What Is a Synthesis Essay?

Definition of Synthesize:

• Synthesizing means to draw ideas from multiple sources together into a single argument.

• The purpose of the synthesis essay is to attempt to evaluate a student’s ability to develop an argument with a strong line of reasoning that contains support from reliable sources.

Overview of the AP Lang Synthesis Essay:

The AP Lang synthesis essay is the first of three essays included in the Free Response section of the AP Lang exam.

The exam presents 6-7sources that are organized around a specific topic.

The AP Lang synthesis essay portion of the Free Response section lasts for 55 minutes total:

•  15-minutes reading the sources period.
• 40-minutes writing period.

Types of sources: 

1. Texts (Print and Non-Print) (4-5 sources):
   • Articles, books, essays, etc. Containing around 500 words each.
2. Visual Sources and Quantitative Data (2 sources):
   • Cartoons, images, charts, graphs, etc… that has statistical information.

In addition to six to seven sources, the AP Lang exam provides a written prompt that consists of three paragraphs.

The prompt will briefly explain the essay topic and present some background information, then present a claim that students will respond to in an essay that synthesizes material from at least 3 to 4 of the sources provided.

You will need to take a stance, either agreeing or disagreeing with the position provided in the claim.