Synthesis Essay
What is the process of writing your synthesis essay?
1. Read/Annotate Task 2. Write thesis (before reading sources) 3. Chart while annotating sources 4. Revise thesis 5. Outline and write
What are the four parts of the prompt?
1. Subject/Context 2. Prompt 3. Requirements 4. Source List
What must your thesis do?
ATFQ
What should be the bulk of your essay?
Argument and commentary
What can you do to help you with sources?
Charting
What makes an effective argument?
Completeness of argument enhances persuasiveness.
What makes a sophisticated argument?
Consider implications of all arguments, present implications as concretely as possible based on available evidence.
What is rhetorical invention?
Determining how issues can be view from multiple perspectives.
What do the sources represent?
Different perspective, values, and assumptions.
What may you be asked to do in the prompt?
Evaluate an argument for several options, submit a proposal/develop an original definition, or agree, disagree, qualify.
What can you do to make a coherent essay?
Idea based transitions,, select sources that "speak to each other", and consider the conversation of sources.
What makes an effective synthesis in your writing?
Make it coherent.
What makes an ineffective synthesis?
Misattributing claims, oversimplifying arguments, and affirming preexisting positions.
How should you cite sources?
Paraphrasing/summarizing or direct quotation
What makes an effective synthesis when dealing with sources?
Proceed with an open mind, find an array of sources that broaden context of the question, understand viewpoints, and comprehend the major claims of each text.
What are the benefits?
Produces comprehensive understand of the question or problem, yields deeper appreciation for the complexity of the topic, and develops a critical and informed understanding of the controversy.
What makes an effective synthesis when dealing with your argument?
Sophisticated and Effective argument.
What parts of the prompt change each year?
Subject, prompt, and source list.
Define Synthesis.
Weighing sources against one another in order to compose a response that is informed by the sources and situated in the conversation they represent.
