AP Language/Composition Research Synthesis
You will use a variety of technological and informational resources to gather, evaluate, and synthesize data to incorporate in support of both an oral presentation and written argument. Choose a contemporary issue about which there are private and public conversations.
The electoral college l The penny l Cell phone health issues
Immigration l Advertising to children l U. S. aid to foreign countries
U. S. prison system l Women in the military l Government-run health care
Gun control l Space exploration l Corporate advertising in schools
Creationism l Contaminated food l Single-gender education
Bank failure and federal regulation l Stem cell research l Carbon trading
Response to environmental crises l Drug enforcement l Fishing regulations
Select a topic you’d like to know more about and don't currently have a definite opinion about so you can be open-minded about opposing viewpoints. Through your collection and analysis of readings, you will be able to form your own opinion and join the conversation.
Collect at least eight sources, including at least one from each of the following categories:
q Personal interview with knowledgeable subject (in person or phone/on-line)
q Newspaper/ magazine articles, letters, or editorials
q On-line information from reputable websites
q Cartoons/ photos/maps advertisements or other visual or graphic information
q TV or radio segment or documentary movie (BBC, NPR, 60 Minutes, Oprah, local news...)
Annotate each source carefully and fill accompanying note sheet. You are looking for a variety of opinions in different styles/genres. The sources must be substantial enough to provide you with sufficient material to analyze. One source is due each day once the project officially begins.
You will present well-selected points of comparison and/or departure among the sources and clearly explain both relationships among the sources. The goal is to demonstrate your own personal mastery of the information alongside a personal voice orchestrating the conversation.
Research Project Presentation
· 12-15 minute presentation
· Non-print presentation element (audio, video, iMovie, Keynote, poster)
You cannot cover every aspect of your research in the allotted time. Focus on the element(s) that would be the most intriguing to your classmates. Organize the information and rehearse your presentation with a timer to be confident about how you will fill the time. Promote lively, active learning in the class (change the room organization or ask audience to complete certain tasks if you want).
Presentation Rubric
Recognition of audience and purpose
· Targets audience with clear purpose, creating active learning environment
Enunciation, voice quality, Physical presence
· Clear enunciation, lack of disfluencies (um, ah, duh, etc.)
· Voice variation, projection, eye contact, body language, investment
Organization
· Clear organizational pattern, sequencing
· Presentation is carefully paced to last between 12-15 minutes
Depth of Content
· Well-developed content, appropriate focusing on limited elements for deep discussion
· Well-organized, informative, and visually engaging presentation material
Research Synthesis Rubric
Original Thinking
· Emphasis on synthesis of varied information from varied sources
· Insightful conclusion addressing implications of points raised
Support, Details, and Evidence
· 2000+/- words in length (8 pages?)
· Research represents in-depth focus on latest relevant information
· Uses sufficient supporting examples, including mix of quotes and paraphrasing, mix of quotes separated from/woven within author’s sentences
· Correct parenthetical documentation and accurately formatted works cited page
Organization and Clarity
· Thoughtful ‘hook’ at beginning
· Appropriate structure with purposeful subsections as appropriate
· Smooth transitions between ideas emphasizing synthesis
· Clear and mature sentence structure, style, word choice
· Grammatical and mechanical accuracy; errors do not distract from meaning
Research Synthesis Rubric
Original Thinking
· Emphasis on synthesis of varied information from varied sources
· Insightful conclusion addressing implications of points raised
Support, Details, and Evidence
· 2000+/- words in length (8 pages?)
· Research represents in-depth focus on latest relevant information
· Uses sufficient supporting examples, including mix of quotes and paraphrasing, mix of quotes separated from/woven within author’s sentences
· Correct parenthetical documentation and accurately formatted works cited page
Organization and Clarity
· Thoughtful ‘hook’ at beginning
· Appropriate structure with purposeful subsections as appropriate
· Smooth transitions between ideas emphasizing synthesis
· Clear and mature sentence structure, style, word choice
· Grammatical and mechanical accuracy; errors do not distract from meaning
Research Synthesis Rubric
Original Thinking
· Emphasis on synthesis of varied information from varied sources
· Insightful conclusion addressing implications of points raised
Support, Details, and Evidence
· 2000+/- words in length (8 pages?)
· Research represents in-depth focus on latest relevant information
· Uses sufficient supporting examples, including mix of quotes and paraphrasing, mix of quotes separated from/woven within author’s sentences
· Correct parenthetical documentation and accurately formatted works cited page
Organization and Clarity
· Thoughtful ‘hook’ at beginning
· Appropriate structure with purposeful subsections as appropriate
· Smooth transitions between ideas emphasizing synthesis
· Clear and mature sentence structure, style, word choice
· Grammatical and mechanical accuracy; errors do not distract from meaning
Presentation Rubric
Recognition of audience and purpose
· Targets audience with clear purpose, creating active learning environment
Enunciation, voice quality, Physical presence
· Clear enunciation, lack of disfluencies (um, ah, duh, etc.)
· Voice variation, projection, eye contact, body language, investment
Organization
· Clear organizational pattern, sequencing
· Presentation is carefully paced to last between 12-15 minutes
Depth of Content
· Well-developed content, appropriate focusing on limited elements for deep discussion
· Well-organized, informative, and visually engaging presentation material
Presentation Rubric
Recognition of audience and purpose
· Targets audience with clear purpose, creating active learning environment
Enunciation, voice quality, Physical presence
· Clear enunciation, lack of disfluencies (um, ah, duh, etc.)
· Voice variation, projection, eye contact, body language, investment
Organization
· Clear organizational pattern, sequencing
· Presentation is carefully paced to last between 12-15 minutes
Depth of Content
· Well-developed content, appropriate focusing on limited elements for deep discussion
· Well-organized, informative, and visually engaging presentation material
AP Language/Composition Research Synthesis
Identify category of origin for each source.
q Personal interview with knowledgeable subject (in person or phone/on-line)
q Newspaper/ magazine articles, letters, or editorials
q On-line information from reputable websites
q Cartoons/ photos/maps advertisements or other visual or graphic information
q TV or radio segment or documentary movie (BBC, NPR, 60 Minutes, Oprah, local news…)
Brainstorm as many possible sub-topics this source provides information about.
What opportunities does this source offer? What limitations?
Source #1
Source #2
Source #3
Source #4
Source #5
______
Consider the limitations of your current cluster of sources.
Identify gaps in categories of sources that need to be sought out.
Identify specific gaps in the information that need to be addressed with additional sources.