The ONLY WAY to Breakdown YOUR Synthesis Prompt

Summary

In this video, Tim Freitas from the Garden of English guides AP English students through a six-step process for preparing a synthesis paper. He focuses on breaking down the synthesis prompt by identifying core ideas, positions, perspectives, and assumptions. Tim advises students to form an argument based on these elements, create a guiding question from the command language of the prompt, and draft an initial response before reading the sources. His approach helps students efficiently navigate the synthesis process, laying a solid foundation for their essay by organizing their thoughts before delving into the sources.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by focusing on the 'ideas,' not just the literal content of the prompt. Identify abstract concepts like fear, death, or economics to shape your argument.
• 😀 Break down the prompt into key ideas, circling or listing words and phrases that relate to these concepts to guide your synthesis.
• 😀 Look for positions, perspectives, and assumptions in the prompt. These reveal different arguments you’ll need to address.
• 😀 Distinguish between different positions (e.g., horror films negatively influence vs. horror films help cope with death) and assumptions (e.g., humans are adventurous).
• 😀 Use a simple system to mark your agreement or disagreement with positions: + for agree, - for disagree, and +/- for somewhere in between.
• 😀 Find the command language in the prompt (e.g., 'develop your position on') to pinpoint the exact question you need to answer in your essay.
• 😀 Generate key questions from the command language that guide your thesis (e.g., 'What is the effect of horror on responses to the unknown?').
• 😀 Write a quick, initial response to the question you’ve created, marking where you stand. This helps anchor your argument as you move forward.
• 😀 Understand that your initial position can evolve as you read the sources, but starting with a clear stance helps in the early stages of writing.
• 😀 Completing these steps makes it easier to navigate the synthesis task and write an argument-driven paper with a well-defined position.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the synthesis paper in the AP exam?

The synthesis paper in the AP exam requires students to analyze and synthesize multiple sources, presenting varied perspectives on a topic, and developing their own argument within a limited time frame.

How does Tim Freitas suggest breaking down the synthesis prompt?

Tim Freitas suggests starting the breakdown of the synthesis prompt by identifying and focusing on the abstract ideas or concepts, such as human nature or economics, that appear within the prompt.

What is the 'argue ideas, not things' approach mentioned in the script?

'Argue ideas, not things' refers to focusing on abstract concepts or broader ideas within the synthesis prompt (e.g., fear, adventure) rather than just the specific topic at hand (e.g., horror films). This approach helps develop a deeper, more insightful argument.

What should you do when reading the prompt for the first time?

When reading the prompt for the first time, you should identify and circle words and phrases that represent abstract ideas or concepts. This helps you focus your argument on the underlying ideas.

Why does Freitas emphasize identifying positions and perspectives in the prompt?

Identifying positions and perspectives in the prompt allows you to understand the different arguments surrounding the topic and helps you establish your own position relative to these arguments.

What are some of the assumptions found in the horror films prompt?

Some assumptions in the horror films prompt include that humans are adventurous by nature, that death is a mysterious part of life, that popular media and consumerism influence how individuals respond to the world, and that it is acceptable to profit from horror-based entertainment.

How should you assess your agreement with the perspectives in the prompt?

You should assess your agreement with the perspectives by marking them with a plus (+) if you agree, a minus (-) if you disagree, or a plus-minus (+/-) if you are somewhere in between. This helps clarify your stance and strengthens your argument.

What is the importance of the command language in the synthesis prompt?

The command language in the synthesis prompt tells you exactly what you need to do in your essay. By identifying the command, you can focus your response on the right question and develop a clear thesis.

How should you generate a question from the command language?

From the command language, you should generate a 'what' question, as these are typically the easiest to answer. For example, 'What effect does horror-based entertainment have on an individual's response to the unknown and macabre?'

What is the final step before reading the sources in the synthesis process?

The final step before reading the sources is to write a quick initial sentence that answers the questions you generated from the prompt. This helps you focus on your stance and gives direction to your argument.