the sources so the reader has better understanding. Make further connections through personal observations and/or theories that relate to the information from the sources.

Think of your connections as branches on a tree. Where do the ideas overlap?