AP Evidence and Commentary Review

What is the main purpose of a synthesis essay?

• To write a story

• To build a strong argument using multiple sources

• To list random facts

• To draw pictures

What is considered good evidence in a synthesis essay?

• A specific fact or statistic

• A personal opinion

• A random guess

• A vague statement

What is the role of commentary in a synthesis essay?

• To explain why the evidence is important

• To repeat the evidence

• To ignore the evidence

• To confuse the reader

What does sophistication add to a synthesis essay?

• It makes the essay longer

• It makes the essay harder to read

• It adds more sources

• It connects evidence to bigger ideas

What is an example of a strong commentary?

• Restating the evidence

• Explaining the significance of the evidence

• Ignoring the evidence

• Making up new evidence

Imagine you’re writing a synthesis essay about whether libraries should focus on digital resources. One source says, “E-book lending increased by 30% last year.” Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) integrating this evidence into an argument. Explain why it’s significant and what it means for your position.

You’re crafting a synthesis essay arguing that AI in education has both benefits and drawbacks. Use these two quotes: “AI can adapt educational content to a student’s pace and learning style” (Johnson 23) and “When students use AI to generate essays, they often fail to engage in deep thinking” (Carter 45). Write a short paragraph (4-6 sentences) that integrates both quotes into your argument, showing how they support or challenge your position.

In a synthesis essay about social media’s impact on communication, a source states, “70% of users encounter misinformation weekly.” Write a short response (3-5 sentences) explaining how this evidence could strengthen your argument. Include what makes it significant and its broader implications.