AP exam synthesis essay

Introduction

• Context (1 sentence): Provide a brief, broad background on the prompt’s topic to situate the issue.

• Defensible Thesis (1–2 sentences): State your specific, arguable position. A strong thesis usually follows a "Despite/Although [Counter-argument], because [Reason 1], [Reason 2]"

Body Paragraph 1: First Supporting Argument

• Topic Sentence: State your first claim that supports your thesis.

• Evidence 1 (Source 1)

• Commentary: Explain how and why this evidence proves your claim.

• Evidence 2 (Source 2): Introduce a second source that builds on or agrees with your first point.

• Commentary & Synthesis: Analyze the second piece of evidence and explain how the two sources "speak" to each other (e.g., "Not only does [Source 1] prove X, but [Source 2] further emphasizes this by...").

Body Paragraph 2: Second Supporting Argument

• Topic Sentence: State your second claim that supports your thesis.

• Evidence 3 (Source 3): Use your third required source to anchor this paragraph.

• Commentary: Analyze the evidence and tie it explicitly back to your thesis.

Body Paragraph 3: Concession & Rebuttal / 3rd Argument

• Topic Sentence / Counter-Claim: Acknowledge the strongest argument against your position.

• Concession & Evidence: Bring in a source that opposes your view, but state why it is limited or misguided.

• Rebuttal: Provide evidence (another source or your own commentary) that disproves the counter-claim and reinstates your argument's validity.

• Restate Thesis: Rephrase your thesis in a new way.

• So What? / Broader Context: Connect your argument to a larger societal, historical, or universal theme. Why does this issue matter?