Writing the Synthesis Essay |
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AP Language Synthesis Research Assignment (Sandy Jameson) -- Complete packet for students to develop their own synthesis essay prompts and sources as a group project and includes suggested topics. Then, within the group each individual develops an annotated bibliography and writes a sample response. As a group, students complete a synthesis essay assignment, pooling all the best resources. Finishes off with a reflection on the research process. Synthesis Essay Packet for Researched Argument (Margaret Lee) -- Assignment focuses on developing the prompt and preparing seven one-page sources. Synthesis Package Assignment -- My version of above assignments, adapted for pre-AP English sophomores. Synthesis Prompt Template (Eileen Bach) -- Already formatted like the College Board prompt in Word format. Synthesis Prompt Template (Timm Freitas) -- Already formatted like the College Board prompt in Word format. Synthesis Prompt Template (Rolf Gunnar) -- Already formatted like the College Board prompt in Word format. Synthesis Source Evaluations & Conversations (Tim Freitas) -- Excellent form for analyzing sources, even includes a comic strip activity that helps focus on citation. Synthesis Workshop -- PowerPoint for Students developing their own synthesis prompts. DBQ Template -- form for analyzing sources. Student Synthesis Prompts -- Sample Student Prompts by Alfonso Correa’s students. He asked them to create a prompt in small groups, with five sources, two of which had to be visual. Worksheets Rubrics & Scoring Guides
People’s Publishing has two titles focused specifically on the Synthesis prompt --Writing the Synthesis Essayand Analysis, Argument, and Synthesis Samplers.
Read ‘Em and Weave Synthesis Essay Unit (Angie Kratzer) $12.00 4.9* -- Includes 10 lessons. Synthesis Essay Workbook (Jenna Copper) $5.00 4.9* -- Includes original pompt used to teach process. Thesis as Enthymeme Bundle for AP English Language and Composition (Rhetor’s Toolbox) $5.40 5.0* -- Focuses on thesis development and sophistication. |
Prepared Essay Packets (52)* Generous teachers and their students have shared synthesis prompts they have developed. Quality and difficulty of the packets varies, but all follow the College Board format. When known, teachers are named on the materials. A special thanks to Jodi Rice, Eileen Bach, and Krista Dedriksen for collecting and sharing many of these.
The Synthesis Dinner Party In groups, students host a dinner party, and guests are four of the writers (sources) in the unit. Students provide a seating chart, a wonderful meal for their guests and direct the conversation. Includes directions, handouts, rubrics, and iluustrations from student parties. This packet includes directions for three Dinner Party projects — Education, Trancendentalism, Cancel Culture, but you can develop your own specific application of the project to your chosen readings. Synthesis Dinner Party Packet and Powerpoint. |
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DBQs: Data-Based Question The Data-Based Question, a mainstay of Advanced Placement social studies courses, is close kin to the Synthesis Essay. DBQ Scoring Guides are helpful, since they specifically list evidence available to support the prompt -- from source details and expected prior student knowledge. See the Roosevelt prompt, samples, commentary, and scoring guide (Full CB Packet). DBQ & Synthesis Matrix -- compares both formats. “Is the Hot Dog a Sandwich?” is a famous and fun DBQ, especially appropriate for AP Language (Full-size chart). Writing the DBQ handouts from several teachers. Similar but different enough to make each worth viewing. DBQ Questions and DBQ Main Page offer sample DBQ prompts. |
Websites New York Times “Room for Debate” -- The Times invites four or five knowledgeable outside contributors to discuss news events and other timely issues. Promotes debate through writer selection. Excellent source for opposing opinions on current events, whether you or your students are the ones designing the prompt packet. I would suggest that only two of your sources should come from this reference. New York Times “300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing” -- excellent practice for the synthesis essay. The Flip Side is an email service that provides balanced resources on issues where there are multiple valid perspectives. After you sign up, you will get daily emails on varied subjects. |
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College Board Special Focus Materials: Using Sources Articles from the College Board website --
PowerPoints & Prezis Writing the AP Synthesis Essay -- Prezi by Debra Kendall. Visual, Persuasive, and Rhetorical Analysis -- Prezi by Ingrid Rodriguez. An In-Depth Look at the Synthesis Essay Question -- PowerPoint by Randi Lundgren. Sample Synthesis Essay Question -- Television draft prompt from 2007 annotated. |
Videos OK, so I am a Matthew Singleton fan. Someone else talking...and talking well.
Other Videographers “Introduction to the Synthesis Essay” from Educator.com. “The Synthesis Essay” by Ms. Boeckle. |
The infamous Zombie Apocalypse Synthesis prompt seems oddly appropriate during the pandemic, yet also kinda fun and funny. Enjoy. The CDC is no longer preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse, but their materials live on. CDC Preparedness Advertisement. CDC “Going Viral” Analysis of their campaign. New Zombie Apocalypse has a massive fourteen sources. You can pick and choose! Zombie Apocalypse Practice focuses on three sources and a de-briefing (Marla Delapenha). Zombie Apocalypse Alternative Sources introduces eight refreshingly different sources. Two Sample Student Essays shared because they are instructive of good synthesis and research writing. Zombie Apocalypse PowerPoint developed by Molly Fleming Schauer -- Brilliant Day One activity, but could be adapted for any day. Zombie Apocalypse Survival Choice Activity developed by Christi Carr Owens. |
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Just for Fun -- Google “Zombie Apocalypse Infographic”! |
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Updated 5 May 2023.