Friday

Note, today we are going to go over some steps for the Synthesis Essay, and finish reading James Baldwin. 

NOTE - your final (which will really be more like a "Practice" AP response questions) will be on a Synthesis Essay.  You should have picked up that one thing were are doing with Malcolm X is reading materials that could be used with it in a type of Synthesis Essay (note - January, hint hint).

SYNTHESIS
Paragraph 1
1) Hook (something that is engaging both also relates to your topic and ideally you can return to at the end of the essay).
2) Identify, clarify, explain the issue.
3) Clear, direct thesis statement.  This is a position for or against (usually) the prompt.  You can also have an order of development if you need it.  Just remember that sometimes these appear really mechanical, and if you present one you need to follow it in the order that you give.

Body Paragraphs
You can have as many body paragraphs as possible.  This is not a 5-part essay.  Actually it will look better if you don't write a 5-part essay.

In your body paragraphs you need a topic sentence.
Explanation of topic sentence (generalizations).  An transition or introduction to your specific evidence.  Source citation.  And you'll need to explain the significance of the supporting evidence.

NOTE - you need to analysis the evidence not just present it or summarize it.  What does the evidence me and how does the evidence back up your position. 

Technically, you should annotate the sources as you read them and write a short main idea of each.

Concluding Paragraph
Return to your thesis statement (reword it), return to your hook, perhaps significance from the reasons and evidence presented, and bring the paper to a thoughtful ending.