Inside This Unit: The Full Breakdown
Unit 4 covers Selected Works (40% of the portfolio): works showing skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas, plus written evidence (artist statements) and proper citation of sources.
Why it matters
Selected Works demonstrate your strongest synthesis of making and meaning, and clear writing about them is required.
Key concepts
- Selected Works are judged on synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas.
- An artist statement explains intent, ideas, and choices.
- Transform references — untransformed copying is plagiarism.
Selected Works & Written Evidence
Choose works that best show synthesis, document them with clear lighting and resolution, write specific artist statements that state the idea and choices, and cite influences while keeping the work original.
AP exam tip
In written evidence, always state the idea — technical skill without an articulated idea weakens the synthesis score.
Connections to other units
- Unit 1: Articulate the elements/principles you used.
- Unit 3: Resolved investigation work often becomes Selected Works.
