AP Language Synthesis Essay: Key Points

Introduction

• Speaker: John Zia, AP Language Teacher, Chelsea High School, Michigan
• Focus: Synthesis essay in the AP Language exam
• Overview: Discusses components of synthesis essay and practice reading prompts

Synthesis Essay Components

1. Defensible Thesis: Clearly state your argument or position
2. Evidence: Use evidence from given sources to support your thesis
3. Commentary: Connect evidence to your claim, showing its relevance
4. Sophistication: Aim for a sophisticated argument

Focus of Session

• Objectives:
  • Practice reading a prompt
  • Create a solid, defensible thesis
• Reminder/Tips:
  • Identify the topic and task within a prompt
  • Look for direct lines that specify the task
  • Consider context surrounding the issue
  • Craft a defensible thesis that responds to the prompt
  • Aim to convey sophistication in your argument

Reading the Prompt

• Example Prompt:
  • Topic: Vertical farms
  • Task: Evaluate the value of vertical farms for future agriculture
• Guidelines:
  • Identify the topic and task
  • Reframe task as a question to guide thesis formation
  • Review prompt for possible positions or factors
  • Consider both advocates’ and critics' perspectives

Possible Positions from Example Prompt

• Advocates’ Points:
  • High quality produce
  • Efficient use of land and water
• Critics’ Points:
  • High energy consumption
  • Cost implications
  • Nutritional value concerns
• Task: Develop a position on the value of vertical farms

Crafting a Defensible Thesis

• Practice Exercise:
  • Write a thesis based on the prompt
  • Evaluate against criteria for a good thesis
• Examples of Thesis Statements:
  1. "Vertical farms have value to future agriculture." (Too vague)
  2. "Due to high quality produce and efficient use of resources, vertical farms are valuable." (More specific and defensible)
  3. "While offering high quality produce, high cost and energy consumption limit their value." (Complex and nuanced)

Conclusion

• Strategy Recap:
  • Identify topic and task
  • Look for key positions and factors
  • Craft a defensible thesis
  • Strive for sophistication and complexity
• Encouragement:
  • Practice leads to success
  • Keep working and refining skills

Note: Access to full prompt and sources is provided via a downloadable PDF link. Aim to work with actual prompts for practice.