1. AP English Language and Composition

2.  You’ll be given a prompt and 6 to 8 sources to “read”; one will be an image (photo, chart, graph, or cartoon)  You’ll be asked to take a position and argue it by synthesizing 3 to 4 of the sources  First, you’ll need to convince the AP essay readers that you understand the essay assignment and then second that you can apply both your own ideas and other ideas you’ve found in the sources to build a persuasive argument

3.  Like the other two exam essays, you’ll have 40 minutes to write this; however, you’ll also be given a 15-minute reading period that you should spend: Reading/annotating the prompt Jotting down a tentative primary claim (aka: thesis statement) Viewing/annotating the sources while tweaking the primary claim Constructing a structural paragraph while simultaneously noting which sources belong under which secondary claims (aka: topic sentences)

4.  This is not a paper in which you simply explain what the writers are saying; it also is not meant to test your ability to summarize the contents of the resources If you simply summarize…your paper will sound very much like the three or four resources you’ve chosen. You will be retelling what you learned from an article, excerpt, or a chart. Your reader will not be able to tell what you think. In a way, you are acting like a photocopier.

5.  If you merely explain…your paper will sound like you are trying to get your reader to understand the various resources. You are showing what you have learned, but you do not have a point of view. You may even cite parts of an article to show what you mean, but all you are doing is illuminating someone else’s ideas. You are acting like a tutor or museum tour guide.

6.  However, if you argue…your thesis sets up your own position, one with which someone else might disagree. You have taken a stance. Your essay will have several reasons why you say what you say is true. Your reader will be able to find these points easily. You are a critical thinker and persuasive writer. You are acting as an influential leader who hopes to change the minds of his or her readers.

7.  Read and annotate page one Any questions about what you’re being asked to do on a synthesis essay? Any questions about what you’re being asked to do on this, specific synthesis essay? Before reading the sources, jot down a tentative primary claim (thesis statement) based on your gut reaction to this prompt.

8.  Read to understand what the source has to say A note or two scribbled in the margin can serve later as shorthand reminders of what the passage says (summary)  Read to analyze the author’s position on the issue Helpful strategy: Where the author presents evidence in favor of your tentative claim, put a check in the margin; where the author opposes it, write an X

9.  Read for evidence and data that help define your position on the issue The position to choose should be the one about which you have the most compelling things to say; you may find that you’ll need to change your tentative thesis at this point if that’s not the case FYI: You won’t be penalized for taking an unpopular or politically incorrect stance, nor will you be for an “it-all-depends” stance

10.  Interpret the visual source Ask yourself what relevant information it contributes to the discussion of the issue; once you understand its point, you can use it as evidence in your essay

11.  View and annotate each source by…  Summarizing the source’s main argument in the margin  Placing a check next to evidence that’s in favor of your tentative claim and placing an X near anything oppositional When finished, we are going to discuss each source as a large class using the Source Chart handout, but please do your best to analyze each one individually first

12.  Make your position (primary claim/thesis) crystal clear with precise, unambiguous language Should be specific enough to be the topic of a short paper Should express your opinion Should be controversial (worthy of an argument) Should address the issue raised by the question/prompt

13.  Your secondary claims (aka: topic sentences) should be reasons that support your primary claim, NOT A SUMMARY OF A SINGLE SOURCE! In other words, each body paragraph should contain evidence from more than one source, unlike the majority of your An Ordinary Man essays

14.  Flesh out a Structural Paragraph keeping the tips we discussed in mind (Perhaps note which of your three to four chosen sources belong in each paragraph, too!) When finished, I am going to place you with a partner to discuss your work, so make this something you’re proud of! I’m available for help, too, if you need me.

15.  Silently read and annotate the Sample Essay for this prompt We will discuss this as a large class when everyone’s finished