AP English Language and Composition

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition analyzing rhetoric and argumentation.

Understanding RhetoricAnalyzing ArgumentsRecognizing Tone and Style
Rhetorical Analysis of Nonfiction TextsSynthesis Essay WritingEvaluating Source Credibility
Applying Rhetoric in Everyday LifeWriting Persuasive EssaysDebate and Public Speaking
Active Reading TechniquesOrganizing Your Essay Under Pressure
Understanding Rhetor...Analyzing ArgumentsRecognizing Tone and...Rhetorical Analysis ...Synthesis Essay Writ...Evaluating Source Cr...Applying Rhetoric in...Writing Persuasive E...Debate and Public Sp...Active Reading Techn...Organizing Your Essa...
Advanced Topics

Synthesis Essay Writing

What Is a Synthesis Essay?

In AP English Language, a synthesis essay requires you to combine information from multiple sources to build and support an argument on a given topic.

Steps to Write a Synthesis Essay

  1. Read the Prompt Carefully: Understand what you’re being asked to argue.
  2. Analyze the Sources: Identify each source’s main point and relevance.
  3. Develop a Thesis: Craft a clear, arguable claim.
  4. Organize Your Essay: Group sources by themes or perspectives.
  5. Integrate Sources: Blend evidence from multiple sources smoothly with your own commentary.
  6. Cite Properly: Clearly attribute ideas to their sources.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t summarize—synthesize! Show connections between sources.
  • Address counterarguments using evidence from the sources.

Real-World Connection

Synthesis skills help you tackle research projects, analyze news from various outlets, and build well-rounded opinions.

Examples

  • Writing an essay on renewable energy using statistics from government reports and arguments from opinion pieces.

  • Developing a thesis about social media’s impact by integrating perspectives from psychologists, journalists, and users.

In a Nutshell

A synthesis essay combines multiple sources to create a unified argument.

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Evaluating Source Credibility