AP Lang - Quick Notes: Synthesis, Rhetorical Analysis, and Argument Scoring Guidelines (2024)

Synthesis Essay

  • Purpose: Synthesize material from at least 3 sources and take a defensible position on the value of laws that preserve historic buildings.

  • Sources: Use Sources A–F; cite via Source A, Source B, etc. or by paren
    theses.

  • Thesis (Row A): Present a defensible position (do not just restate the prompt). Can be 1–2 sentences; position should drive the argument.

    • Examples of defensible thesis (from guidance):

    • "Laws that protect historical buildings are necessary to preserve both culture and architecture."

    • "Preservation laws should be balanced, but their value is high enough to warrant strong support except in extreme cases where property rights dominate."

  • Evidence & Commentary (Row B):

    • 0 points: Thesis only or restatement, or references fewer than 2 sources.

    • 1 point: Evidence from at least 2 sources.

    • 2 points: Evidence from at least 3 sources.

    • 3 points: Specific evidence from at least 3 sources supporting all claims; plus some explanation.

    • 4 points: Specific evidence from at least 3 sources supporting all claims; plus clear, thorough commentary that explains how the evidence supports the line of reasoning.

  • What counts as evidence: quotes, paraphrase, or summaries from the sources; clearly connect evidence to your claims.

  • Line of reasoning: Organize argument as a coherent chain of claims connected to the thesis; each claim is supported by source evidence and explained.

  • Commentaries: Explain why the evidence matters and how it supports your claim; connect to broader implications where appropriate.

  • Common pitfalls (for synthesis): Simply summarizing sources; failing to take a clear position; weak or no explanation linking evidence to thesis.

  • Additional Notes:

    • The thesis may be multi-sentence; placement is flexible.

    • Strong essays may acknowledge tensions or complexities across sources.

    • A defensible thesis earns the point even if the rest of the essay has uneven support.

Rhetorical Analysis

  • Task: Analyze the rhetorical choices the author (Reshma Saujani) makes to convey the nature of bravery.

  • Thesis (Row A): Present a defensible thesis that analyzes the writer’s rhetorical choices.

    • Examples of defensible thesis (from guidance):

    • "Saujani uses comparison and contrast, repetition, and evocative imagery to convey what bravery means to her."

    • "Saujani repeats key words and sentence structures to link her parents’ choices to her own career as a leader."

  • Evidence & Commentary (Row B):

    • 0 points: No analysis or inappropriate evidence.

    • 1 point: Evidence is mostly general.

    • 2 points: Some specific, relevant evidence.

    • 3 points: Specific evidence to support all claims; some commentary explaining how evidence supports the argument.

    • 4 points: Specific evidence to support all claims; thorough commentary that explains how evidence supports the line of reasoning; also explains at least one rhetorical choice and its contribution to the message.

  • Rhetorical Situation: Demonstrate understanding of audience, purpose, context, and constraints; show how Saujani’s choices shape meaning.

  • Sophistication (Row C):

    • 0 points: No sophisticated understanding.

    • 1 point: Demonstrates sophistication by addressing complexities, implications, or tensions; employs a persuasive, vivid style.

  • Additional Notes:

    • Qualifying evidence and explicit linkages between techniques and effects are key.

    • A defensible thesis that clearly analyzes rhetorical choices earns the point even if the rest has some gaps.

Argument Essay

  • Task: Argue a position on Wortham’s claim about the value of documenting life with selfies.

  • Thesis (Row A): Present a defensible position that responds to the prompt (not a restatement).

    • Examples of defensible thesis (from guidance):

    • "Wortham’s claim is partly valid; selfies can capture memory and meaning, though they may also reflect exhibitionism when taken to extremes."

    • "Selfies are not inherently exhibitionist; they can be a legitimate form of self-expression and documentation."

  • Evidence & Commentary (Row B):

    • 0 points: Restates thesis or offers irrelevant information.

    • 1 point: Mostly general evidence.

    • 2 points: Some specific, relevant evidence.

    • 3 points: Specific evidence supporting all claims; commentary linking evidence to argument.

    • 4 points: Specific, robust evidence supporting all claims; commentary that clearly explains how the evidence supports the argument and ties to the thesis.

  • Structure and Reasoning: Build a line of reasoning with multiple supporting claims; each claim supported by evidence; show how the pieces fit together to defend the thesis.

  • Grammar & Precision: Clear, precise language; appropriate control of syntax and mechanics.

  • Sophistication (Row C):

    • 0 points: Lacks sophistication.

    • 1 point: Demonstrates sophisticated understanding by situating the claim within broader digital culture dynamics or ethical considerations; uses nuanced reasoning.

  • Additional Notes:

    • The prompt asks for a defensible position; avoid mere description or oversimplification.

    • Employ 2–3 strong, well-integrated pieces of evidence with clear connections to claims.

Quick recall tips

  • For any essay type, a defensible thesis is essential; avoid restating the prompt.

  • Synthesis: tie evidence from 3+ sources to a cohesive position; explain how each source supports your claims.

  • Rhetorical Analysis: identify and explain at least 2–3 rhetorical choices; connect choices to purpose and audience.

  • Argument: prioritize clear stance, logical progression of claims, and concrete evidence that supports your reasoning.

  • Sophistication: push beyond the surface; acknowledge complexities or broader implications; show rhetorical awareness.