How to Ace the AP Language Synthesis Essay
TLDRThis video script is a comprehensive guide on acing the AP English Language and Composition synthesis essay, using a prompt from the 2017 exam. The speaker outlines a step-by-step approach, starting with a time management strategy that allocates 6-8 minutes for reading and annotating six sources, 4-7 minutes for planning, and 40-45 minutes for writing the essay. The guide emphasizes the importance of original ideas, using personal background knowledge, and leveraging evidence from the sources to support the writer's claims. It advises against using personal pronouns or basic transition words in the essay. The speaker then analyzes the 2017 prompt, which questions the future relevance of libraries, and provides a detailed method for reading sources, drafting a thesis, and structuring the essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The summary also includes a sample thesis statement and suggestions for integrating counterarguments and personal insights, demonstrating a multifaceted perspective on the issue.
Takeaways
- 📚 Spend 6-8 minutes reading and annotating the six sources provided for the AP English Language and Composition synthesis essay.
- ⏳ Plan your essay in 4-7 minutes, creating an outline to organize your thoughts and arguments.
- ✍️ Allocate 40-45 minutes to write the essay, ensuring you have a clear structure and logical flow.
- 💡 Use your own original ideas and background knowledge to form your stance, supported by evidence from the sources.
- 🚫 Avoid using personal pronouns like 'I believe' and simplistic transition words in your essay.
- 📈 Utilize as many of the six sources as possible to support your argument, aiming to go beyond the minimum requirement of three.
- 🔍 Identify the position of each source by marking a '+' or '-' sign next to it, based on whether it supports or refutes the prompt's issue.
- 🎯 Draft a thesis that reflects the strongest evidence from the sources, even if it's not your personal opinion.
- 📈 Start with a concise introduction that clearly states your position and provides your thesis.
- 📝 In body paragraphs, make a claim, support it with evidence from the sources, and include counterarguments to show a balanced perspective.
- 📝 Conclude with a summary of your thesis and a new insight that wasn't previously mentioned in the essay.
- 🌟 Incorporate personal experiences and broader knowledge to enrich your essay, as long as it complements the source material.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the AP English Language and Composition synthesis essay?
-The main focus is to take a stance on a specific issue using information from six provided sources, which can include scholarly articles, graphs, charts, and more. The essay requires the student to integrate these sources to support their own argument within a given time frame.
How much time is allotted for the synthesis essay in the AP English Language and Composition exam?
-Students are given a total of 55 minutes to complete the essay, with an additional 15 minutes provided for reading all six sources.
What is the suggested time allocation for reading the sources and planning the essay?
-It is suggested to spend about 6 to 8 minutes reading and annotating the sources, and 4 to 7 minutes planning the essay by writing an outline and brainstorming.
Why is it important to use evidence from the sources to support your own claim?
-Using evidence from the sources helps to support the student's own logic and claims, ensuring that the essay is not merely a restatement or paraphrase of the provided sources. It demonstrates the student's ability to synthesize information from various texts.
What is the significance of not using personal pronouns in the essay?
-Avoiding personal pronouns, especially in the thesis, helps maintain an objective and academic tone. It also prevents the essay from sounding subjective or overly personal.
Why should students aim to use as many of the provided sources as possible?
-Using as many sources as possible shows a comprehensive understanding of the materials and the ability to integrate diverse perspectives into a cohesive argument, which can strengthen the essay.
What is the role of public libraries according to the 2017 AP exam prompt?
-The prompt asks students to consider whether libraries can stay relevant and to develop a position on the role that public libraries should serve in the future.
How can the calendar (Source B) be used to support the argument that libraries are still relevant?
-The calendar lists various events and services offered by the library, such as a volunteer program, Pilates, and Microsoft Excel tutorials, demonstrating that libraries provide interactive events and resources beyond just print books.
What does Source E suggest about the current state of libraries?
-Source E presents a negative view of libraries, suggesting that they no longer serve a significant function and are more like outdated tech demo pits that don't serve a clear purpose in the modern age.
How does the speaker plan to structure the body paragraphs of their essay?
-The speaker plans to structure each body paragraph around a specific claim, supported by evidence from the sources. They also intend to include counterarguments to integrate sources that may not align with their viewpoint and to show a multifaceted analysis of the issue.
What is the purpose of the conclusion in the synthesis essay?
-The conclusion should be brief, reiterating the thesis and providing a new insight or idea that was not mentioned previously in the essay, offering a final perspective on the issue.
Outlines
📚 Introduction to AP English Language Synthesis Essay
The speaker introduces the topic of the AP English Language and Composition synthesis essay, specifically using a prompt from the 2017 exam. They explain the essay structure, which includes six sources and a prompt that requires a stance on a specific issue. The speaker advises on time management, emphasizing the importance of original ideas, using personal background knowledge, and leveraging evidence from the sources to support one's own claims. They also caution against using personal pronouns and common transition words in the essay. The prompt for discussion is about the relevance of libraries in the future.
🕒 Analyzing the 2017 AP Exam Prompt and Sources
The speaker outlines a strategy for reading and annotating the six sources provided in the synthesis essay, suggesting a time allocation for reading, planning, and writing the essay. They proceed to analyze each source's content and perspective on the role of libraries, using plus and minus signs to denote whether the source argues for or against the relevance of libraries. The sources include a mix of opinions, from emphasizing libraries' role in democracy and civic engagement to criticism of their current state and budget cuts. The speaker then drafts a thesis statement that incorporates evidence from the sources, focusing on the continued relevance of libraries.
📝 Structuring the Synthesis Essay with Counterarguments
The speaker details how to structure the essay, including a brief introductory paragraph that states the argument and provides a thesis. They explain that body paragraphs should correspond to the thesis, with each paragraph focusing on a specific claim supported by evidence from the sources. The speaker also recommends incorporating counterarguments to show a balanced view and to utilize sources that may not directly support the writer's stance. The conclusion should be concise, reiterating the thesis and offering a new insight. The speaker then shares how they would plan out their essay, including points on civic participation, educational resources, and technological services provided by libraries, and addresses counterarguments such as budget cuts and the perception of libraries as obsolete.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡AP English Language and Composition
💡Synthesis Essay
💡Sources
💡Prompt
💡Stance
💡Annotated Reading
💡Outline
💡Original Ideas
💡Evidence
💡Personal Pronouns
💡Transition Words
Highlights
The AP English Language and Composition synthesis essay is a timed task where students must take a stance on an issue using provided sources.
Students are given six sources and a prompt to address, with an additional 15 minutes to read the sources.
Time management is crucial; suggest spending 6-8 minutes reading and annotating sources, 4-7 minutes planning, and 40-45 minutes writing.
Original ideas are essential; avoid merely rephrasing source material and instead use personal background knowledge.
Use evidence from sources to support your claims, ensuring the essay is grounded in your logic and viewpoints.
It's recommended to use as many sources as possible, even though only three are required.
Avoid personal pronouns and overly simple transition words to maintain an elevated writing style.
The 2017 AP exam prompt discusses the relevance of libraries and their future role in society.
Use a plus or minus sign system to quickly assess the stance of each source regarding the prompt's question.
Source A emphasizes libraries as cornerstones of democracy and advocates for informed public participation.
Source B, a calendar, shows the variety of interactive events libraries offer, indicating their adaptability and relevance.
Source C highlights the continued need for libraries to provide equal access to information, especially in the digital age.
Source D presents a mixed view on the relevance of libraries, noting the use of print books and the shift towards ebooks.
Source E criticizes libraries as obsolete, suggesting they serve no current functional purpose.
Source F discusses budget cuts to libraries, implying a potential decline in their importance and resources.
When drafting a thesis, choose the side with the most evidence, even if it's not your personal belief.
Create a structured essay with an introduction, body paragraphs corresponding to the thesis, and a conclusion.
Integrate counterarguments to show a balanced perspective and effectively use all sources.
The conclusion should reiterate the thesis and offer a new insight not previously mentioned.
Use personal experiences and background knowledge to enrich the essay, as demonstrated by the speaker's use of their own research skills.
Libraries offer a range of services from technology education to community engagement, emphasizing their evolving role.
Transcripts
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