In 2007, The AP Language exam is instituting a new form of question called the synthesis question. Students will be given fifteen minutes to read approximately six short sources on a topic. These sources may include visual material such as pictures or cartoons. After the fifteen minutes, students will be handed the essay portion of the exam containing three essay questions, one of which will require them to synthesize the material they have just read and formulate an argument based on several but not all of these sources. To accommodate the change in format, the exam will be fifteen minutes longer. For more information on the proposed format see the article on changes to the AP English Language Exam.

During the year, we will practice this format of questioning using issues such as those listed below. Due to the chimerical nature of the Internet, some sources, especially newspaper sites, may change their offerings, but they often provide archives. In any case, search the current listings for appropriate topics.

Class in America and Class Matters

The Role of Media in Elections

Has Television Reshaped Politics?

Advertising: What appeals are used in the 10 most popular ads?

Newspaper Headlines Around the World: What can be learned from the various treatments afforded the same story?

Bioethics & Cloning

[AP Language]