Sample AP Lang Synthesis Essay: STEM Education

Sources for this Synthesis Essay:

1. Ossola, Alexandra. “Is the U.S. Focusing Too Much on STEM?” The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2014, www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/12/is-the-us-focusing-too-much-on-stem/ 383353/
2. Editors. “Stem Education is Vital—but Not at the Expense of the Humanities.” Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2016, www.scientificamerican.com/article/stem-educationis-vital-but-not-at-the-expense-of-the-humanities/
3. Hart Research Associates. “It Takes More Than a Major: Employer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success.” 10 April 2013, www.aacu.org/sites/default/files/files/ LEAP/2013_EmployerSurvey.pdf; write an AP Lang synthesis essay outline/

AP Lang Synthesis Essay on STEM Education

Sample AP Lang Synthesis Essay Outline: Evaluating the Value of Initiatives to Improve STEM Education

1. Introduction:
   • Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing statement or anecdote related to STEM education.
   • Background information on the importance of STEM education and the humanities.
   • Write a clear, concise, and defensible thesis statement expressing the need for a balanced approach to education.
2. Body Paragraph 1: The Importance of STEM Education
   1. Topic Sentence: STEM education plays a crucial role in equipping students with necessary skills for the future.
   2. Evidence from Sources:
      • Ossola: Emphasizes the practicality and demand for STEM skills in the job market.
      • Hart Research Associates: Highlights the priority of problem-solving and analytical skills sought by employers.
   3. Rhetorical Strategies: Appeals to logos through statistical data and appeals to ethos through referencing expert research.
   4. Counterargument: Critics argue that an excessive focus on STEM may neglect the development of critical thinking and creativity.
   5. Rebuttal: Incorporating interdisciplinary approaches and encouraging creative problem-solving within STEM education can address this concern.
3. Body Paragraph 2: The Value of Humanities in Education
   1. Topic Sentence: The humanities foster essential skills and perspectives that complement STEM education.
   2.  Evidence from Sources:
      • Scientific American: Argues that humanities subjects cultivate critical thinking, empathy, and ethical decision-making.
      • Hart Research Associates: Indicates that employers recognize the importance of communication, teamwork, and cultural understanding.
   3. Rhetorical Strategies: Appeals to pathos through emotional language and appeals to logos through logical reasoning and examples.
   4. Counterargument: Some contend that humanities subjects may not provide immediate career prospects.
   5. Rebuttal: Highlighting the transferable skills gained from humanities education can demonstrate its long-term benefits in diverse professional fields.
4. Body Paragraph 3: Emphasizing a Balanced Approach
   1. Topic Sentence: A balanced approach to education that combines STEM and humanities is necessary for well-rounded individuals.
   2. Evidence from Sources:
      • Ossola: Argues for the inclusion of humanities to foster critical thinking and ethical considerations alongside STEM skills.
      • Scientific American: Advocates for interdisciplinary education that bridges STEM and humanities to address complex societal issues.
      • Hart Research Associates: Stresses the value of a broad skill set encompassing both technical and humanistic proficiencies.
   3. Counterargument: Some may claim that time constraints make it difficult to incorporate both STEM and humanities in education.
   4. Rebuttal: Highlighting the potential for integrated curriculum, project-based learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration can overcome this challenge.
5. Conclusion:
   • Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
   • Restatement of the thesis, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to education.
   • Concluding thoughts: Leave the reader with a thought-provoking statement that emphasizes the benefits of a well-rounded education and encourages further consideration of the topic.