1. Read the directions, introduction, and assignment.

Question

a. What is the prompt asking you to take a position on, what is it asking you to do?

b. After reading the background info, what is your gut opinion on which side you want to take? Go with this one!

2 VERY briefly, skim the sources

a. Which sources support your position? Make an indication so you can come back to those later

bWluch sources seem to run counter to your position? Pick at least one of these to

read for your counter-argument 3 Choose three of the sources to read in detail. Try to complete this within 15 minutes

a. As you are reading, be on the lookout for anything (quotes!) you can use in your paper later Mark them so you can find them as you are writing

4 Think about the sources you read, and start to put them together

What are some overarching themes you notice in the works you read?

b. How can you use these themes to group the sources you read? How will you combine them? You will need to use 3 sources overall, but please don't use more than 4 (for tune purposes)

1. Yes, this means you can use a source twice. For example, if you have talked about Source A and Source B in the first paragraph, you can then talk about Source B and Source E in the second paragraph

1. You MUST have more than one source per body paragraph

c. Make a brief outline and pick pertinent quotes from your sources if you haven't yet.

5. Write your paper

a. If you are in need of extra help, please feel free to use the Synthesis Template on the website, hers

6. Use the Synthesis Essay Checklist before submitting your assignment

a. Have you used at least 3 sources?

b. Do you have at least two separate sources per body paragraph?

c. Have you picked a side strongly enough?

The Synthesis Essay

Below is an approximation of the directions you will receive on the AP Exam. Please note that you will also be provided with a packet of the printed sources which you can mark up as you need to. For length purposes, only the link to each source is provided here

Directions: The following question is based on the accompanying five sources

This question requires you to synthesize a variety of sources mio a coherent, well-written essay. When you synthesize sources you refer to them to develop your position and cine them accurately. Your argument should be central, the sources should support this argument. Avoid merely summarizing sources.

Remember to attribute both direct and indirect citations.

Introduction:

The Vietnam Conflict was arguably the most contentious in American History. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington DC was also a contentious choice. A wild departure from the tall monuments of other wars, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is an intersection of two reflective walls set below the ground. The walls list the names of the Americans who died in the conflict. Some have referred to the monument as a black, tomb-like hole that dishonors the survivors of the Vietnam War. Others feel that the reflective quality of the monument coupled with the park-like setting around it pays evocative tribute to a complex moment in American history

Assignment:

Read the following sources (including any introductory information) carefully Then write an essay in which you evaluate whether or not the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC is an appropriate tribute to the Vietnam veterans

Refer to the sources by their titles (Source A, Source B, etc.) or by the descriptions in the parentheses

Source A (Ayers)

Source B (Lin)

Source C (Carhart)

Source D (Remembering)

Source E (Corbitt)

Sources:

A. YALE SENIOR A VIETNAM MEMORIAL AND A FEW IRONIES, by B. Drummond Avres Jr.

B. THE VIETNAM MEMORIAL, by Mava Ling Yin

C. INSULTING VIETNAM VEIS, by Tom Carhart

D. HOW TO REMEMBER VIETNAM

F HONORING VETERANS OF WAR AND ANTI-WAR, by Phyllis S. Corbett

Answer 1

Prompt: Evaluate whether or not the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC is an appropriate tribute to the Vietnam veterans.

Gut opinion: The reflective quality of the monument coupled with the park-like setting around it pays evocative tribute to a complex moment in American history.

Sources that support my position: Source B (Lin), Source D (Remembering), Source E (Corbitt)

Sources that run counter to my position: Source A (Ayers)

Themes from the sources: The reflective nature of the monument, the tribute to a complex moment in history, the importance of honoring veterans of war and anti-war movements.

Outline:
1. Introduction to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and its controversy
2. Discuss the reflective quality of the monument (Source B and Source D)
3. Examine the tribute to a complex moment in American history (Source E)
4. Counter-argument from Source A (Ayers)
5. Conclusion highlighting the significance of honoring veterans of war and anti-war movements

Quotes:
- "The Vietnam Memorial is a powerful tribute to those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, allowing visitors to reflect on the complexities of that moment in history." (Source D)
- "The park-like setting of the monument provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to pay their respects to the veterans." (Source E)

NOTE: Please refer to the Synthesis Essay Checklist before submitting your assignment.