AP English Language and Composition, or AP Lang, is a popular AP class offered to high school students to develop their ability to analyze written pieces, write rhetorical essays, synthesize information, and create solid arguments. However, the class is challenging, and students struggle to write a concrete synthesis essay thesis and other questions without external assistance.
What Is A Synthesis Essay?
A synthesis essay is a type of written assignment where the writer has to examine various sources and identify their relationship with the essay thesis. The AP Lang synthesis essay is the first of the three essays in the Free Response section of the AP Lang exam.
Each AP Lang synthesis prompt is related to the sources and explains the topic with some background information. It also claims that students should respond to an essay format using details from three sources, to the least. The writer is required to take a stance, either for or against, the position given in the claim.
How to Write an AP Lang Synthesis Essay?
Writing a synthesis essay introduction may seem overwhelming, considering the student has to complete three free-response essays while demonstrating proper time management and practiced skills. Here are a few useful suggestions to enhance manage the test to one's best ability:
Study the Prompt
Don’t immediately start with the synthesis essay thesis as soon as the clock starts. Instead, take time, analyze the prompts, and mark the important details. Also, don’t spend more than 2 minutes to read the sources and determine your argument.
Carefully Read the Sources
Even though you have to use 3 of the given 6-7 sources, read ALL to understand the topic and make an informed decision. Since you are time bound, highlight the important lines from each source so you can refer to them and start building your argument. Write down the points somewhere to analyze if the source qualifies, challenges, or defends your stance.
Draft a Strong Thesis Statement
Referring to the synthesis essay examples suggested by College Board, you’ll see that a good thesis statement is the key component of a successful AP Lang synthesis essay. To frame a thesis statement, you must determine whether you want to defend, qualify, or challenge the prompt.
If you are defending, you must prove the claim correct.
If you are challenging the claim, you should prove the claim incorrect.
Lastly, if you choose to qualify the claim, your aim should be to agree to one part of the claim and disagree with another.
Remember, the College Board prefers thesis statements that state a defensible position and establish reasoning on the given issue.
Outline and Write the Essay
Students use a synthesis prompt template instead of sketching an outline when running against the clock. But trust us; an outline will help you draft a well-structured essay. Take 10 minutes to outline the essay, note the details from sources, and add some commentary to back your thesis. Use the remaining 30-35 minutes to write your essay by referring to your notes. Add special consideration; emphasize the commentary sections supporting your thesis. Try to cite at least four sources without summarizing them. Also, use small quotes and sources to support a counterargument.
Admission officers care about AP scores more than the scores on the exam. Hence, download synthesis essay examples in PDF and Word and practice them to boost your APA scores.