English Language and Composition Exam AP English Language and Composition Synthesis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A synthesis prompt provides a cartoon, a statistical graph, and four written articles. Which of the following is true about using the visual sources?
- Visual sources cannot be cited in a synthesis essay
- Visual sources may be used just like written sources to support the argument (Correct answer)
- Visual sources count as only half a source toward the minimum requirement
- Visual sources should only be used as counterarguments
Correct answer: Visual sources may be used just like written sources to support the argument
AP synthesis essays allow students to draw evidence from any provided source, including charts, graphs, cartoons, and photographs.
Question 2: Which of the following thesis statements is MOST appropriate for a synthesis essay arguing about the effects of social media on democracy?
- Social media has both positive and negative effects on democracy.
- This essay will discuss multiple sources about social media and democracy.
- Although social media enables civic engagement, its role in spreading misinformation poses a measurable threat to democratic institutions. (Correct answer)
- Many people use social media every day, so it is important for democracy.
Correct answer: Although social media enables civic engagement, its role in spreading misinformation poses a measurable threat to democratic institutions.
A strong synthesis thesis makes a specific, defensible claim that acknowledges complexity — not a simple observation or a statement of intent.
Question 3: When paraphrasing a source in a synthesis essay, the writer must:
- Use quotation marks around the paraphrase
- Change only a few words from the original sentence
- Restate the idea in their own words and still cite the source (Correct answer)
- Avoid mentioning the source since it is not a direct quote
Correct answer: Restate the idea in their own words and still cite the source
Paraphrases must be genuinely reworded AND attributed to the source; changing only a few words constitutes patchwriting, which is problematic.
Question 4: A synthesis essay that scores a 4 (out of 6 on the evidence/commentary row) most likely:
- Uses only one source throughout the entire essay
- Provides evidence from multiple sources but offers limited or formulaic commentary (Correct answer)
- Ignores the provided sources and relies on outside knowledge only
- Addresses all counterarguments with thorough refutation
Correct answer: Provides evidence from multiple sources but offers limited or formulaic commentary
A mid-range score typically reflects adequate evidence use but underdeveloped analysis that does not fully explore the significance of the evidence.
Question 5: In building a synthesis argument, outside knowledge may be used:
- As the primary basis for the argument, replacing source evidence
- Never, since only provided sources are acceptable
- To supplement and contextualize the provided source evidence (Correct answer)
- Only in the introduction and conclusion
Correct answer: To supplement and contextualize the provided source evidence
Outside knowledge can strengthen context and analysis, but the synthesis task requires that provided sources form the core evidence base.
Question 6: Which approach to organizing a synthesis essay is generally considered most effective for AP scoring?
- Source-by-source organization, dedicating one paragraph to each source
- Argument-based organization, where each body paragraph develops a line of reasoning supported by multiple sources (Correct answer)
- Chronological organization based on when sources were published
- Organizing sources from least to most credible
Correct answer: Argument-based organization, where each body paragraph develops a line of reasoning supported by multiple sources
Argument-based organization demonstrates synthesis because multiple sources are woven together under each claim, rather than treated in isolation.
Question 7: A student writing a synthesis essay on urban green spaces uses Source D (a landscape architect's opinion) to support a claim about mental health. The student should anticipate a counterargument that:
- Questions whether landscape architects have any professional credibility
- Notes that one professional's opinion may not be representative of the broader evidence (Correct answer)
- Points out that mental health is not related to urban planning
- Argues that green spaces are too expensive to be worth discussing
Correct answer: Notes that one professional's opinion may not be representative of the broader evidence
Acknowledging that a single expert opinion has limited generalizability shows sophisticated reasoning and strengthens the overall argument.
English Language and Composition Exam AP English Language and Composition Synthesis 3
A synthesis prompt provides a cartoon, a statistical graph, and four written articles.
Which of the following is true about using the visual sources?