1. AP Language & Composition
Sources and the Synthesis Question

2. Brief Exam Overview PART 1: Multiple Choice Questions Break time
60 minutes
approximately 55 questions
4 to 5 texts with approximately 15 questions each
One text will have footnotes/endnotes, and you will be questioned about citations!
45% of your total grade
Break time
15 minute reading of sources
PART 2: Essay/Free Response Questions
120 minutes (three essays)
55% of your total grade
Essay Types:
(1) Synthesis Essay- read 4-7 sources [1 visual] and write paper using a minimum of 3 sources
(2) Rhetorical Analysis Essay- stylistic analysis of how writer used devices to achieve a meaning
(3) “Open” Argument Essay- argue for, against, or qualify an argument
MISCELLANEOUS:
The Language and Composition test includes NO poems.
Most texts used on the test are non-fiction and from a variety of disciplines and
periods (17th century to present).

3. The Synthesis Question
Where is it?
Usually Question 1 in the essay section, thus your FIRST essay if you go in order.
How much time is given?
15 minute reading time
6-8 sources, one of which is a visual
40 minute planning and writing time
What is the College Board looking for?
The goal is for you to integrate a variety of sources into a coherent, well-written essay.

4. Two Types (1) Explanatory (2) Argumentative
aims to inform, to make sure that readers understand the parts of a topic
writers bring together information from various sources to illustrate a subject
explanatory synthesis “emphasizes the sources themselves, not the writer’s use of sources to persuade others”
Example: While many praise CMC’s potential to bridge barriers and promote meaningful dialogue, others caution that CMC is fraught with dangers
(2) Argumentative
aims to persuade, to convince readers to adhere to a particular claim
writers also bring together information from various sources, but in this type of synthesis some of the information is provided as evidence to support the claim, while other sources may be included to represent views that the writer rejects
Example: Although many praise the potential of CMC to bridge barriers and promote meaningful dialogue, in practice CMC threatens to undermine human intimacy, connection, and ultimately community.

5. Approaching the Question
Step 1: Identify the ISSUE and define
it in your terms.
Step 2: Read and annotate the sources.
Step 3: Choose your stance.
Three options always provided:
Defend
Yes, the author/speaker is right.
Challenge
No, the author/speaker is wrong.
Qualify
The author is right, but with some limitations.
The author is wrong, but may be right in some situations.
Step 4: Support your argument (the IDEA) by integrating at least three of the sources.
Qualify
Challenge
Defend

6. Using the Sources
Understand the issue BEFORE you start reading your sources so you remain focused.
Evaluate the sources:
(1) Identify features of each source and make a judgment about its usefulness as evidence
Criteria to consider:
Authority (qualified expert?)
Accuracy (reliable, verifiable, corroborated?)
Objectivity (biased, one-sided?)
Currency (recent enough to account for any changes or developments in the subject?)
Coverage (adequate coverage of the range of related issues?)
(2) Make a note of each source’s argument/claim.

7. Using the Sources Organize your argument.
Plug the sources into your argument
Remember this is IDEA / ARGUMENT driven, not source driven (although the sources are necessary to support the argument)!

8. Using the Sources Make sure you…
Refer to the sources with both direct and indirect citations
Two Options:
(1) by SOURCE
Source A
(2) by AUTHOR
Zinsser
U.S. Department of Education
Focus on your argument, and use the sources to support that argument.
Do not merely paraphrase or summarize the sources.
Argument
Source
Source
Source