English Language and Composition Exam Essay Structure and Organization 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A synthesis essay prompt on the AP Lang exam requires students to:
- Write a personal narrative using at least three sources
- Develop an argument that draws on and cites at least three of the provided sources (Correct answer)
- Summarize each source in order
- Compare and contrast exactly two sources
Correct answer: Develop an argument that draws on and cites at least three of the provided sources
The AP Lang synthesis essay requires an original argument supported by evidence from at least three of the provided sources, properly cited.
Question 2: In the AP Lang synthesis essay, source citations are correctly formatted as:
- Full MLA works-cited entries at the end
- Parenthetical author-date citations
- Brief source labels like (Source A) or (Source C) (Correct answer)
- Footnotes with source URLs
Correct answer: Brief source labels like (Source A) or (Source C)
The AP Lang synthesis essay uses simple parenthetical source labels like (Source A) rather than formal citation styles like MLA or APA.
Question 3: What is the function of a concession in an argument essay?
- To introduce the first piece of evidence
- To acknowledge a valid point from the opposing side before countering it (Correct answer)
- To restate the thesis in the conclusion
- To transition between body paragraphs
Correct answer: To acknowledge a valid point from the opposing side before countering it
A concession acknowledges the strength of an opposing argument, which can strengthen ethos and make the overall argument more sophisticated.
Question 4: Which characteristic makes an AP Lang thesis 'defensible'?
- It is a factual statement everyone agrees with
- It makes a specific claim that requires support and could be reasonably disputed (Correct answer)
- It previews three body paragraph topics
- It begins with 'I believe' or 'In my opinion'
Correct answer: It makes a specific claim that requires support and could be reasonably disputed
A defensible thesis takes a position that is arguable — not an obvious fact, but a claim that needs evidence and reasoning to support it.
Question 5: The 'sophistication' point on the AP Lang rubric is most reliably earned by:
- Using the most advanced vocabulary possible
- Demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the complexity of the argument throughout the essay (Correct answer)
- Writing the longest possible essay
- Mentioning all three rhetorical appeals in the introduction
Correct answer: Demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the complexity of the argument throughout the essay
Sophistication requires sustained nuance — such as acknowledging complexity, tension, or alternative perspectives — not just isolated flashy moves.
Question 6: A student's conclusion merely restates the thesis and body paragraph topics. According to AP Lang scoring guidance, this conclusion:
- Earns full points for the conclusion
- Is insufficient and does not demonstrate sophistication (Correct answer)
- Is required by the rubric
- Is appropriate if the thesis was strong
Correct answer: Is insufficient and does not demonstrate sophistication
A conclusion that only restates the introduction adds no analytical value; sophisticated conclusions extend or broaden the argument's significance.
English Language and Composition Exam Essay Structure and Organization 2
A synthesis essay prompt on the AP Lang exam requires students to: