Adding Commentary to Your Synthesis Essay

Importance of Evidence and Commentary

• AP Lang Scoring: 4 of 6 points from evidence and commentary.
• Cite 3 Different Sources: Must cite three distinct sources for a higher score.
  • Same source cited multiple times still counts as one source.
  • Direct quotations or paraphrases can be used as evidence.
  • Avoid summaries as they don't drive arguments forward.

Citation Tips

• Parenthetical Citations: Use MLA or APA formats for in-text citations.
  • Avoid leading with "according to source B".
  • Place the source or author's last name in parentheses at the sentence end.
  • Helps maintain essay readability and argument focus.

Balancing Evidence and Commentary

• More Commentary than Evidence: Avoid over-quoting.
• What is Commentary?:
  • Analyzing implications.
  • Drawing conclusions.
  • Explaining relationships and making connections.
  • Use verbs like "highlights", "suggests", "reveals", "illustrates".
• Developing Commentary: Consider why the question is on the exam.
  • Evaluate implications, different sides, and significance.

Structuring Your Argument

• Concession and Refutation / Counterclaim and Rebuttal:
  • Acknowledge opposing views and then refute them.
  • Demonstrates complex thought and strengthens the argument.
  • Avoid absolute terms like "always" or "never".

Using Evidence

• Meaningful Similarities and Contrast:
  • Use contrasting examples to analyze successes and failures.
  • Helps in making inferences about considerations for issues.

Incorporating Personal Experience

• Drawing on Personal Experience:
  • Useful when topics are approachable (e.g., libraries, museums).
  • Use first-person sparingly for credibility.
  • Infer feelings if lacking direct experience.

Generating More Commentary

• Question Examples:
  • "What have I done at a library?"
  • "Have I ever been to a farmers market?"
  • Reflections on personal experiences with museums.
• Use of Personal Knowledge: Enhance authorial voice and reduce redundancy.

Additional Resources

• Student Samples and Past Prompts:
  • Review College Board samples for expectations and examples.
  • Familiarize with both what to do and what to avoid.