3.25 Synthesis: Mobile Food Service (2.A, 4.A, 4.B) (copy)

In this assignment, you will practice writing an AP Language Synthesis Essay about mobile food services (food trucks).

You will complete three steps:

1. Understand the Prompt and Write a Thesis

• Read the prompt carefully.
• Decide your position and write a clear thesis statement.

1. Review the Sources and Choose Evidence

• Look at the sources.
  • Choose at least three sources that help support your argument.

1. Write Your Essay

• Write a complete introduction and at least two strong body paragraphs.
• Your body paragraphs should include:
  • a claim
  • evidence from sources
  • explanation of how the evidence supports your claim

Unpack the Prompt & Write your Position:

Mobile food service establishments, such as food trucks and food carts, have become increasingly trendy in recent years, offering customers appealing and often innovative dining options out of vehicles that can easily be located near workplaces and leisure activities. These businesses have sometimes been held back from expanding because of local regulations that restrict their activities and require operators to obtain licenses and certifications. Proponents of these regulations say that laws are needed to ensure that the meals offered by mobile food services are safe and that these businesses do not have an unfair advantage over traditional restaurants.

Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on what are the most important factors for cities to consider when regulating mobile food service establishments.

According to the prompt, why have mobile food service establishments become popular in recent years?

What is one reason the expansion of mobile food service establishments has sometimes been limited?

According to supporters of regulations, why are laws necessary for mobile food service establishments?

In the context of the prompt, food safety regulations most likely refer to rules that ensure mobile food vendors

In the prompt, the phrase “unfair advantage over traditional restaurants” most likely suggests that mobile food services

Write a thesis that develops your position on what are the most important factors for cities to consider when regulating mobile food service establishments.

Unpack the Sources:

Carefully read the six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on what are the most important factors for cities to consider when regulating mobile food service establishments.

• Source A (Baker article)
• Source B (New Orleans permit guide)
• Source C (U.S. Census Bureau graph)
• Source D (Meehan article)
• Source E (Neseman cartoon)
• Source F (Weber book)

According to Source A, why have food trucks expanded nationwide in the past decade?

In Source A, which piece of evidence best supports the claim that the food truck industry is growing rapidly?

The overall perspective of Source A article toward the food truck industry can best be described as:

What is the main purpose of the document in Source B?

In Source B, which regulation specifically limits where food trucks can operate?

The tone of Source B is best described as:

What overall trend does the graph in Source C illustrate?

In Source C, which state shows the largest number of mobile food service establishments in 2018?

Source C would most effectively support an argument that:

What conflict is described in the Source D?

In Source D, which group generally supports restrictions on food trucks?

In Source D, which evidence suggests the food truck industry is still developing?

What idea does the cartoon in Source E suggest about food trucks?

Source E most likely suggests that:

According to the Source F, why do customers appreciate food trucks?

In Source F, which claim about food trucks does the author emphasize?

The author's perspective toward food trucks in Source F is best described as:

Mobile food service establishments, such as food trucks and food carts, have become increasingly trendy in recent years, offering customers appealing and often innovative dining options out of vehicles that can easily be located near workplaces and leisure activities. These businesses have sometimes been held back from expanding because of local regulations that restrict their activities and require operators to obtain licenses and certifications. Proponents of these regulations say that laws are needed to ensure that the meals offered by mobile food services are safe and that these businesses do not have an unfair advantage over traditional restaurants.

Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on what are the most important factors for cities to consider when regulating mobile food service establishments.

In your response you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
• Select and use evidence from at least three of the provided sources to support your line of reasoning. Indicate clearly the sources used through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. Sources may be cited as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the description in parentheses.
• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.