AP Language & Composition Synthesis Essay: Celebrity Activism

Celebrity Activism

Read the following sources in preparation for your Synthesis Essay

Objectives

• What: I can 4.A Develop a paragraph that includes a claim and evidence supporting the claim AND 4.B Write a thesis statement that requires proof or defense and that may preview the structure of the argument AND 6.A Develop a line of reasoning and commentary that explains it throughout an argument.

• Why: So, I can succeed on the 1st FRQ on the AP exam

   

• How: I'll know I've got it when I can evaluate the sources using the CRAAP acronym and choose evidence using the BEAM method to write a synthesis essay on Celebrity Activism

Agenda

Hook
Notes: Synthesis Essay
Sources: Believe, Doubt, and BEAM
Assignment - Celebrity Activism Synthesis Essay

Hook

• Should young people look up to celebrities as role models? Why or why not?

  • Take a side and support your argument using evidence and reasoning

Goal: Synthesis Essay

1. Aim for a compelling argument that leaves the reader thinking, questioning, considering, and reconsidering.

2. Present a reasonable idea in a voice that is logical, sincere, and informed.

3. Acknowledge that the issue at hand is a complex one with no easy solutions and a variety of valid perspectives on the matter.

   • Qualify your argument.

Approach: Synthesis Essay

1. Read to "Believe"

   1. What is the writer’s position on the subject — that is, what is the main argument?

      What unique expertise or experience does the writer bring to the text?

Approach: Synthesis Essay

1. Doubt the source using CRAAP

   1. What kind of source is it?

      Who is the writer?

      Where was it published?

      When was it published?

   2. What biases does the writer reveal in the argument and its line of reasoning?

      What perspective(s) does the writer fail to consider?

      What potential objections might a reader have to the writer’s argument?

​Test every source for CRAAP.

​

​Knowing this information will help you to determine the credibility of a source.

Currency

• Determine how CURRENT the information is

Relevance

• Ask yourself "What does this really have to do with the topic?"

Accuracy

• Consider...

  • Is there a list of citations?

  • Do they quote authoritative sources?

• Also...

  • Do you notice the same fact confirmed in multiple sources?

    • This would indicate that the information is likely true (although this is not enough to cite the source).

Authority

• What credibility does the author have?

  • Do they have a degree?

  • Are they a published author on the topic?

  • Do they have experience in the relevant field?

Purpose

• To be absolutely sure that your source is to be trusted, consider what the purpose of the source is.

  • To persuade

  • To inform

  • To entertain

  • To...

Whiteboard Activity

If you are looking for a Currant, relevant, accurate, and trusted source to give you information on Celebrities, where should you look?

Give a list of SPECIFIC sources where you can find this information

Use the Source!

Background

• Use a source to provide an audience with background or context, about a given topic, position, or perspective.

Evidence

Evidence to support a writer’s argument.

Argument

• A writer can join the conversation on a topic by refuting, rebutting, conceding, refining, affirming, or extending the argument in a source.

Method

The logic, conclusions, or methods of a source can be applied to the writer’s own issue or argument.

BEAM Method

Use every source with intention and purpose

Approach: Synthesis Essay

1. Identify how you will use the source using BEAM

   1. What 3 sources will you use?

      1. Which source provides ample background?

      2. What source can you extend the argument of?

      3. What source complicates the issue?

Assignment - Celebrity Activism Synthesis Essay

1. Look at the printed assignment

2. Together we will, Read each of the sources:

   1. Read to "Believe"

   2. Doubt the source using CRAAP

   3. Identify how you will use the source using BEAM

Assignment - Celebrity Activism Synthesis Essay

1. In your notebooks:

   1. Record how you will use the source using BEAM

Source A: "Read to Believe"

While reading, be prepared to discuss the:

• Central claim

• One way he supports his position

• Another point he raises as evidence for his argument

• One counterargument he addresses

Multiple Choice

What is the central claim of the text "Beyoncé and Why Celebrity Activists Matter" by Joshua Ostroff?

• Celebrity activism is ineffective in modern society.

• Celebrity activists matter because they raise awareness and influence cultural movements.

• Beyoncé's halftime performance was controversial.

• Celebrity activism is a new phenomenon.

Multiple Choice

What evidence does Joshua Ostroff use to support his central claim in "Beyoncé and Why Celebrity Activists Matter"?

• He cites examples of celebrities who have failed in activism.

• He references historical and contemporary examples like Leonardo DiCaprio and John Lennon.

• He discusses the financial contributions of celebrities to charities.

• He analyzes the social media presence of celebrities.

Source A: Believing

• As a senior editor, Ostroff is knowledgeable about the context of controversial moments

• Argument:

  • celebrity activism matters because celebrities can use their fame to draw public attention to an issue and fuel (even fund) a public movement for policy change

• Evidence:

  • Beyonce and other contemporary Celebrities

Source A: Doubting Discussion

1. What biases does the writer reveal in the argument and its line of reasoning?

2. What perspective(s) does the writer fail to consider?

3. What potential objections might a reader have to the writer’s argument?

Source A: Doubting

• Ostroff is a Canadian, which may limit his credibility with a US audience

• Ostroff fails to consider the opposing side - celebrities can bring attention to dangerous or discredited causes

Source A: BEAM Discussion

1. In your notebook & At your whiteboard

   1. Record how you will use the source using BEAM

Source B: "Read to Believe"

While reading, be prepared to discuss the:

• Central claim

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

What is the central claim of the graph "Celebrity influence on Voting"?

• Older people are more influenced by celebrities than younger people.

• Younger people are more likely to develop political positions informed by celebrity opinions.

• Republicans are more influenced by celebrities than Democrats.

• Celebrity influence on voting is negligible.

Multiple Choice

What evidence is presented in the graph "Celebrity influence on Voting" to support its central claim?

• Data showing that older people are more aware of celebrity influence.

• Self-reported data indicating that younger people and Democrats are more influenced by celebrities.

• Interviews with celebrities about their political views.

• Analysis of voting patterns over the last decade.

Source B: Believing

• Argument:

  • Younger people are more likely to self-report being influenced by a celebrity

• Evidence:

  • self-reported polling data

Source B: Doubting Discussion

1. What biases does the writer reveal in the argument and its line of reasoning?

2. What perspective(s) does the writer fail to consider?

3. What potential objections might a reader have to the writer’s argument?

Source B: Doubting

• What agenda did the researchers have?

• The Survey size of the sampled population suggests unequal polling (both generational and political affiliation)

• Evidence:

  • self-reported polling data can be biased due to self-reporting errors

    • (can people accurately describe their thoughts and behaviors?)

Source B: BEAM Discussion

1. In your notebook & At your whiteboard

   1. Record how you will use the source using BEAM

Source C: "Read to Believe"

1. How does the advertisement use lighting to communicate its message? How does this visual choice connect to the purpose of the advertisement? 

2. Analyze the diction and syntax of the text in this advertisement. What is the relationship between the text and the photograph? 

3. What assumptions has Nike made about the audience for this advertisement?

Multiple Choice

What is the central claim of the photo advertisement "Dream Crazy"?

• Colin Kaepernick is the most influential athlete of his generation.

• Standing up for what you believe is worth every sacrifice

• Colin Kaepernick is successful at selling sports equipment.

• We must all align our moral code to what is right

Multiple Choice

What evidence does the "Dream Crazy" advertisement use to support its central claim?

• It includes a detailed biography of Colin Kaepernick.

• It uses a close-cropped, black and white photo to convey honesty and clarity.

• It features testimonials from other athletes.

• It provides statistics on Nike's sales.

Source C: Believing

• Argument:

  • Standing up for what you believe is worth every sacrifice

    • Nike aims to align its brand and products with a moral code of behavior

• Evidence:

  • Athletes sacrifice a lot to perform to the best of the abilities

  • Colin Keapernick sacrificed his NFL career for a moral cause

    • Colin Kaepernick’s name is not present; we only see his face

    • The inspirational message alludes to the broader context of Kaepernick’s actions without mentioning specifics

Source C: Doubting Discussion

1. What biases does the writer reveal in the argument and its line of reasoning?

2. What perspective(s) does the writer fail to consider?

3. What potential objections might a reader have to the writer’s argument?

Source C: Doubting

• Bias: The purpose of this advertisement is to make money

  • Is the advertisement truly altruistic?

Source C: BEAM Discussion

1. In your notebook & At your whiteboard

   1. Record how you will use the source using BEAM

Source D: "Read to Believe"

While reading, be prepared to discuss the:

• Central claim

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

What is the central claim of Jessica Grose's "When Did We Start Taking Famous People Seriously?"?

• Celebrities have no influence on public opinion.

• Celebrity influence is a part of our culture and can be both harmful and helpful.

• Only athletes can make lasting positive change.

• Celebrities should not discuss medical issues.

Multiple Choice

What evidence does Jessica Grose use to support her central claim in "When Did We Start Taking Famous People Seriously?"?

• She lists celebrities who have never influenced public opinion.

• She discusses celebrities like Serena Williams and Amy Schumer who have shared personal experiences.

• She provides data on celebrity earnings.

• She analyzes the social media impact of celebrities.

Source D: Believing

• Grose has years of experience researching and writing about parenting

• Argument:

  • celebrities can use their influence in both harmful and helpful ways — and that either way, their influence is a part of our culture.

  • Trusting celebrities with medical or parental advice could be dangerous

• Evidence:

  • Positive and Negative Examples supported by academic research

    • Serena Williams and Amy Schumer “can make lasting positive change” (par. 23)

    • celebrities “peddling questionable or downright dangerous quasi-medical remedies” (par. 21) masquerading as sound advice

Source D: Doubting Discussion

1. What biases does the writer reveal in the argument and its line of reasoning?

2. What perspective(s) does the writer fail to consider?

3. What potential objections might a reader have to the writer’s argument?

Source D: Doubting

• Grose does not include interviews with any celebrities or medical professionals

• The scope of the article of narrow

  • Questionable parenting advice is discussed, but not celebrities' ability to lend support to established social movements

Source D: BEAM Discussion

1. In your notebook & At your whiteboard

   1. Record how you will use the source using BEAM

Source E: "Read to Believe"

While reading, be prepared to discuss the:

• Central claim

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

What is the central claim of "I Take Responsibility" and the Limits of Celebrity Activism by Coley?

• Celebrity activism is always effective.

• Celebrities must do more than produce hollow displays of support for social justice.

• Social media is the best platform for celebrity activism.

• Celebrities should not engage in activism.

Multiple Choice

What evidence does Coley use to support the central claim in "I Take Responsibility" and the Limits of Celebrity Activism?

• He provides specific examples of celebrities who gave feeble attempts at change

• He discusses the importance of celebrities posting bail for activists.

• He lists celebrities who have never engaged in activism.

• He analyzes the financial contributions of celebrities to social causes.

Source E: Believing

• Coley's journalism experience and research skills are demonstrated

• Argument:

  • celebrity activism is limited, ineffective, even harmful, and largely for show

  • celebrities are better off giving financial support

• Evidence:

  • four specific examples of what Coley calls “vapid pageantry” (par. 3) or “[i]deological fluffiness” (par. 7).

Source E: Doubting Discussion

1. What biases does the writer reveal in the argument and its line of reasoning?

2. What perspective(s) does the writer fail to consider?

3. What potential objections might a reader have to the writer’s argument?

Source E: Doubting

• Coley does not include the perspectives of the celebrities he criticizes

• He may or may not be biased towards celebrities

• Bonus:

  • Do you agree with Coley’s assertion that it would be in the public’s “best interest” that not all celebrities speak publicly about “systemic racial inequality.” 

Source E: BEAM Discussion

1. In your notebook & At your whiteboard

   1. Record how you will use the source using BEAM

Source F: "Read to Believe"

While reading, be prepared to discuss the:

• Central claim

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

What is the central claim of “Athletes, Speak Up,” by Naomi Osaka?

• Athletes should use their platforms to advocate for social justice and mental health.
• Athletes should only promote their personal brands.
• Athletes must avoid discussing social issues.
• Athletes should focus solely on their performance.

Multiple Choice

What evidence does Naomi Osaka use in her op-ed “Athletes, Speak Up,” to support her central claim?

• Personal experiences and examples of other athletes

• Personal anecdotes from fans and spectators
• Historical examples of sports controversies
• Statistical data on sports performance

Source F: Believing

• Argument:

  • celebrities have the same rights to be activists as other citizens; because of their platform, athletes should "speak up"

• Evidence:

  • Other athletes (like Lebron James) who are affected by social injustices

  • Osaka's personal experience

Source E: Doubting Discussion

1. What biases does the writer reveal in the argument and its line of reasoning?

2. What perspective(s) does the writer fail to consider?

3. What potential objections might a reader have to the writer’s argument?

   1. Play the “yes, but” game with Naomi Osaka’s argument. Identify two different statements she makes to which you can concede in some way but also refute in some way

Source F: Doubting

• Osaka's celebrity status could enhance or detract from her ethos

• Celebrities have a vested interest in managing their public image

Source F: BEAM Discussion

1. In your notebook & At your whiteboard

   1. Record how you will use the source using BEAM

Discussion: "Dinner Party"

1. On your handout, "seat" the sources near or away from one another

   1. Seat sources with a common argument near one another

   2. Seat sources that would disagree far away from one another

Whiteboard: "Dinner Party"

1. On your whiteboard, "seat" the sources near or away from one another

   1. Seat sources with a common argument near one another

   2. Seat sources that would disagree far away from one another

Discussion: "Dinner Party"

1. See connections among the sources.

2. Your willingness to understand each text on its own terms, even if you disagree with the ideas or position is essential

   1. Texts that present positions different from those you initially hold are often the ones that become most important to the development of your argument.

Assignment - Celebrity Activism Synthesis Essay

• Evidence Advice:

  • Sources serve the argument and not the other way around.

Assignment - Celebrity Activism Synthesis Essay

1. Read each of the sources to:

   1. Take a position

   2. Identify Evidence

   3. Develop Commentary

   4. Compose an Essay