AP Language SYNTHESIS Test Strategy Olson and Bailey

Reading Time You will be given 15 minutes to read all three essay prompts and corresponding passages. –Plan synthesis question first –Rhetorical Analysis second –Argument third After the 15 minutes you will be given 2 hours to write three essays

How your essays are scored 1 1 reader will score your essay –The reader reads your essay, gets an impression then scores it not often double checked Three Basic Elements 1.Did the essay answer the question? 2.Did the writer’s point remain clear? 3.Did the writer use examples? 1.Synthesis requires three quotes 2.Analysis requires quotes from text 3.Argument requires anecdotal evidence

How your essays are scored 2 Two extra elements –Grammar Should be fluent and controlled Doesn’t have to be perfect but cannot compromise meaning –Voice Be natural, write like yourself Keep the prompt and audience in mind Use examples

Synthesis Understanding The goal is to –ensure that you are able to present and support your argument. –Evaluate your ability to absorb, understand, and employ several sources on the same topic –Test your ability to correctly cite and integrate the sources into your argument

Question Page Three sections on the question page –Directions “Your argument should be central; the sources should support this argument. Avoid merely summarizing sources” –Which means bring in your own thoughts and examples –Introduction Makes general statements/Provides larger context May ask questions but it is not the prompt

Question Page 2 Assignment –This is the section that includes the prompt –Topic is usually in bold type –Do what the prompt asks –WRITE DOWN YOUR OPINION THAT ANSWERS THE PROMPT BEFORE YOU READ THE SOURCES! –Note examples that come to mind before reading Sources –Cite by last name or “Source A”

Passages and Visuals Passage Process 1.Is the source biased? (Look at source) 2.Date of Publication? Is it relevant 3.What is the position of the author in relation to the prompt’s task? 4.Who is the original intended audience? Annotate Passage –Thesis, Point of View –“Quotables” – A good turn of phrase –Are you going to summarize or DQ?

FAQ Do I have to read all the passages? –No, not really but you must cite 3 passages and remember you are being evaluated on your judgment of supporting sources Should I use oppositional passages? –Sure thing – Remember the models of argument (Rogerian, Toulmin, Classical) Do I have to use three different passages? –Yes –You can use more than one quote from a passage and more than three in general