If you’re an AP® Lang student, you might be wondering what is a synthesis essay and why does it matter.
Think of a synthesis essay as a mini research paper.
For the AP® Lang exam, you’ll be provided with 6-8 sources, at least one of which will be a visual text (photo, chart, graph, cartoon, etc.) Generally speaking, “exam pace” for a synthesis entails 10-15 minutes of reading and annotating the provided sources and about 40 minutes to write the essay.
Annotating Synthesis Sources
Since you only have about 10-15 minutes to annotate sources for a synthesis essay on the exam, here are a few tips:
- You must have 3 sources in your essay, so as you’re annotating look for 3-4 sources you can cite.
- You do not have to read all the sources.
- If you’re running out of time, read the first paragraph of a long source, then the topic sentences, then the last paragraph. This will help you get the gist of the source to determine if you can use the source. If so, then go back and read it more closely.
- If you encounter a visual text you don’t know how to use, move on. You can skip it and come back to it if needed. Sometimes when a visual text is the first or second source in the packet, it can be difficult to fully understand how the source contributes to the conversation. Sometimes it helps to read the other sources first so you know how it relates to ideas in those sources.
- Annotate sparingly. Only underline short, meaningful quotes that you might use as evidence. Write bullet point notes in the margins as needed.
- It can help to put the main idea of the source or words like “for,” “against,” or “neutral” in the top corner of the source so that you can see how sources may or may not relate to each other.
Synthesis Essay Outline
If you think you know your thesis, write it down. It doesn’t even have to be a complete sentence, but this will help you remember the stance you intend to take in your essay.
Next, determine your main ideas and which sources you will use to support those claims. Remember, you need 3 different sources total in your essay.
If you’re not sure what your thesis will be, it can help to group the sources. See which sources relate to each other. This can help you determine main ideas and a thesis.
For the AP® Lang exam, you won’t have much time to create a synthesis essay outline, but it is a good idea to have a simple outline so that you know what you’re going to right. This will help you stay on task and make sure that you are not only proving your thesis but also including the correct number of sources.
For more info about how to make a synthesis essay outline, check out this blog post.
Synthesis Essay Introduction
Since you don’t have much time on exam day, your synthesis essay introduction paragraph will likely be pretty short. That’s okay.
Provide a bit of context to introduce the issue and end with a defensible thesis. To be defensible, your thesis should assert a clear position on the topic. Don’t try to argue both sides.
For more information on how to write a synthesis essay introduction, check out this post.
Citing Sources
You already know that you must cite 3 different sources throughout your synthesis essay, but did you know there is a preferred way to do it?
Evidence for a synthesis essay can be a direct quote or a paraphrase. For quotes, be sure to select short quotes that you can integrate into a sentence of your own.
Rather than saying “According to Source A,” use the author’s name or publication information to add credibility.
Include a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence containing the evidence, even if you mention the author or source elsewhere in the sentence.
For more information about citing sources in a synthesis essay, check out this blog post.
Synthesis Essay Commentary
Commentary explains the significance of the evidence. Don’t just summarize what the evidence says.
Struggling with synthesis essay commentary? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Who is helped or harmed by this topic? Who benefits or faces a disadvantage?
- How/Why is this issue relevant to society?
- How/Why is this issue important in the short-term and long-term?
- Do I have any relevant personal experience I can add?
A quick note about adding personal experience to a synthesis essay: you must develop it. If your topic is “what is the value of STEM classes” and you mention you take chemistry and algebra II, that’s not particularly effective. However, if you explain a meaningful project or encounter in the class and how it has or will benefit you, that will likely be more effective.
Synthesis Essay Conclusion
It’s possible you might not have time to write a conclusion on exam day. The good news is that since the bulk of your possible score comes from your body paragraphs (evidence and commentary,) you don’t technically need a conclusion. It’s not a requirement in the rubric. So, while it is important to try to end your essay effectively, don’t stress if you don’t have a conclusion.
Exam day tip: If you’ve written your synthesis essay body paragraphs and the recommended 40 minutes of writing time have elapsed, move on to your next essay. Don’t bother with a conclusion. Point-wise, it is better to be strategic and move on so you can use your remaining time on your remaining essays. You can always come back to revise and add more if you have time left at the end (after you’ve written all 3 FRQs.)
