The Synthesis Essay

AP English Language and Composition

What is the purpose?

   Enter into conversation with other writers    Read critically Understand texts Analyze and evaluate texts Develop and support a position on a given topic  Support a position with appropriate evidence from outside sources Incorporate outside sources into the texts of an essay  Cite sources used in the essay

What Kinds of Synthesis Essays Can You Expect?

 Expository  Compare and contrast  Cause and effect  Analysis  Argument  Most likely you’ll receive this type of prompt.

Planning the Synthesis Essay

 Deconstruct the prompt.  Use the allotted 15 minutes of prewriting/reading time.

 Read and annotate each of the sources.

 Decide how you will address the prompt.

 For an argument  Support, oppose, or qualify the claim  Which sources will you use?

Planning continued…

 Plan your essay.

 I suggest basic outline of body & sources to be used in each body.

 Where would it be appropriate to recognize the opposite position?

Synthesis Sources: Critical Reading  Determine the following:             purpose/thesis intended audience type of source (primary/secondary) main points historical context authority of the author how the material is presented type of evidence presented source of the evidence any bias or agendas how the text relates to the topic support or opposition toward the thesis

Synthesis Sources: Select Sources

 What is your purpose?

 Is this information that will add depth to your essay?

 Establish connections among sources.

 Does the source support or oppose your claim?

Synthesis Sources: Source Quotes

 Review your annotations  Ignore items you have not annotated  Determine if each excerpt contributes to the development of your thesis.

    Identify the major point each will support.

Does it strengthen your position or not?

How much of it will you use?

Why have it in your essay?

 What comments can you make about it?

Synthesis Sources: Integrating Quotes, Paraphrase, Summary  Don’t let the source overshadow your major point!

 You need to sound in control of your topic.

 The source merely helps you prove your point. It is not your point.

 Make sure you document your source properly.

 Author  (Source A, B, C etc.)

When to Quote:

 Capture the essence of an idea accurately and briefly  Stylistic strength  Establish the writer’s authority  Demonstrate conceptual power (so as not to injure the meaning)

When to Paraphrase:

 Not necessary to quote to keep the force of the idea  Language in the original does not fit with your voice  Do not lose a sense of meaning, integrity, or authorship

When to Summarize:

 Establishing context of writer’s argument  Briefly give writer’s argument

Integrating Quotes

 Above all, remember that a synthesis essay should reflect that you are entering into a conversation with other writers on the subject.

 The source material should “bolster” your argument.

 See handout titled The Art of Synthesis!

Rubric

 9 point scale  High range  9, 8, 7  Mid range  6, 5  Inadequate  4 and below