AP English Language
STEP 3
Develop Strategies for Success
CHAPTER 7
Introduction to the Synthesis Essay
IN THIS CHAPTER
Summary: An introduction to the synthesis essay and its purpose as it is presented on the AP English Language exam.
Key Ideas
Learn how the synthesis essay differs from the argumentative and analysis essays.
Learn the process of dealing with many texts.
Learn the strategies that can be used to incorporate specific texts into your essay.
Learn the basics for constructing your response to the synthesis prompt.
Some Basics
What Is the Synthesis Essay on the Exam Like?
Basically, the student is presented with an introduction to and a description of an issue that has varying viewpoints associated with it. Accompanying this is a selection of sources that address the topic. These sources can be written texts that could include nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or even drama, as well as visual texts, such as photos, charts, artwork, cartoons, and so forth.
After carefully reading and annotating the sources, the student is required to respond to the given prompt with an essay that incorporates and synthesizes at least THREE of the sources in support of his position on the subject.
What Is the Purpose of the Synthesis Essay?
The College Board wants to determine how well the student can do the following:
• Read critically
• Understand texts
• Analyze texts
• Develop a position on a given topic
• Support a position on a given topic
• Support a position with appropriate evidence from outside sources
• Incorporate outside sources into the texts of the essay
• Cite sources used in the essay
The synthesis essay is a chance to demonstrate your ability to develop a “researched idea,” using not only your personal viewpoint, but also the viewpoints of others. This essay is a reflection of your critical reading, thinking, and writing skills.
What Kinds of Synthesis Essays Can I Expect?
The synthesis essay has two primary approaches.
The first kind of synthesis essay is one you’re probably familiar with. This is the expository essay in which you develop your thesis and support it with specific examples from appropriate sources. You could develop this type of synthesis essay using any of the rhetorical strategies, such as:
• Compare and contrast
• Cause and effect
• Analysis
The second kind of synthesis essay presents an argument. Here, you take a position on a particular topic and support this position with appropriate outside sources, while indicating the weaknesses of other viewpoints.
You should be ready to write either of these two types of synthesis essays. Given the nature of the AP Language exam, however, it is more likely that you will be presented with a synthesis essay prompt that requires a response in the form of an argument.
The important thing is to practice composing both types of synthesis essays. Practice. Practice. Being familiar and comfortable with the synthesis process is the crucial factor.
Don’t be put off by the length and/or complexity of the introduction to the subject and the prompt. Remember, you are the one who will choose your position on the topic. And you are the one who chooses which sources to incorporate into your essay.
You can do this—AS LONG AS YOU ADDRESS THE PROMPT AND INCORPORATE AND CITE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF SOURCES.
How Is the Synthesis Essay Rated?
As with the other essays on the AP Language exam, the synthesis essay is rated on a 9-point scale that is based on the AP Reader’s evaluation of this first draft of an essay written in approximately 40 minutes. Here is a sample rubric for the synthesis essay.
A 9 essay has all the qualities of an 8 essay, and the writing style is especially impressive, as is the analysis and integration of the specifics related to the given topic and the given sources.
An 8 essay effectively and cohesively addresses the prompt. It clearly takes a position on the given topic and supports the claim using carefully integrated and appropriate evidence, including at least three of the given sources. The essay will also show the writer’s ability to control language.
A 7 essay has all the properties of a 6, only with a more complete, well-developed, and integrated argument or a more mature writing style.
A 6 essay adequately addresses the prompt. The claim is on the given topic and integrates, as well as makes use of, appropriate evidence, including at least three references from the given sources. These elements are less fully integrated and/or developed than scores in the 7, 8, or 9 range. The writer’s ideas are expressed with clarity, but the writing may have a few errors in syntax and/or diction.
A 5 essay demonstrates that the writer understands the prompt. The argument/claim/position about the given topic is generally understandable, but the development and/or integration of appropriate evidence and at least three of the given sources are limited, strained, or uneven. The writer’s ideas are expressed clearly with a few errors in syntax or diction.
A 4 essay is not an adequate response to the prompt. The writer’s argument indicates a misunderstanding, an oversimplification, or a misrepresentation of the assigned task. The writer may use evidence that is inappropriate or insufficient to support the argument, or use fewer than three of the given sources. The writing presents the writer’s ideas, but it may indicate immaturity of style and control.
A 3 essay is a lower 4 because it is even less effective in addressing the question. It is also less mature in its syntax and organization.
A 2 essay indicates little success in speaking to the prompt. The writer may misread the question, only summarize the given sources, fail to develop the required argument, or simply ignore the prompt and write about another topic. The writing may also lack organization and control of language and syntax. (Note: No matter how well written, a summary will never rate more than a 2.)
A 1 essay is a lower 2 because it is even more simplistic, disorganized, and lacking in control of language.