#AP English Language: Mastering Introductions & Conclusions

Hey there, future AP Lang rockstar! 🌟 This guide is your ultimate cheat sheet for crafting killer introductions and conclusions, no matter the FRQ. Let's get you prepped and confident for test day!

Key Concept

Introductions and conclusions are like the bookends of your essay. They frame your argument, provide structure, and leave a lasting impression. Nail these, and you're already ahead of the game!

#Why Intros and Conclusions Matter?

Think of your essay as a story. The introduction is the opening scene, hooking your reader and setting the stage. The conclusion is the final act, tying up loose ends and leaving your audience satisfied.

Introduction: Grabs attention, provides context, states your thesis (your main argument).
Body Paragraphs: Develop your argument with evidence and analysis.
Conclusion: Summarizes main points, restates thesis, provides a final thought.

Exam Tip

A strong intro and conclusion can boost your score significantly. They show you understand the big picture and can craft a complete argument.

#1. Synthesis Essay: The Art of Combining Sources

#Introduction

Grab Attention: Start with a bang! Use a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant quote. 💥
Background Info: Give some context. What's the big picture? Why does this topic matter?
Introduce Prompt & Claim: State the prompt and the claim it provides. What are you being asked to do?
State Your Thesis: This is your main argument! Make it clear, concise, and specific. 💡
Essay Overview: Briefly outline the main points you'll cover in your body paragraphs.

#Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Say it again, but in a fresh way! Remind the reader of your main argument.
Summarize Main Points: Briefly recap your key ideas. What evidence did you use?
Final Thought: Leave the reader with something to ponder. A call to action? A prediction? 🤔
Closing Statement: End with a strong, memorable line. Make it count!

Memory Aid

Intro = Hook + Context + Prompt + Thesis + Preview Conclusion = Restate + Summarize + Final Thought + Close

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions:

Question: Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the introduction in a synthesis essay?
- Options:
  - To analyze the rhetorical strategies of a given text
  - To present a clear thesis statement and contextualize the topic
  - To summarize all the sources provided
  - To offer a personal opinion on the topic
- Answer: To present a clear thesis statement and contextualize the topic
Question: In a synthesis essay, the conclusion should primarily:
- Options:
  - Introduce new sources not previously discussed
  - Restate the thesis and summarize the main points
  - Provide a detailed analysis of one specific source
  - Offer an entirely new argument not related to the thesis
- Answer: Restate the thesis and summarize the main points

Free Response Question:

Prompt: The following prompt is based on six sources. This question requires you to synthesize a variety of sources into a coherent, well-written essay. The sources explore the debate over the role of technology in education. Read the sources carefully, then write an essay that synthesizes information from at least three of the sources and develops your position on the role of technology in education.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Thesis: 1 point: Presents a thesis that responds to the prompt and establishes a line of reasoning.
- Evidence and Commentary: 4 points: Provides evidence from at least three sources to support the thesis and explains how the evidence supports the line of reasoning. 1 point for each source and 1 point for commentary.
- Sophistication: 1 point: Demonstrates sophistication of thought and/or develops a complex argument.

#2. Rhetorical Analysis Essay: Decoding the Author's Craft

#Introduction

Use this template, filling in the blanks with details from the text:

In [title of work], [author/speaker’s name] writes of [subject]. [Author/speaker’s name] writes of this during [context/occasion] because of [exigence] in order to [purpose/message]. [Author/speaker’s name] uses [devices you will discuss] to express [purpose/message] to [audience].

#Conclusion

Impact of the Message: How did the author's message affect the audience? Was it effective?
Evaluate Rhetoric: How well did the author use language, tone, and structure to persuade?
Thought-Provoking Statement: End with a question, call to action, or prediction. Make it memorable! 🤔
Relevance of Message: Why does this message still matter today? How does it relate to current issues?

Quick Fact

Rhetorical analysis is all about HOW the author communicates, not just WHAT they say. Focus on the WHY behind their choices.

Practice Question

MCQ Questions:

Question: The primary purpose of a rhetorical analysis essay is to:
- Summarize the content of a text
- Analyze the persuasive techniques used by an author
- Express a personal opinion about a topic
- Compare and contrast two different texts Answer: Analyze the persuasive techniques used by an author
Question: In a rhetorical analysis, the conclusion should primarily:
- Introduce a new rhetorical device not previously discussed
- Summarize the author's main points
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the author's rhetorical strategies
- Offer a counterargument to the author's claims Answer: Evaluate the effectiveness of the author's rhetorical strategies

Free Response Question (FRQ):

Prompt: Read the following excerpt from a speech by a prominent historical figure. Then, write an essay in which you analyze the rhetorical choices the speaker makes to convey their message.

Scoring Breakdown:

Thesis: 1 point: Presents a thesis that responds to the prompt and establishes a line of reasoning.
Evidence and Commentary: 4 points: Provides evidence from the text to support the thesis and explains how the evidence supports the line of reasoning. 1 point for each rhetorical device and 1 point for commentary.
Sophistication: 1 point: Demonstrates sophistication of thought and/or develops a complex argument.

#3. Argument Essay: Making Your Case

#Introduction

State Your Thesis: Clearly state your position on the issue. Make it debatable! 🎯
Background Info: Provide context. Why is this topic important? What's the current debate?
Preview Arguments: Briefly outline the main points you'll use to support your thesis.

#Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Remind the reader of your main argument.
Summarize Main Points: Recap your key arguments. What evidence did you use?
Final Thought: Leave the reader with something to consider. A call to action? A suggestion? 🤔

Common Mistake

Avoid simply restating your introduction in your conclusion. Add new insights or implications to show deeper understanding.

Practice Question

MCQ Questions:

Question: In an argumentative essay, the primary function of the introduction is to:
- Summarize all sides of an issue
- Present a clear thesis and provide context
- Analyze the rhetorical strategies of an author
- Offer a personal narrative related to the topic Answer: Present a clear thesis and provide context
Question: The conclusion of an argumentative essay should primarily:
- Introduce a new argument not previously discussed
- Restate the thesis and summarize the main points
- Offer a counterargument to the thesis
- Provide a detailed analysis of one specific source Answer: Restate the thesis and summarize the main points

Free Response Question (FRQ):

Prompt: Consider the issue of standardized testing in education. Then, write an essay in which you develop your position on the value of standardized testing.

Scoring Breakdown:

Thesis: 1 point: Presents a thesis that responds to the prompt and establishes a line of reasoning.
Evidence and Commentary: 4 points: Provides evidence to support the thesis and explains how the evidence supports the line of reasoning. 1 point for each argument and 1 point for commentary.
Sophistication: 1 point: Demonstrates sophistication of thought and/or develops a complex argument.

#Final Exam Focus

High-Value Topics: Rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and synthesis are always on the exam.
Common Question Types: Expect to analyze texts, synthesize sources, and argue a position.
Time Management: Plan your time wisely! Don't spend too long on any one section.
Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague language, unsupported claims, and simply summarizing texts.
Strategies: Practice outlining your essays, use templates, and always proofread!