Prompt: The prompt is asking you to take a position on whether or not the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC is an appropriate tribute to the Vietnam veterans.
Initial gut opinion on position: Your initial gut opinion is that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is an appropriate tribute to the veterans.
Sources that support your position: Source B (Lin) and Source E (Corbitt) support the idea that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is an appropriate tribute to the veterans.
Sources that run counter to your position: Source A (Ayers) runs counter to your position by suggesting that there are ironies associated with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Themes noticed in the sources: The themes noticed in the sources include the reflective quality of the memorial, the impact on veterans and their families, and the controversy surrounding the design of the memorial.
Outline and pertinent quotes:
I. Introduction
- Introduce the topic and state your position
- Quotes from Source E (Corbitt) supporting the idea of the memorial as a tribute
II. Reflective quality of the memorial
- Quotes from Source B (Lin) on the reflective nature of the memorial
- Quotes from Source E (Corbitt) on the park-like setting of the memorial
III. Impact on veterans and families
- Quotes from Source B (Lin) on the emotional impact of visiting the memorial
- Quotes from Source E (Corbitt) on honoring veterans of war and anti-war
IV. Controversy surrounding the design
- Quotes from Source A (Ayers) on the ironies associated with the memorial
- Counter-argument using quotes from Source E (Corbitt) on the importance of honoring veterans
V. Conclusion
- Restate your position and summarize main points
When writing your paper, make sure to use the above outline and incorporate quotes from the selected sources to support your argument. Use the Synthesis Essay Checklist before submitting your assignment to ensure you have met all the requirements.
1. Read the directions, introduction, and assignment.
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
Now write a synthesis essay by following above directions, steps and questions in mind
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