AP LANG Q1 : 31 Things to Remember About the Synthesis Question

 

AP LANG: 31 Easy Things to Remember About Q1 

1. Introduction--it is ok to open with just a straightforward intro with your thesis as the last sentence

2. You could use a short personal anecdote or scenario in the intro (but you would still need thesis toward the beginning of the essay)

3.  That said, an AP reader is supposed to give you the thesis point even if it cones at the end.

4. Line of Reasoning is maybe easier to establish with a thesis at the beginning

5. If you panic about a thesis, just use an "Although......, statement. MUST BE A DEFENSIBLE POSITION (rubric)

6.  Each paragraph is a MINI-ARGUMENT proving your thesis: topic sentence, provide and explain evidence, defend

7.  Make sure you address the question that the PROMPT asks (or you won't score well)

8.  Make sure you include 3 sources. Here's looking at you, Nathan! 

9. Just putting (Source A) behind the quote or paraphrase  is great

10.  Or writing, "According to Source A, ......"   is great, too

11. If you can put two or more sources in one paragraph that build off each other (or enhance each other) that's SO MUCH BETTER THAN just including ONE source in a paragraph.

12.  If you provide  an opposition  and you have two opposing ideas from sources facing off in one paragraph, you will be acknowledging the TENSION inherent in the issue. 

13. Sophistication point: "Crafting a nuanced argument by consistently identifying and exploring complexities or TENSIONS across the sources.

14. AP readers like the idea of the sources used "in conversation" with each other. (Most of you are killing this.)

15. Definitely avoid just 5 paragraphs and then using 1 source in each body paragraph--looks and reads pretty elementary!

16. MOST IMPORTANT:  remember--it is very OBVIOUSLY supposed to be YOUR argument, just supplemented by the sources; the sources are meant to enhance your ideas.

17. DO NOT make the sources more important than sharing your OPINION.

18. Evidence (quotes and paraphrasing) and Commentary (explanation and opinion) should  not be evenly presented.  You should have MORE COMMENTARY!

19. Q1 RUBRIC for 4/4

Evidence: provides specific evidence from at least three of the provided sources to support a claim in a line of reasoning

Commentary: Consistently explains how the evidence supports a line of reasoning

20. I think you should make a quick outline. What is the downside?

21.  I think you should take notes or annotate your sources during that required 15 minutes of reading time. Why not, right?

22.  Remember--this question (Q1) may be the easiest. It's just the basic Classical (Aristotelean) argument you've been writing since 6th grade! (plus a rebuttal) The question and articles will give you what you need! 

23.. Read the prompt/opening question TWICE, and then refer to it again so you know you're answering the RIGHT question. 

24. Don't be afraid to ask and answer your own question! It adds voice and commentary.

25. You should have a VOICE--there needs to be a sense of urgency in your Q1 essay: it has to feel like you truly care about cursive writing, or the existence of the penny, or eminent domain!

26. Do include an oppositional/rebuttal paragraph but respond to it either within that same paragraph or one immediately following. (This is also called a concession/refutation)

27. Write a conclusive paragraph (it can be short). Start with a question and then answer it if you're up against time.

28. Your last line could be a final call to action. What should our society do or not do? Who will this most affect?  Give us a final idea to ponder.

29. Back to reading the sources--if you are not done after the first 15 minutes, BPH says it's ok to skim or even skip a couple.

30. You don't have to mention the authors, publication names, or dates of publications. Still, MAKE sure you read the information at the top of each article or chart!