Understanding the Synthesis Essay - AP Lang Study Guide 2025

Overview

• Purpose: To develop an evidence-based argument from multiple sources.
• Time Allocation: 15 minutes for reading, 40 minutes for writing.
• Real-life Application: Mirrors analytical writing, evaluates perspectives, forms coherent arguments.

Structure of a Synthesis Essay Question

• Components:
  1. Introduction to the topic.
  2. 6-7 diverse sources (articles, graphs, images, etc.).
  3. A task to develop a position.
  4. Source usage instructions.
• Example Prompt: College Board example.

Understanding Source Types

Statistical Data

• Identify trends/patterns.
• Consider omitted data.
• Link data to broader implications.

Text-Based Sources

• Note author's credentials.
• Pay attention to publication date/context.
• Highlight quotes supporting various views.

Visual Sources

• Analyze clear and subtle details.
• Check how visuals relate to text sources.
• Look for cross-year/data point patterns.

Key Components of Success (Scoring Rubric)

Thesis (1 point)

• Essentials:
  • Defensible position directly addressing the prompt.
  • More than a restatement; make a specific, defendable claim.
  • Consider issue complexity.
• Strong Thesis Formula: Acknowledge counterargument, state position, provide supporting reasons.
• Example:
  • Weak: "Television changes presidential elections."
  • Strong: "TV, while increasing candidate accessibility, shifts focus from substance to image, altering candidate presentation."

Evidence and Commentary (4 points)

• Use specific evidence from at least three sources.
• Explain evidence support for arguments.
• Establish clear argument-evidence links.
• Highlight evidence significance.
• Show source relationships (corroboration, contradiction, qualification).

Sophistication (1 point)

• Develop nuanced arguments.
• Recognize multiple perspectives.
• Analyze source differences.
• Link arguments to broader contexts.
• Make effective rhetorical choices.
• Examine underlying assumptions.

Advanced Integration Techniques

Source Conversation Method

• Dialogue Creation: Compare and contrast multiple sources.
  • "Source A argues X, Source B supports Y, Source C qualifies Z."

Counterargument Integration

1. Acknowledge opposing views.
2. Support/refute using sources.
3. Justify why your argument is superior.

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Content Pitfalls

• Avoid summarizing sources; synthesize.
• Use more than two sources.
• Avoid claims without evidence; use the evidence sandwich method.
• Avoid restating thesis; use the provided formula.

Organization Pitfalls

• Avoid random source usage; group by subtopic.
• Ensure transitions; connect ideas using source relationships.
• Craft stronger conclusions addressing broader implications.

What's Next

• Focus: Thesis development.
• Topics:
  • Advanced thesis techniques.
  • Identifying arguable claims.
  • Complexity addressing strategies.