English Language and Composition Exam AP English Language and Composition Synthesis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a synthesis essay, when two sources directly contradict each other on a factual point, the best strategy is to:
- Ignore the weaker source entirely
- Acknowledge the disagreement and explain how it affects your argument (Correct answer)
- Choose the source that best supports your thesis and omit the other
- Present both sources as equally valid without analysis
Correct answer: Acknowledge the disagreement and explain how it affects your argument
Acknowledging contradictions and analyzing their significance demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking valued by AP scorers.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a 'conversation among sources' in a synthesis essay?
- To summarize each source separately in sequence
- To show how sources agree, disagree, or build on each other around a central claim (Correct answer)
- To quote every source at least three times
- To list the credentials of each source's author
Correct answer: To show how sources agree, disagree, or build on each other around a central claim
A synthesis essay should weave sources into a dialogue that supports the writer's argument, not treat them as isolated summaries.
Question 3: A student's synthesis essay uses five sources but only integrates two of them into the argument. According to AP rubric standards, this essay likely:
- Earns full credit because two sources meet the minimum
- Loses points for failing to demonstrate breadth of engagement (Correct answer)
- Is penalized only if the unused sources contradict the thesis
- Earns extra credit for selectivity
Correct answer: Loses points for failing to demonstrate breadth of engagement
The AP synthesis task requires students to use evidence from multiple sources to support their argument; failing to integrate enough sources limits the score.
Question 4: When a synthesis essay writer attributes an idea to 'Source C' without explaining its relevance, this is an example of:
- Effective citation
- Dropped quotation or evidence (Correct answer)
- Paraphrasing
- Counterargument
Correct answer: Dropped quotation or evidence
Evidence without commentary or connection to the argument is called a 'dropped quotation' and weakens the essay's analytical score.
Question 5: Which rhetorical move most effectively transitions between two sources that offer different perspectives on a topic?
- Starting a new paragraph for each source
- Using a transitional phrase that signals comparison, such as 'While Source A argues X, Source B complicates this by...' (Correct answer)
- Restating the thesis between each source
- Using block quotations from both sources side by side
Correct answer: Using a transitional phrase that signals comparison, such as 'While Source A argues X, Source B complicates this by...'
Transitional language that explicitly connects sources shows the writer is synthesizing rather than merely summarizing.
Question 6: In a synthesis essay about renewable energy policy, a student wants to address an audience of skeptical lawmakers. Which source type would be most persuasive to include?
- A personal narrative from a climate activist
- Peer-reviewed economic data showing cost savings from renewables (Correct answer)
- A social media poll about public opinion on solar panels
- A fictional short story set in a post-fossil-fuel world
Correct answer: Peer-reviewed economic data showing cost savings from renewables
Skeptical lawmakers are most persuaded by credible, empirical economic evidence that addresses their practical concerns.
Question 7: The term 'synthesis' in the AP exam context specifically means:
- Writing a summary of all provided sources
- Combining evidence from multiple sources with original analysis to support a claim (Correct answer)
- Agreeing with the majority view presented in the sources
- Translating complex sources into simple language
Correct answer: Combining evidence from multiple sources with original analysis to support a claim
Synthesis requires integrating multiple sources with the writer's own reasoning to construct and support an original argument.
English Language and Composition Exam AP English Language and Composition Synthesis 2
In a synthesis essay, when two sources directly contradict each other on a factual point, the best strategy is to: