6.02 Meet the Synthesis Essay
Low-Scoring
A low-scoring essay: -may or may not offer a clear assertion in response to the prompt -summarizes the texts without commenting -cites specific information but offers little information about why these examples are important -lack details or commentary, suggesting the student does not fully grasp the topic -fails to draw evidence or insights from the sources -misses opportunities to respond to the sources -ignores the finer complexities of the subject altogether Think of it this way: Students who receive a low score often summarize the texts and do nothing more, kind of like a one-sided conversation. As with all essays at the AP level, there should be a thesis statement, a body of paragraphs to support that thesis, and a conclusion.
Medium-Scoring
A medium-scoring essay: -offers a clear assertion in response to the prompt -organizes the essay around sources instead of key points -cites specific information to help summarize the details of the texts -uses a mixture of embedded and full quotations -includes brief comments on the evidence -neglects the overall conversation -fails to demonstrate what the audience should consider going forward -makes simple connections that may not be clearly explained -tends to repeat itself unnecessarily, often in the conclusion Think of it this way: Students who receive a medium score often use the texts to speak for their ideas, kind of like a superficial conversation. As with all essays at the AP level, there should be a thesis statement, a body of paragraphs to support that thesis, and a conclusion.
Prompts consist of three parts:
CONTEXT In the synthesis prompt, the context presents the big picture of the issue or topic. It may provide historical or contextual information that tells readers the following: -Who -What -When -Where -How -Why The context builds some background knowledge that may prove helpful when interpreting sources and responding to the prompt. EXPLICIT INSTRUCTIONS The explicit part of the prompt is where you are told directly what to do; it usually includes verbs such as "read," "write," "use," and "synthesize." In other types of prompts, the explicit instructions may direct you to "analyze," "evaluate," "argue," etc. IMPLICIT INSTRUCTIONS The implicit part of the prompt is implied and must be addressed. The difference between low, medium, and high-scoring essays is often the degree to which the implicit part of the prompt is addressed. In a synthesis essay, the implicit part of the prompt usually involves the insightful interpretation of the sources. For example, for each source, you need to consider: -What is the author's position? -What, if any, bias shapes the text? -What, if any, fallacies shape the text? -How does the historical context shape the text? -Why did the author create the text? -What does the source add to your argument? The actual prompt does not explicitly tell students to think about these areas. To demonstrate your prowess as a critical thinker, you must consider these questions when formulating your response to a synthesis prompt. Note: You are not writing an analysis of the sources in a synthesis essay; instead, you are crafting an argument using these sources skillfully. By considering these questions, you will be able to interact with the sources and use them appropriately and insightfully to support your argument.
read - First, you must read the six sources. synthesize - Then you will choose three of the sources to draw from in your response. incorporate - Then you will choose specific evidence from the sources to include in your argument. Use - In order to answer the question, you must state a claim and use the sources to support and explain your argument. explain - In order to answer the question, you must explain how the evidence supports your claim. The explanation of the evidence is your commentary and is essential to your argument. indicate - You must identify which sources you are using in your response, either through the use of direct quotations, paraphrasing, or summarizing. cite - You must recognize where your evidence comes from with clear recognition of your sources.
Determine the EXPLICIT steps that must be taken to complete the task. Select the verbs in the instructions that tell you what you must DO in order to respond to the prompt. Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize the information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed argument for your own position on whether standardized tests should be relied upon to measure student, teacher, school and district success. Your argument should be the focus of your essay response. Use the sources to develop your argument and explain the reasoning for it. Avoid merely summarizing the sources. Clearly indicate which sources you are drawing from, whether through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. You may cite the sources as Source A, Source B, etc. or by using the descriptions in parenthesis.
While standardized testing has been a part of American education since the 1800s, many high schools, colleges and universities have increased their reliance on these assessments as a way to measure student achievement and as a means of holding schools and teachers accountable for student success.
Determine the context or background information. Select the section of the prompt that states the context or background information related to the prompt but is not necessary to the instructions. While standardized testing has been a part of American education since the 1800s, many high schools, colleges and universities have increased their reliance on these assessments as a way to measure student achievement and as a means of holding schools and teachers accountable for student success. Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize the information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed argument for your own position on whether standardized tests should be relied upon to measure student, teacher, and school and district success.
your own position on whether standardized tests should be relied upon to measure student, teacher, and school and district success.
Determine the specific task of the prompt. What specific question or issue are you being asked to address in your argument? Select the part of the prompt that directs you to take a side. While standardized testing has been a part of American education since the 1800s, many high schools, colleges and universities have increased their reliance on these assessments as a way to measure student achievement and as a means of holding schools and teachers accountable for student success. Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize the information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed argument for your own position on whether standardized tests should be relied upon to measure student, teacher, and school and district success.
Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize the information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed argument for your own position
Identify the broad task of the prompt. Select the section of the prompt that states the task you must complete in your essay. While standardized testing has been a part of American education since the 1800s, many high schools, colleges and universities have increased their reliance on these assessments as a way to measure student achievement and as a means of holding schools and teachers accountable for student success. Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize the information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed argument for your own position on whether standardized tests should be relied upon to measure student, teacher, and school and district success.
Source A (Messenger) Source B (comic) Source C (letter) Source D Source E Source F
Locate the sources that you will draw from to inform or support your argument. Select the section of the prompt containing the actual material that you will synthesize in your response. Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize the information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed argument for your own position on whether standardized tests should be relied upon to measure student, teacher, and school and district success. Your argument should be the focus of your essay response. Use the sources to develop your argument and explain the reasoning for it. Avoid merely summarizing the sources. Clearly indicate which sources you are drawing from, whether through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. You may cite the sources as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the descriptions in parenthesis. Source A (Messenger) Source B (comic) Source C (letter) Source D (graph) Source E (Reid) Source F (Kirkman)
High-Scoring
Synthesis essays that receive the highest scores tend to be ones in which the student has demonstrated an understanding of the over-arching ideas in the texts and what the audience should consider going forward. A high-scoring essay: -offers a specific, insightful assertion in response to the prompt -organizes its argument around key points, using multiple sources to support each point -cites specific information for supporting evidence -embeds quotations -comments on the evidence, explaining thoroughly its significance and how the evidence illustrates or supports the assertion -engages in a conversation about the issue -does not summarize the texts -includes personal insights and responses to the sources -answers questions like "Why is this important?" rather than "What is this about?" Think of it this way: Students who receive the high score often enter into a thoughtful conversation with the texts. As with all essays at the AP level, there should be a thesis statement, a body of paragraphs to support that thesis, and a conclusion.
Get Acquainted with Possible Source Types
The synthesis essay is essentially an argument essay with the sources already provided for you. You will be given several sources to read in order to formulate your argument. You will have 15 minutes to review the sources, make connections, develop your position, and choose the sources you want to use. When you synthesize for any purpose, your information comes from various sources; it is important to recognize that anything can be a source for an argument. As an ethical and effective writer, you choose credible sources that contain information that is verified or trusted. The sources that the College Board provides will be credible and varied, including images, charts, transcripts, articles, essay excerpts, and potentially social media posts (from reputable entities, of course). As in life, anything credible can be offered as a source for you to consider.
Dissect the Synthesis Prompt
The synthesis prompt will instruct you to write an essay in which you develop a position on an issue by synthesizing information from at least three of the provided sources. You may include whatever you know about the issue as well, but you must use at least three of the sources provided by the prompt.
Political Cartoon
When this type of source is provided, you should consider: -Caption -Historical context -Expressions -Focal point -Exaggerations
Radio Transcript
When this type of source is provided, you should consider: -Purpose of the radio transmission -Speaker -Content of message -Historical context Example: On the League of Nations The speculated doubt and the fears of the timid with regard to the treaty and the League of Nations have now all been discussed. The great document which the president brought back from Paris has been analyzed and dissected in the cold atmosphere of higher criticism, but little has been said about the life of the document itself, the necessity for a new order in our diplomatic and international relations. One might almost suppose from the discussion that the literary merits of the paper were the chief points of interest. Meantime, it is necessary to remember that the lack of such a league in 1914 threw the world into the chaos of this war. Terrified statesmen endeavoured to sustain the delicately poised balance of power. They ran here and there, uttering their old-time cautions and speaking with pathetic diligence for what they called a formula that would compose the mad impulses which were threatening to engulf the world. They failed because the means were not adapted to the ends - because in the modern world, things move too fast for the stagecoach diplomacy of the Middle Ages.
Diary or Memoir
When this type of source is provided, you should consider: -The identity of the author -Subject of the entry -Opinions and any bias on behalf of the author -Date or clues to historical context Example: From The Diaries of Robert Lindsay Mackay-Ypres 1917 Third Battle of Ypres, Begun 31st July 1917 30th. July. My 21st. birthday. Lot of knocking about Eerie Camp. Champagne Dinner at night. Had to go away at 11.30 p.m. with my 50 Argyll stretcher bearers. Got them on the move and moved up towards the 'show' which would begin in a few hours time. Another officer and 50 men of the 13th. Royal Scots now joined my party so I had 100 men. Got to Bivouac Camp. We were now all ready for the show. Felt things strange of course. Although I had by this time begun to dread this corner of the earth I did not feel the least bit afraid. In previous shows I had gone into action feeling that I would come out again. This time I had no such feeling. Felt, almost knew, that I would not come out again. Did not, however, leave any addresses or messages behind because I believed it unlucky.
Textbook or Manual Excerpt
When this type of source is provided, you should consider: -Title -Purpose -Date -Historical context -Diagrams/Images -Captions Example: Wiring Diagram of a Complete Clark Transmitter. For the Army the apparatus is made as compact and portable as possible so that it may be transported on the backs of mules or if necessary may be carried by men. The transmitter shown in Fig. 55 is one form of the apparatus used. The transmitter comprises three units or cases containing the apparatus besides the storage battery, aerial wire, and kites. The cases are made of oak and are provided with strong shoulder straps for carrying them. The first case contains the induction coil, and its dimensions are 8½ inches in height, 21 inches in length, and 8½ inches in width; it weighs 60 pounds. The second case contains the key, interruptor, etc.; this case is arranged to fold back and allow ready access to the operating parts. The outside measurements are 8 inches in height, 16 inches in length, and 9½ inches in width, while its weight is 30 pounds. The third case contains two half-gallon Leyden-jars carefully mounted within it, a step-up transformer, and inductance oil with the aerial switch and ground-plug connections.
Graph or Chart
When this type of source is provided, you should note: -Title of graph -Information provided and possible implications -Historical context
Synthesis
When you research, you synthesize. When you form an opinion (about an issue, what to wear, or who to hang out with) or when you formulate a plan (for an essay, your Friday night, or college), you synthesize. Synthesis is a merging of what you know from various sources (texts, people, experiences, observations, etc.) to form a new idea or perspective.
typical form of a synthesis prompt:
While standardized testing has been a part of American education since the 1800s, many high schools, colleges, and universities have increased their reliance on these assessments as a way to measure student achievement and as a means of holding schools and teachers accountable for student success. Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize the information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed argument for your own position on whether standardized tests should be relied upon to measure student, teacher, and school and district success. Your argument should be the focus of your essay response. Use the sources to develop your argument and explain the reasoning for it. Avoid merely summarizing the sources. Clearly indicate which sources you are drawing from, whether through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. You may cite the sources as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the descriptions in parenthesis. Source A (Messenger) Source B (comic) Source C (letter) Source D (graph) Source E (Reid) Source F (Kirkman)
answer:
context:
