Synthesis FRQ Project Summary
Your assignment is to create an entire synthesis FRQ as though it were for an actual AP exam. You are free to choose the topic for your prompt, but it must be approved by Mr. Brudenell before you proceed. If your topic is not approved, one will be assigned to you.
You must organize yourselves into groups of four students. Please choose your groupmates wisely, and make sure that responsibilities within your group are shared. Each group will select a topic, narrow that topic down to a rough draft version of a synthesis prompt, and find resources that could be used as Sources. You are strongly encouraged to select a topic or promptthat relates to some other class (Biology, Literature, History, etc.). You are not permitted to select topics that have been used for projects in those classes already.
Step 1
Figure out the topic and question you will pose. Remember to make sure that this topic is fresh and interesting; stale topics include abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, and media-induced violence, to name a few. A fresh, interesting topic ensures that most potential test-takers will not have an established position on the topic before seeing your prompt, which forces the student to evaluate your Sources with an open mind.
Step 2
Get your question approved.
Step 3
Your group should find at least ten potential Sources. Once you bring them all together, evaluate them based on their merits to help create a balanced view of the topic. Select the best seven. When evaluating and selecting your Sources, keep in mind that there must be at least two “pro,” two “con,” and one “neutral.”Keep in mind that Sources should be no more than one page long, and at least one Source must be an image, a picture, a graphic, or a cartoon.
Step 4
Each group should write two essay responses to the synthesis question. These essays should take opposing views of the prompt. They should not reference each other, but they should present two diametrically opposed positions.
Step 5
Each group will compile their Sources and create an assignment cover sheet for their synthesis question. This compiled packet should resemble, as much as possible, the standard format and structure of a typical AP exam synthesis question.
Step 6
Each group will present their synthesis question to the class. They will hand out copies of the first page, which will present the Directions, Introduction, and Assignment information. They will then talk briefly about the process they went through to evaluate and compile their Sources in an attempt to persuade their classmates to choose their question to answer. Each student, after listening to each presentation, must sign up for one question that is not their own.
Step 7
Each student will answer the synthesis question they selected based on their classmates’ presentations. This response will be timed and graded by the teacher. They will also give their essays to the group that created that question for feedback.
Step 8
Students will fill out the Synthesis Question Student Survey and hand it in to the teacher.
Brudenell † AP Language and Composition