Synthesis and Reasoning

What is the main purpose of a synthesis essay?

• To argue a topic using only your observations, personal experience and background information

• To combine information from multiple sources to create an argument

• To argue both sides of an argument and being as impartial as possible

• To criticize the fallacies and logical arguments of all provided resources

What types of sources are attached to the synthesis essay prompt in the FRQ?

• Pictures and previous student works

• Articles and essays, at least one visual medium

• Quotes from different people

• All of these are correct

Of the sources given in the synthesis essay prompt, how many are students expected to include in their essay?

• Just one

• At least three

• All of them

• None of them

Match these to their definition.

• Deductive reasoning

• Using specific data to make a general conclusion

• Inductive reasoning

• Using general premises to come to a specific conclusion

• Question 1

• Where a synthesis essay prompt shows up in the AP exam FRQ portion

Match these arguments to their reasoning:

(a)   : A chicken has wings and feathers; it's a bird. A hawk has wings and feathers; it's a bird. In conclusion, animals with wings and feathers are birds.

(b)   : All warm-blooded animals with wings and feathers are birds. A sparrow is warm-blooded. It has wings, and it has feathers too. In conclusion, a sparrow is a bird.

• Inductive reasoning
• Deductive reasoning