English II PAP11/9-11/10

Today you need: bell ringer, notebook paper, synthesis handouts (forthcoming)

Bell RingerWhat could be done to minimize the amount of pollution that America creates on a daily basis? In a well-structured paragraph, explain using at least three examples of the types of pollution, and one solution that works for all of them.

PSA: DO NOT EAT IN CLASS! No candy, no chips, no snacks at all. There are rats in C Wing and I do not want to tempt them into our room.

Learning TargetI can deconstruct an AP synthesis prompt and sources for comprehension and understanding. I can identify components of an AP synthesis essay in order to prepare for writing my own.

Upcoming:-End of MP2: This Friday!-No Red Ink: December 2 by 9am -Synthesis Due: November 17/18-Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: Bring to the class period after

Thanksgiving Break

What is a Synthesis Essay- Q1 on your AP Lang. Test ● A synthesis essay is similar to a persuasive essay. ● For a synthesis, you must make a claim and support it

using a variety of sources provided. ● You “synthesize” your view (claim/thesis) using evidence

in provided sources to support it. ● You are provided 6-7 sources and required to use at least

3. Three is the minimum.

Citations

● You must use direct quotes from the sources. ● You may cite these using the source name. For example,

(Source E). ● Or you may use the writer/author’s last name. For

example, (Landow). ● Most importantly, be consistent!

Format● The synthesis essay looks similar to any other you have written. You must

have an introduction with a strong thesis statement. ● All points made must connect back to, and support, your thesis statement. ● You will use body paragraphs with transitions and directly cited evidence to

present your sources and explain how they support your thesis. ○ You do not summarize the sources. You must provide just enough appropriate context so that

your sources are introduced and they make sense within your context. You have been asked to provide context all year long, not summary.

Agree, Disagree, Qualify ● You MUST choose a side and state your stance in the thesis statement!

● If you qualify, that means that you pick one side but with reservations or concerns. You may not pick neither side and argue that they are both equal.

● This is why it is easiest to just agree or disagree.

Understanding your sources● This essay is just as much about reading as it is about writing. You have to

prove that you understand the sources and are able to use them correctly as evidence.

● This doesn’t mean that the source has to agree with your position. You could cite a source that disagrees with you and then use that information to tell my why the source is inaccurate. You are simply arguing for your claim.

● Your information needs to be supported by a source. One goal of this essay is to highlight your ability to use sources and quote material appropriately.

Open vs. Closed ThesisTopic: Uniforms in public schools

Open: Public schools should not be required to enforce a uniform dress code policy due to the negative effects on administration and students.

Closed: Public schools should not be required to enforce a uniform dress code policy because it limits student individuality and it is not affordable for most school districts.

*You do not need a universal component.

A Few Important Thoughts about the Synthesis EssayUtilize this new pink handout to help guide you through writing your synthesis essay.

-Remember types of synthesis- You will be writing an argumentative essay!

-Basics for writing the essay

-Identifying relationships among your sources

-Analysis and Synthesis

Sample Prompt-Let’s read and deconstructIn 2001 United States Representative Jim Kolbe introduced legislation to Congress to eliminate the penny coin in most transactions. Although this legislation failed, there are still consistent calls to eliminate the penny as the smallest-denomination United States coin.

Assignment

Read the following sources (including the introductory information) carefully. Then write an essay in which you develop a position on whether or not the penny coin should be eliminated. Synthesize at least three of the sources for support.

What do we need to take note of, in both the context provided and actual prompt? Write the prompt and circle and underline key phrases and words.

What stands out?In 2001 United States Representative Jim Kolbe introduced legislation to Congress to eliminate the penny coin in most transactions. Although this legislation failed, there are still consistent calls to eliminate the penny as the smallest-denomination United States coin. -Purpose?

Assignment:

Read the following sources (including the introductory information) carefully. Then write an essay in which you develop a position on whether or not the penny coin should be eliminated. Synthesize at least three of the sources for support.

Rewrite the prompt in your own words.

Rewrite the prompt in your own words-Brainstorm!Read the following sources (including the introductory information) carefully. I need to read ALL SEVEN sources and make sure I understand them. I need to read the context provided for EACH source.

Then write an essay in which you develop a position on whether or not the penny coin should be eliminated. I am writing a persuasive essay; I need to either agree or disagree with the question: should the penny coin be eliminated (completely removed)?

Synthesize at least three of the sources for support. I must use AT LEAST three of the sources provided to prove my stance (stated in my thesis). My essay should blend together the sources and my opinion so that my point is proven.

Source A-Background Information Annotating the source and background information.

What do we need to know about the citation?

Consider this before you ever even read the source!

Source A-Background Information Circle the author’s name in the citation. Circle the source. Circle the year.

Why are these important to take note of?

Look at the following sentence on your source. The following is an excerpt from an online edition of a magazine that focuses

on business and the United States economy.

What information is most important for us to consider before we even read the source?

Source A-Background Information The following is an excerpt from an online edition of a magazine that focuses on business and the United States economy.

Circle the word excerpt.

Circle the word magazine.

Why are these important for us to consider?

Source A Now that you have sufficiently annotated your background information, read Source A and annotate the source itself. Remember that your prompt encouraged you to read all portions of the source, including introductory information. You have 8 minutes to read and annotate before we discuss.

What information stands out to you as important in Source A? Think about the writer’s position and support. Discuss this in your small groups and be ready to share.

Source C- Background information

What pertinent information stands out in the citation?

Circle it.

What pertinent information stands out in the background information?

Circle it.

Once Again, Source CNow that you have sufficiently annotated your background information, read Source C and annotate the source itself. Remember that your prompt encouraged you to read all portions of the source, including introductory information. You have 8 minutes to read and annotate before we discuss.

What information stands out to you as important in Source C? Think about the writer’s position and support. Discuss this in your small groups and be ready to share.

Rubric

Look at the rubric for a Q1 AP Synthesis Essay.

Use your pen or highlighter to read through the rubric and annotate important components of a composition from the 2, 4, 6, and 8 range.

Sample Essays

As a group, read through the three sample essays.

Using the rubric provided, score each essay together and write a brief explanation to explain your rating.

What do you think?

Essay Number

1A

1B

1C

How did you do?1A= 7This essay is particularly effective. Sophisticated in its argument, it is both well written and intellectually sound. The student uses all but one of the sources to advance a position that the penny is too “valuable economically and historically to be banned.” Nothing the arduous task the opponents of the penny will face in opposing the two-thirds of the population who favor keeping it, the student recognizes the economic issues before defining the intrinsic national value the penny enjoys. The student recognizes the opposing position and develops a persuasive refutation that concludes with the observation that to “rid ourselves of the penny would be change for the sake of change.” Although the conclusion is less convincing than the remainder of the response, this high-scoring essay as a whole is intelligent and persuasive. It effectively synthesizes six of the seven sources even though only three were required. Its organization is clear and its insights are compelling.

How did you do?

1B= 5This essay is an adequate response that illustrates the use of a student’s own experience. Beginning with a personal anecdote about work in the retail industry and the frustration that builds in both clerk and customer when they are inconvenienced by someone’s search for those “‘...pennies to get rid of,’” the student moves on to an argument to abolish the penny coin. The student notes the sentimental and historical reasons for keeping the penny but asserts that the more important issue is the relative monetary worthlessness of the coin as well as the fact that the time saved by eliminating the need to search for pennies might allow for more retail transactions to occur, thus benefiting the economy. This concluding assertion is reasonable, but its lack of development renders it unconvincing. The underlying thesis has more potential than the essay delivers, but the prose is clear, and the argument, though it lacks depth, is generally convincing.

How did you do?

1C= 3

The essay inadequately develops a position on whether or not the penny should be eliminated. It begins with a rhyme: “‘Find a penny. Pick it up. [A]ll through the day you’ll have good luck.’” The same introduction was often sued, frequently with limited success, in all ranges of responses to this question. This essay does not effectively develop its assertion that the penny is an example of the country’s “progress as a nation.” Riddled by awkward constructions, absence of a clear thesis, lack of logical construction, very thin development, vague assertions, and awkward use of sources, this inadequate essay suggests both lack of understanding of the elements of analysis and lack of composition skills.

Small GroupsYou are going to begin writing your own AP Synthesis essay next class. This will be a process essay completed for a minor grade. You may work with a partner or in a group of no more than 3.

Here is the catch. This can be written as a group essay and therefore it is a group grade. You may choose who you work with. If someone in your group is not pulling their weight, it is up to you to handle that. Also keep absences in mind. If you are going to be gone, it is your responsibility as a group to communicate this information and work around it. Choose your partner/group wisely.

Think about who you want to work with and sign up before you leave today.

English II PAP11/11-11/14

Today you need: bell ringer, notebook paper, synthesis notes. Sit with your partner/group - don’t

get a Chromebook.

Bell RingerDo you normally work better as part of a group or individually? Why do you believe you work better in one or the other? What are some advantages and disadvantages of group work? What are some keys to being a part of a successful group?

Answer the abovementioned questions in complete sentences. These are food for thought questions that you should be conscious of when beginning to work on your synthesis essay today.

PSA: DO NOT EAT IN CLASS! No candy, no chips, no snacks at all. There are rats in C Wing and I do not want to tempt them into our room.

Learning TargetI can deconstruct and AP synthesis prompt and annotate multiple sources for clarity and understanding. I can form a claim to persuade my audience and craft an essay synthesizing multiple sources to support my argument.

Upcoming: -Synthesis Due 11/17-18-NRI #7 Due: Dec. 2 by 9am-NRI #8 Due: Dec. 12 by 9am-Purchase and bring TFA after Thanksgiving Break!

Assignment Timeline11/11-14: Introduction to EA 2.2 (AP Synthesis Essay) - Requirements and Prompt

11/15-16: Write thesis, intro paragraph, develop evidence and explanation for 3 sources

11/17-18: Revise EA 2.2 and submit on Google Classroom

Assignment Expectations

● As a group member, you are expected to communicate with your peers when 1) someone is absent 2) someone needs help 3) someone is not pulling their weight

● Thusly, have a conversation about the qualities and habits that will be necessary for success with this assignment. Set three “Norms” for each of your group meetings (ie - “We will all bring our own necessary supplies and resources” “Each group member will feel comfortable seeking help and clarification from the group”)

Prompt and Sources

1. Individually, read your prompt and deconstruct it.

2. Read through each of the sources and annotate them yourself.

3. You have 25 minutes to complete this individual component.

As a groupCollectively, come together as a group to discuss your deconstructed prompt.

Share information and discuss your interpretation of what you are being asked to complete.

Do this as well for your sources.

Take notes over your peers’ insight. Make sure that you are all offering input and that you are thoroughly analyzing your sources. It is imperative that you ALL understand both the prompt and sources. If someone in your group is struggling, help them.

What is your claim?

● Consider the various aspects that will be woven into your claim: Your personal opinions and experiences, as well as the sources.

● As a group, you will have to decide on a claim that everyone a) understands b) find relatable c) can contribute original ideas and in-depth analysis

● Make absolutely sure that you have a consensus on your claim, and how you will support it, before you move on

Synthesis RubricYou will be graded according to your AP Synthesis rubric.

9 = 100 5 = 80

8 = 95 4 = 75

7 = 90 3 = 70

6 = 85 2 = 50

Note: According to Collegeboard, a “5” is considered a good essay. A “9” is perfection - as in, divine perfection. Set your goals high but be realistic - this is a new type of essay, and all you can do is your best.

Assignment Expectations continued● Look over the assignment expectations and the “tasks” sheet● Have an honest conversation about your strengths, weaknesses, scheduling

issues, when you can be reached outside of class, etc.● Carefully plan your task delegations. Exchange contact information. Set goals

and timelines. ● Be kind and patient with each other. On the flipside, be communicative and

honest with your group, especially if you fall behind or forget to do your part.

Assign a peer to each task. Begin goal-setting and planning. Remember that circumstances can change, so be willing to be flexible. Keep up with the task sheet as you go through the writing process. You will hand it in on the due date.

Best Writing PracticesDue next class (in your group folder - see bottom of slide): ● Thesis● Intro paragraph● Developed evidence ● Explanation for 3 sources

Best Writing Practices: ❏ You have the knowledge, skills, practice, and resources to set about

completing the above. Collaborate as a group, review your tasks sheet, and decide on your approach as you begin the prewriting process.

❏ Create a group Google Drive folder to keep your prewriting, drafts, etc. Make sure that everyone in your group has access.

❏ Title it using class period and last names. Example title: 2A Garcia Smith Johnson

English II PAP11/15-11/16

Today you need: bell ringer, essay resources, and a Chromebook. Sit with your partner/group.

Bell RingerIs this paragraph written in formal or informal voice?

If you’re not sure where the future is headed for us, then you’re not alone. Environment and technology experts offer a million different predictions about the future. Some predict war and chaos, but others say we’ll all thrive and prosper. Whatever’s going on, I think our world is rapidly changing from the world our parents knew. The future is going to be a totally different place.

Bell RingerNow, what about this one?

History reflects man’s innate desire to predict the future. Despite the variation in method, the only change in practice is the methods in which humans make these predictions. Experts in fields ranging from technology to environmental science simultaneously offer predictions of warfare and social collapse with predictions of peace and prosperity. Regardless of these forecasts, the world is rapidly changing from the one our ancestors knew, ultimately hurdling the newest generation into a future that is increasingly difficult to manage.

Learning TargetI can form a claim to persuade my audience and craft an essay synthesizing multiple sources to support my argument.

Upcoming: -Synthesis Due 11/17-18

-NRI #7 Due: Dec. 2 by 9am-NRI #8 Due: Dec. 12 by 9am-Purchase and bring TFA after Thanksgiving Break!

Today: Your focus and participation is a Daily Grade Due right now: ● Thesis● Intro paragraph● Developed evidence ● Explanation for 3 sources

What should you complete in class today? ● Complete RD of synthesis essay

*If you don’t finish - do it for HOMEWORK!

English II PAP11/17-11/18

Today you need: bell ringer, notebook paper, EA 2.2 resources. Sit with your partner/group.

Bell Ringer 11/15-16Discuss with your group and record your peers’ insight:

1. How do you approach intimidating projects (in or out of school)? Share an example.

2. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being “not at all”, how much of a perfectionist are you?3. What do you want to do after high school? 4. Where do you see yourself in in 10 years? 5. What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving?