Ap Synthesis Essay

Synthesis Essay

• The Synthesis Essay is most like the Argumentative Essay, you make a claim and support it with outside knowledge.
• The only difference being is that with the Synthesis Essay you have sources that help you state your claim.
• A synthesis essay is an essay where the writer addresses his point of view on many topics and makes one solid argument.

Introduction (Do's & Dont's)

• Thesis= strong major claim
• The first step before writing the introduction is to make sure that you read the prompt carefully. You have to read it at least 2 times because the wrong assumption of what the prompt is asking you to do will lead to a low score.

Introduction Cont'd

• The second thing you must demonstrate is where you stand on the topic before reading the resources. This will give you an edge to what side feels better.

Introduction Cont'd

• The third thing you must do is obviously read the sources that were provided and as you read it make sure you HIPP (Historical thinking, Intended audience, point of view and purpose) each document.
• The 4th thing you do is determine whether the documents support your argument or not. If it supports your claim, use it and if it does not, use it in your counter-argument.

Introduction Cont'd

• The Fifth thing you must do after analyzing the document is assembled your thesis. In your thesis, you must state what you are going to address in your body paragraphs. Once you have your thesis done, decide where you want to put your thesis. Either at the beginning of your introduction or at the end of the introduction.
• Add any additional info at this time; make sure to make it connect to your thesis.

Introduction Dont's

• Never use long quotes from the sources in your introduction.
• Never write a whole story in your introduction. Keep things simple and flowing.
• Never provide a sub topic that you’re not going to talk about.
• Never not use a thesis statement.

2-3 Body Paragraphs

• Claim/Topic Sentence
• Your original discussion/ideas
• Source support (paraphrased or short quote)
• Analysis of course
• Loop to major claim/ thesis

2-3 Body Paragraphs

• Be sure that each paragraph:
• Has a topic sentence that informs the reader of what you are going to be talking about.
• Includes information from more than 1 source.
• Use transitions and topic sentences along with in-text citations to show your different sources.
• Include your own analysis of the sources.

2-3 Body Paragraphs

• Make sure to include a counter-argument paragraph.
• This paragraph serves to counter your position on the topic; while you talk about the differing side, you get to explain why your argument is better and therefore correct.

2-3 Body Paragraphs

• MAKE SURE NOT TO:
• Plagiarize- Plagiarism most often occurs because students fail to indicate where the synthesis ends and their own comments begin or vice versa.

Conclusion

• Summarize major claim/ thesis.
• Explain why the topic is relevant today.
• Make sure that your conclusion has a clear reminder of all the significant themes you found and how they connect to the overall topic.

Tips

• Establish your purpose to shape the way you want to argue and form your thesis. The thesis is the main claim or idea of your essay.
• Select your sources and become familiar with them so that you can discuss them in relationship to your thesis and supporting argument(s). If you simply quote sources without evaluating them then the sources will control your paper and your audience will may misinterpret the information.

Tips

• Develop an organizational plan. Arrange more than just one source per point; multiple sources will increase your credibility. Look at how sources may agree or disagree with one another and evaluate which source has better logic or more credibility.
• Evaluate or interpret each source, then show the relationship between the sources and your thesis.

Reminders & Overview

• Make sure to leave enough time (at least 15 minutes) to read through the sources.
• Brainstorm a For/Against list BEFORE reading the sources.
• Read the sources; skip non-credible sources.
• Must use 3 sources, no more than 4

Reminders & Overview

• Use a mixture of short, direct quotations (no more than 7 words) and paraphrases of source info that supports YOUR thinking.
• Refer to sources ONLY as "Source A" or "Source D," NEVER by author name or title.

Turn to your Prompts.

Synthesis Prompt

• This prompt asks the student to put together the sources by drawing from their own experiences and different observations of college costs, educational and social opportunities, and financial, as well as the outcomes.

Essay Example

• This essay got an 8
• The essay effectively discusses the issue of money by using sources A, D, & F for support.
• The essay extends the argument of all the benefits from the individual all the way to society as a whole.

Essay Example

• The essay exemplifies that people who go to college are capable of producing "meaningful and advances in the world".
• According to the College Board, "the evidence and explanations used are appropriate and convincing, and the link between the sources and the argument is strong. For its thorough development and control of language, this essay earned a score of 8".