AP English Language · Summary

Unit 5 summary

1. Every essay needs a thesis that does a job: a position for synthesis and argument, and the writer’s purpose plus choices for rhetorical analysis.
2. In synthesis, the sources are evidence for your claims: make the claim, cite the source, explain the link, and cite at least three.
3. Put sources in conversation, and answer a source that disagrees with you instead of ignoring it.
4. In rhetorical analysis, explain what each choice does for this audience and purpose; never just name devices or retell the text.
5. In argument, use specific evidence from your own knowledge and follow every piece with commentary.
6. Answer an objection fairly: grant what is true, then show why your position still holds.
7. Organize by your reasons or the writer’s moves, not source by source or line by line.