THe AP Synthesis Essay/ Finish presentations/Quiz

Writing for the AP Exam » Writing the Synthesis Essay

	Writing the Synthesis Essay

The AP English Language Synthesis Essay

First and foremost: The synthesis question requires a PERSUASIVE ARGUMENT. You are presenting your opinion in response to a given question; however, unlike the free-response question, you must use the facts and ideas presented in the provided sources.

Use the sources to support or augment your OWN argument. Do not summarize the sources and allow those writers to speak for themselves—you are using what they say for your OWN purposes.

Basic Essay Structure

KEY: Argue your own idea, using your own reasons and reasoning—but you must use evidence from the provided sources.

Introduction:

1. Open with an engaging hook.
2.  Identify/clarify the issue at hand.
3. Present a clear, direct thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs:

1. Topic sentence: Give one reason in support of your thesis.
2. Explain as necessary.
3. Present specific supporting evidence (viz., quotes from the provided sources—but you may also bring in other evidence).
4. All sources are documented.
5. The writer explains the significance of the specific supporting evidence (e.g., what does the evidence show or suggest as true?)

Concluding Paragraph:

1. Draw further significance from the reasons and evidence presented.
2. Bring the paper to a thoughtful ending. (Be philosophical! Show your wisdom!)
   
   
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