Writing Synthesis Essays?

I'm taking AP Lang next year and I've heard some horror stories about synthesis essays, so I want to get a head start on preparing myself to write them. Any tips or strategies to manage my sources and weave them effectively into my argument?

Understanding how to efficiently utilize sources to support your argument is certainly crucial when it comes to writing effective synthesis essays. Here's a few tips that might help:

First, you should read and understand your sources thoroughly. Knowing what each of your sources primarily says will not only help you form a robust argument but also offer the right evidence needed to support that argument. Remember to underline or take notes on key points, themes, or arguments in each source that can be useful when writing your essay.

Next, establish your stance on the topic. This will help you choose which sources and what information within these sources support your argument best. Keep in mind, your argument should be clear and compelling, and the sources should be used to back it up, not the other way around.

When incorporating sources, be sure to integrate them smoothly into your own language. Try to avoid merely summarizing what the sources say. Instead, use them as evidence to back up your points of view. You can directly quote, paraphrase, or summarize - but always cite appropriately to avoid plagiarism.

Additionally, don't shy away from acknowledging counter-arguments. You can use a source that contradicts your argument, if you explain its point and then refute it with evidence from another source or logical reasoning of your own.

Finally, being organized is critical for a synthesis essay. Creating an outline before writing can be an effective strategy. By plotting out your points and deciding where each source fits within your essay, you can make sure your essay has a clear progression, from the introduction and thesis, through the body paragraphs, and to the conclusion.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better you'll get at it. And always be open to feedback from your teachers or peers to help you improve.

Finally, if you'd like to learn more about AP Lang in general, and even take a look at a sample synthesis essay prompt from a past exam, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which gives a useful overview of the topics and skills covered by the course, as well as of what you can expect on the actual exam: https://blog.collegevine.com/ultimate-guide-to-the-english-language-and-composition-ap-exam

Best of luck with your course!