With 55 minutes to read 6-8 provided sources and write an essay, the synthesis essay FRQ on the AP® Lang exam can be daunting. However, making a synthesis essay outline can help save you time and frustration.
Step 1: Read the Prompt
Yes, I know this sounds like a no-brainer! While it seems obvious to read the prompt, it is crucial to truly read each word on the AP® Lang exam. This is because the college board does a great job of offering some context for the prompt. Additionally, they define terms that you might be a little bit unfamiliar with. Therefore, you need to take the time to read the background information instead of only reading the task.
When reading the task, it is important to remember it will be more of a statement. However, it is incredibly helpful to take the statement and turn it into a question. This will allow you to focus on what the board wants you to address.
Since the prompt is essential to the essay, it is helpful to read How to Write a Synthesis Essay. This has great insight into preparing and writing the entire essay.
Step 2: Assert a Position
It is helpful to assert a position before approaching the sources. No, you do not need to be firm in your position. You can change your mind or add to it, but it is helpful to take a stance before approaching the sources. This will help you have some direction as you develop your argument.
Step 3: Annotate the Sources
When learning how to outline a synthesis essay for AP® Lang, it is vital to annotate the sources! However, focus on the sources you understand. If there is a source you do not understand or know you will not use it, do not waste time annotating it. Focus on the sources you will use.
If one of the sources is a visual text, such as a cartoon or photograph, I recommend skipping it and coming back. This is because it is often difficult to understand the significance of a visual text if you haven’t read the other sources. So, it is often helpful to read the sources and then come back to the visuals.
When annotating sources, it is imperative to come up with a system. Since the appealing exam does not allow you to have highlighters, you want to practice with a system to use during the AP® Lang exam. For instance, you may underline, circle, or star essential details. You may also use bullet points. Students often find it helpful to use bullet points with commentary verbs or power verbs because it helps them figure out how they can use the source in their essays. (Commentary verbs include conveys, demonstrates, highlights, illustrates, reveals, etc.)
Step 4: Begin the Synthesis Essay Outline
Now that you’ve read the sources, it is time to focus on how to create the actual synthesis essay outline. The first thing you want to do is think about your introductory paragraph. I like to break this down into two parts: the context and the thesis.
For the context, you want to situate the issue in a broader context. For instance, what background information do you know about this topic? Why are people talking about it? Make sure not to use generalizations. You want to give specific context.
Then, this can help lead you to your actual thesis when you assert your position. This has to be defensible. You need a clear position that you can prove in your essay. Additionally, preparing the thesis helps give direction on the essay’s body paragraphs and overall argument.
Check out the video below for a synthesis essay introduction example.
Step 5: Plan Your Synthesis Essay Body Paragraphs
Now that the introduction has an outline, it is time to plan the body paragraphs. Honestly, this is the bulk of your score for the synthesis essay, so they must be strong paragraphs. Now, you want to have an idea of how many you will write because you need to pace yourself. Many times, students write two or three. However, the focus is not necessarily on the number but on developing evidence and commentary.
When focusing on the number of body paragraphs, think about the main idea of each. You need a line of reasoning, so your ideas for the paragraphs need to be in a logical order. Then, think about which evidence from the sources will prove your claim. You need to find evidence from a couple of different sources to weave into each paragraph. Since you need to cite three different sources, include the citation of the source with your evidence in the synthesis essay outline. By doing this, each body paragraph has a purpose and function within your argument in addition to relevant evidence.
As you plan your body paragraphs, you need to decide if you will have a counterclaim and rebuttal. If you say yes, where will it go? Is it part of a body paragraph, or will it have its own paragraph? Either option is fine.
Step 6: Synthesis Essay Conclusion
When making a synthesis essay outline, the detail within the conclusion varies on the purpose. If you are making a full outline or have class time to work on it, have a few bullet-point notes. This involves restating your thesis but in different verbatim. It cannot be word for word. You want to use different wording while also connecting to a broader context. However, if you are in a time-writing situation, spend time on something other than outlining the conclusion. Your time is better spent planning other elements of the essay or actually writing.
For more tips on the conclusion, check out How to Write a Synthesis Essay Conclusion.
When learning how to outline a synthesis essay for AP® Lang, each person’s setup will be a bit different. You have to try a few ways to see what works best for you. For instance, some do best with written out sentences while others prefer bullet points. Ultimately, you need to do whatever translates to a well-written essay in a timed format. The synthesis essay is like the beast of the AP® Lang exam, so an outline is a helpful way to stay calm and focused. Honestly, the outline for the synthesis essay allows your writing to be the most effective you can write!
