Our class is starting on the synthesis essay unit of our AP Lang class next week. While I'm excited about it, I'm also a bit nervous. Has anyone found any useful resources or examples to guide the process of writing a synthesis essay? I'm mainly looking for a reliable website or resource that can help me format and structure my essay properly.
Sure, I can certainly understand the nervousness as synthesis essays could be quite challenging. You're essentially tasked with pulling information from multiple sources and piecing it together to create a cohesive argument or viewpoint.
CollegeBoard, the organization that creates the AP exams, has numerous resources available! They provide both sample student responses and scoring commentary for past years' AP Lang free response questions, which include synthesis essays. This could be an excellent place to start as you gain insights into exactly what graders are looking for in high-scoring essays.
For structuring your synthesis essay, usually follows the conventional structure of an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
1. Introduction: Start by introducing the topic in a broad sense before turning your attention to the specific prompt for your essay. Typically, a thesis statement will be introduced here to give a preview of your argument.
2. Body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should have a clear focus and begin with a topic sentence. From there, you should present evidence from your sources to support your point, making sure to properly cite your sources. It's important to analyze this evidence and how it supports your thesis.
3. Conclusion: Your final paragraph should clearly reiterate your thesis and summarize the major points of your essay.
Practicing with past prompts, reading high-scoring examples, and looking for patterns in those examples can be incredibly beneficial in gaining a sense of what a successful synthesis essay looks like.
Lastly, I encourage you to utilize the resources available to you outside of the Internet! Your AP Lang teacher, or a writing center (if you have one), could provide ample guidance— they want to see you succeed!
Good luck and remember, practice is key! Keep refining your skills and by the time you have to write a synthesis essay on the exam, you will feel prepared.
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