How to approach the
synthesis exam
(Think of it as a research essay
with all of the research done)
Entering a “conversation”
► To
be successful on the synthesis portion of
the AP Language exam you will need to
“enter a conversation” with the author’s of
the documents and sources.
► In other words, you must acknowledge that
a debate exists and you must then become
a part of the exchange.
► (Remember what we observed in class
today)
#1 – Read the sources CAREFULLY!
► Just
as we do in analysis, read and annotate
the sources carefully.
► There is an extra 15 minutes on the exam
for you to do this. Take advantage of it.
► If you misinterpret the document you may
cite incorrect evidence.
► Your goal is to understand the claim each
author/source makes.
#2 – Analyze each source
► Here’s
some questions to ask as you annotate:
 What claim is the source making about the issue?
 What data or evidence does the source offer in support
of that claim?
 What are the assumptions/beliefs (explicit or unspoken)
that warrant using this type of evidence or data to
support the claim?
 Don’t forget to look at where the source came from, the
date of publication, and where it was published (what
medium too)
#3 – Finding and establishing a
position
► Begin
by generalizing in your mind (or on
paper) your stand on the issue.
► Ask yourself,
 “What are two or three possible positions on
this issue that I could take?”
 “Which of those positions do I really want to
take?”
 “Why?”
Keep an open mind
► Now
that you have “entertained” a few
questions you MUST keep an open mind.
► Jumping to quick conclusions could result in
oversimplification of the topic.
► All of the synthesis prompts will be based
on issues that require careful and critical
thinking. They will be nuanced in nature –
not black or white but grey.
► The issues will be complex!
#4 – You need to ARGUE! (sort of)
► Create
an imaginary conversation between
yourself and each of the writers/authors of
the sources.
► “Would the writer agree with your
position/claim? Disagree? Why? Would
he/she want to qualify it in some way?”
► This may sound silly but it is the most
important step – it is the heart of synthesis.
#5 – Now DO something with that
conversation!
► Based
on this imagined conversation you
(the writer) should refine your thesis
statement and sub-claims.
► Your thesis/claim is what will guide your
whole paper. It must be strong and central
and should appear relatively quickly in your
paper. Don’t beat around the bush - make a
BOLD statement.
#6 – The final step
►
►
►
It’s time to prove your claim.
Now is the time to incorporate within your own argument
the conversations you had with each of the sources.
Try saying things like
 “Source A takes a position similar to mine…”
 “Source C would refute my ideas but here’s why I maintain that
they are valid…”
 “Source B offers a slightly different perspective, one that I would
alter (qualify) a bit…”
Actually, using the name of the writer/author is better than saying
“Source A.” Try, “Michaelson takes a position similar to mine when
he states…”
Synthesis is similar to a DBQ but not
the same
► Much
like a DBQ you will be analyzing
different sources to qualify/argue a certain
statement.
► Reading comprehension is essential on both
exams.
► You MUST cite sources in support of a thesis
in each exam.
Similarities
Synthesis
DBQ
Use sources to support a thesis
Uses documents to support a
thesis
Must cite sources
Must cite sources
Do not simplify argument – no
“laundry list.”
Do not simplify argument – no
“laundry list.”
Must enter into a “conversation.”
Must understand the complexity of
historical issues to enter into the
“conversation.”
Develop a clear, organized
argument.
Develop a clear, organized
argument.
Differences
Synthesis
DBQ
Sources provided (primary and
secondary sources)
Documents provided (primary
documents only)
Outside information not required
(although it can show insight and
voice)
Outside information required.
Must use a minimum of three
sources
Must use more than half of the
documents.
Prompt has three parts: directions, Directions with a statement or
introduction and assignment.
question.
The cow is in front of you – it’s just
in a different form!