Synthesis Projects: Details and Deadlines for 2015
Why Synthesis?
Synthesis involves bringing together many parts into a single, coherent whole. Beginning in 2007, the AP Language and
Composition exam began to emphasize synthesizing information from multiple sources to support an argument. Both
the essay and multiple choice sections of the exam may ask you to evaluate and use a variety of sources, including
visuals (e.g. cartoons, graphs, photographs, etc.). In order to help you prepare for the exam, as well as to help you to
develop your research skills, ability to analyze the usefulness and credibility of sources, ability to craft well-supported
arguments, and overall writing skills, you will be preparing and presenting a synthesis project on a social issue of your
choice.
Assignment Details
Topic: any social issue in contemporary America about which there is some controversy and a range of opinions exist
Examples of the diverse range of student-chosen topics from past years: affirmative action, archeological title,
euthanasia, open-source software/principles, genetic engineering, organ donation, sweatshops, standardized testing,
national park (mis)management, hunting, sentencing for pornography-related crimes, capital punishment, National
Endowment for the Arts funding, same-sex marriage, the Patriot Act, etc.
For an additional list of social issues, you may also want to consult following Website, which is linked to the Junior AP
Resources page of my site: http://www.multcolib.org/homework/sochc.html
To consider as you choose a topic: Is the topic one about which you can challenge yourself to consider multiple
positions on the issue fairly? Is it one about which you will be able to write with a seemingly objective persona? If the
issue is too emotionally charged for you to be able to do so, choose a different topic.
Your Tasks:
1) Write a well-informed, well-supported, and well-crafted argument that:
a) explores the different positions on your chosen issue.
b) develops and explains your answer to a central question pertaining to this social issue. For example, if your
topic were multiculturalism, you might want to answer the question: Should the U.S strive to be a “melting
pot” or a “mosaic,” and why?
c) offers credible support for all positions explored in the paper and analyzes how each piece of evidence helps
support a particular position or positions.
2) Give a presentation (using the Smart Board) on your topic that presents multiple perspectives on the issue and
explains in detail your own stance.
Length
Argument/Essay:
Presentation:
8-10 pages
10-12 minutes
Other Requirements
o The essay must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times or Garamond font, with one-inch margins on all
sides.
o
You must use at least seven sources. At least one of these sources must be a visual.
o
As a general rule, avoid Wikipedia, blogs, personal Websites, and any other sources whose credibility is
questionable.
o
A good rule of thumb: if the URL ends in .com, it may not be credible and you should be sure to
investigate the credibility of the site creator(s). Look for .edu, .org, and .gov sites first. Check with me if
you have concerns about the value or credibility of a source.
o
Both the essay and presentation must include a Works Cited list, properly formatted in MLA style. For the
presentation, this list can be your final slide; you do not need to explain it, but you must display it.
o
You must cite (in-text and in the Works Cited) all sources: those you paraphrase, as well as those you quote
directly. Even though you cannot “quote” or “paraphrase” an image in the same way you would a written text,
you must cite your visual source(s), as well.
o
You can structure your argument any way you choose. The Rogerian and Toulmin models are options, but let
your ideas guide the organization of the paper and presentation. However, be sure to explore at least two
perspectives (e.g. pro and con) on the issue in depth. There will probably be more than two perspectives on
most issues; discuss the most prevalent (popular) and most reasonable ones.
Scoring: The projects will be scored on a holistic basis, with the following maximum point values for each
element of the project
ESSAY
Formatting and Conventions
Proper formatting (MLA, spacing, margins, font)
15 points
Conventions (spelling, punctuation, comma use, pronoun use, etc.)
15 points
Style (diction and syntax, including fluency)
15 points
Argumentation (argument is well-supported, well-crafted, and credible)
Organization and Clarity (position clear, and organization suits the purpose)
20 points
Thoroughness (multiple perspectives explored, and argument is well-developed)
20 points
Quantity and Quality of Evidence (sufficient and appropriate evidence)
20 points
Discussion of Evidence (evidence used effectively to support and/or refute claims) 20 points
Total Points Possible for the Essay
125 points
PRESENTATION
Overall Organization and Clarity (structure makes it easy to follow and understand) 15 points
Overall Argumentation (presenter’s position clear and well-supported)
15 points
Presentation and Discussion of Evidence (informative, concise, clear)
15 points
Visual Appeal (visual display helps makes information clear, is engaging)
10 points
Total Points Possible for the Presentation
55 points
As you can see, these are high point value assignments. Get started on the project early, and do your best work. These
projects, if done well, are excellent college-recommendation-fodder as well as samples of your writing that you might be
able to submit for scholarships and other opportunities.
Please note that you will not be able to revise the essays after receiving them back with a grade from
me. Therefore, seek help as needed in crafting, organizing, and revising your rough drafts before
turning in the drafts that will be graded.
Due Dates
What?
One-paragraph, typed proposal describing topic
When?
Tuesday, February 3
Rough draft of Works Cited (i.e. list of sources you may use)
Friday, February 27
Outline or Graphic Organizer for Essay
Friday, March 6
Rough draft of essay
Tuesday, March 24
Final draft of essay
Tuesday, April 14
Presentation Scheduling: Presentations will begin the week of April 14 and continue for several days. However, all
essays are due on April 14, regardless of the day on which you present.