How to EASILY Write Commentary for Research Papers and Synthesis!

Summary

In this video, Tim Freitas from the Garden of English provides students with practical strategies for writing effective commentary in AP English synthesis essays. He emphasizes the importance of commentary in linking evidence to the argument and offers a simple template to improve clarity and depth. By explaining key assumptions and using transitional phrases, students can strengthen their essays and score higher. With real-world examples and helpful tips, Tim guides viewers to understand how to craft well-developed commentary that enhances their synthesis responses, making the writing process more accessible and successful.

Takeaways

• 😀 Commentary is a key component of AP English essays and is crucial for scoring well, especially in synthesis essays.
• 😀 Producing effective commentary involves explaining how evidence connects to your argument, assumptions, and personal understanding.
• 😀 The most points on AP essays come from Row B (evidence and commentary), so mastering this skill is essential for success.
• 😀 Commentary can be challenging because it requires connecting evidence to personal experiences and assumptions, but with practice, it becomes easier.
• 😀 Using templates with phrases like 'consequently,' 'furthermore,' and 'therefore' can help structure and improve commentary.
• 😀 Every piece of commentary should clearly explain how evidence relates to the argument or thesis in the essay.
• 😀 Commentary should include assumptions made to tie evidence to the argument and should be addressed explicitly.
• 😀 An effective commentary often includes addressing the group's dynamic, emotional impact, and personal experiences involved in the evidence.
• 😀 Tim encourages students to watch related videos and practice commentary writing to get more examples and insights.
• 😀 Consistent practice in writing commentary using these strategies will improve your performance on AP English essays over time.
• 😀 Understanding the opposing argument (even if you disagree with it) strengthens your ability to defend your own thesis and position.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the Garden of English channel as introduced by Tim Freitas?

The Garden of English channel aims to help students succeed in AP English and beyond, teaching skills that are not only useful for exams but also for college and real-world communication.

Why is commentary considered a difficult skill to master, according to Tim Freitas?

Commentary is challenging because it requires students to relate personal understanding and experiences to the evidence and argument they are making, and different people have different experiences and ways of thinking.

What is Row B, and why is it important in scoring well on the AP exam?

Row B refers to the evidence and commentary section of an essay. It is crucial because it holds the most points that can be earned in each essay, making it a key area to focus on for achieving high scores.

Why does Tim Freitas argue against horror films despite using them in his example?

Tim Freitas admits he personally dislikes horror films, but he uses them in his example to demonstrate the importance of understanding opposing viewpoints. He believes it's essential to argue against your own beliefs to better understand and justify your position.

What role do templates play in developing strong commentary?

Templates help students organize and express their reasoning in commentary. By using specific phrases like 'consequently,' 'furthermore,' and 'therefore,' students can ensure they articulate their thoughts clearly and develop well-rounded commentary.

How does Tim Freitas suggest improving commentary quality for AP essays?

Tim Freitas suggests using specific commentary templates that incorporate words and phrases to spark deeper thinking, which will result in at least three strong sentences of commentary per body paragraph.

What is the significance of the commentary sentences Tim Freitas provides as an example?

The example commentary sentences demonstrate how to tie evidence to the broader argument. Each sentence highlights assumptions about group dynamics, social environments, and shared experiences, which help justify the claim that horror films can be enriching.

How does the group dynamic in horror film viewership relate to the argument of enrichment?

The group dynamic is crucial because the shared experience of watching horror films with friends creates a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to engage with the trauma presented in the films, thereby enhancing personal enrichment and social bonds.

What does Tim Freitas emphasize about the connection between personal vulnerability and collective experiences?

Tim Freitas emphasizes that experiencing horror films together allows individuals to appear vulnerable in a collective setting. This shared vulnerability helps foster empathy and resilience, making it easier to overcome both fictional and real-life challenges.

What can students do if they want to see more examples or learn how to write synthesis conclusions?

Students can check out additional videos provided by Tim Freitas, which offer more examples of commentary, different synthesis prompts, and guidance on writing strong synthesis conclusions.