Developing Commentary in AP Lang Synthesis Essays

Understanding Commentary

• Definition: Commentary is your analysis in the essay.
• Purpose: Explains the significance of the evidence in body paragraphs.
• Composition: Commentary should be more prevalent than evidence.
• Role: Relies on original thoughts and interpretations, rather than merely citing sources.

Enhancing Commentary

• Power Verbs: Start with verbs like highlights, illustrates, suggests, conveys to express significance.
• Effective Use: Use these verbs within sentences to develop commentary.

Developing Commentary with Questions

• Types of Questions: Break down into WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW.

Who Questions

• Who benefits/disadvantaged by the issue?

What Questions

• What actions can or should be taken?
• What are the consequences if the problem persists or ceases?
• What are the pros and cons?
• What are the different perspectives?

When Questions

• When is the situation acceptable or harmful?
• When has this occurred historically?

Where Questions

• Where is the issue most prevalent?
• Where is a solution needed?

Why Questions

• Why is the issue significant now and in the future?
• Why is it worth discussing?

How Questions

• How can change be effected?
• How does it impact society or individuals?

Additional Commentary Development Techniques

• Outside Knowledge: Incorporate background information or personal experiences relevant to the topic.
• Personal Experience:
  • Credibility: Can strengthen argument if relevant.
  • Anecdotes: Use them meaningfully to support the argument.
  • Inferences: Speculate on others' experiences if necessary.

Example Scenario

• Locavore Prompt: Students used personal farming and supermarket experiences to contextualize arguments.

Teacher Resources

• Explore additional resources linked below for teaching synthesis essays.
• Engage with videos and subscribe for more tips.

Conclusion

• Enhancing commentary involves thoughtful analysis, strategic use of power verbs, and engagement with relevant personal insights and experiences.
• Happy writing! 🎉