Synthesis Essay (Compare and Contrast)

1. Synthesis Essay(Compare and Contrast) ESL 015 Wayne Cheek

2. Writing a Synthesis Essay • Written in present and present perfect tense … except that past tense is used for statements about specific past actions • Choose two (or more) subjects/essays • Find close relationships among the ideas in the two essays … and combine those ideas into a cohesive, integrated whole using mostly your own voice

3. Writing a Synthesis Essay (cont’d) • Use a minimum number of quotations • Use the basic essay form of title, introduction, three paragraph body, and conclusion … … which makes it one of the easiest essays to write

4. Organization Emphasis on Major Points Equal Emphasis on Summary and Major Points • I. Introduction • Background information about the topic • Information on sources and brief summary of articles • Thesis • II. Major point • III. Major point • IV. Major point • V. Conclusion • Summary • Restatement of thesis • I. Introduction • Background information about the topic • Information on sources and brief summary of articles • Thesis • II. Summary of sources • III. Major point • IV. Major point • V. Conclusion • Summary • Restatement of thesis • Adapted from In Focus, Chapter 10

5. Introduction Background Information: Each year, thousands of people throughout the United States choose to spend their vacations camping in the great outdoors. Depending on an individual's sense of adventure, there are various types of camping to choose from, including log cabin camping, recreational vehicle camping, and tent camping. Information on sources and brief summary of articles: Of these, tent camping involves "roughing it" the most, and with proper planning the experience can be gratifying. Thesis statement: Even with the best planning, however, tent camping can be an extremely frustrating experience due to uncontrolled factors such as bad weather, wildlife encounters, and equipment failures. Notice the cohesion within the introduction as it moves from background information to information on the sources and finally to the thesis statement. Downloaded 3-24-2012 and slightly adapted from http://www.sandhills.edu/academic-departments/english/essaybasics/5_paragraph_essay.html

6. Major Points of Essay • Thesis statement: Even with the best planning, however, tent camping can be an extremely frustrating experience due to uncontrolled factors such as (1) bad weather, (2) wildlife encounters, (3) and equipment failures. • First major point: Nothing can dampen the excited anticipation of camping more than a dark, rainy day. . . . It is wise to check the weather forecast before embarking on camping trips; however, mother nature is often unpredictable and there is no guarantee bad weather will be eluded. • Second major point: Another problem likely to be faced during a camping trip is run-ins with wildlife, which can range from mildly annoying to dangerous. • Third major point: Perhaps the least serious camping troubles are equipment failures; these troubles often plague families camping for the first time. Major points of the essay are covered in the same order as shown in the thesis statement. Downloaded 3-24-2012 and slightly adapted from http://www.sandhills.edu/academic-departments/english/essaybasics/5_paragraph_essay.html

7. Summary These three types of camping troubles can strike campers almost anywhere. Until some brilliant scientist invents a weather machine to control bad weather or a kind of wildlife repellant, unlucky campers will continue to shake their fists in frustration. More than likely, equipment will continue to malfunction. Even so, camping continues to be a favorite pastime of people all across the United States. If you want camping to be a happy experience for you, learn to laugh at leaky tents, bad weather, and bugs, or you will find yourself frustrated and unhappy. Notice how this paragraph summarizes the three major points of the essay and then restates the thesisin different words. Downloaded 3-24-2012 and slightly adapted from http://www.sandhills.edu/academic-departments/english/essaybasics/5_paragraph_essay.html

8. GROUP WORK DIRECTIONS: • Circle the thesis statement. • Put brackets around the topic sentences. • Underline sentences used to support each main point. • Underline the summary of major points. • Circle the thesis restatement.

9. Thesis Statement "A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Thesis statement:Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent housepets as they are good companions, they are civilized members of the household, and they are easy to care for. Retrieved and slightly modified 3-24-2012 from http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/sample.html

10. First Major Point Topic sentence: In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Sentence to support major point:Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? Sentence to support major point:If they're not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when their owners are participating in the game. Sentence to support major point:Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch! Retrieved and slightly modified 3-24-2012 from http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/sample.html

11. Second Major Point Topic sentence: In the second place, cats are civilized members of the household.Sentence to support major point:Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Sentence to support major point:Cats also don't often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown the box and will use it regularly. Sentence to support major point:Cats do have claws, and owners must make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed. Retrieved and slightly modified 3-24-2012 from http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/sample.html

12. Third Major Point Topic sentence: Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as housepets is their ease of care.Sentence to support major point:Cats do not have to be walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick, painless procedure. Sentence to support major point:Cats also take care of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness than people are. Sentence to support major point:In addition, cats can be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone. They are content to go about their usual activities until their owners return. Retrieved and slightly modified 3-24-2012 from http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/sample.html

13. Summary Summary of major points:Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People who have small living quarters or less time for pet care should appreciate these characteristics of cats. However, many people who have plenty of space and time still opt to have a cat because they love the cat personality. Thesis restatement: In many ways, cats are the ideal housepet. Retrieved and slightly modified 3-24-2012 from http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/sample.html

14. Two Compare and Contrast Styles for the Body of the Essay: Emphasis on Major Points Emphasis on Major Points and Summary • First major point – compare and contrast one point • Second major point – compare and contrast another point • Third major point – compare and contrast a third point • First major point – all about first topic • Second major point – all about second topic • Third major point – compare and contrast points discussed above • Adapted from In Focus, Chapter 10

15. Writing the Essay Many essay writers write the body of the essay first – the major points – and leave the introduction and summary until last. The question then becomes “How do I determine the major points I want to discuss in my essay?” Two possible methods are Brainstorming (easy on simple topics but requires concentrated study on long, complex topics) Using http:www.wordle.net

16. Brainstorm for Similarities and Differences • Retrieved3-23-2012 from • http://www.essaywritinghelp.com/compareandcontrast.htm

17. Use www.wordle.net

18. Thesis Statement • Clarifies your essay’s main idea immediately • Is specific – Encompasses the major points you have chosen to focus on in the body of your essay • Helps keep your paper on topic • Can serve as a short outline of your paper – it asks a question, gives the answer, and introduces your evidence in the order in which it will be presented • Should be written in the present tense Retrieved 3-24-2012 and adapted from http://www.essaywritinghelp.com/thesisstatement.htm

19. Which is a Good Thesis Statement? • “Miss Rose, who is a notorious criminal and a three-time loser, mugged Professor Plum in the library with the book ends.” • “Although Miss Rose appears clueless, her nail file and stiletto heels are the evidence that it was she who broke into the library and literally put her enemy, Professor Plum, in between two heavy copper bookends.” Retrieved 3-24-2012 from http://www.essaywritinghelp.com/thesisstatement.htm

20. Which is a Good Thesis Statement? • “Miss Rose, who is a notorious criminal and a three-time loser, mugged Professor Plum in the library with the book ends. “Example 1 is not a thesis statement. Although it is an assertion, it does not clearly define what is to follow in the body of the essay and it is unsupported by any evidence. • “Although Miss Rose appears clueless, her nail file and stiletto heels are the evidence that it was she who broke into the library and literally put her enemy, Professor Plum, in between two heavy copper bookends.” Example 2 is a well-structured thesis statement that identifies the argument, is specific, is narrow (stays on topic), and is an assertion. Retrieved and slightly modified 3-24-2012 from http://www.essaywritinghelp.com/thesisstatement.htm

21. Compare and Contrast Styles for the Body of the Essay: Emphasis on Major Points Emphasis on Major Points and Summary • First major point – compare and contrast one point • Second major point – compare and contrast another point • Third major point – compare and contrast a third point • First major point – all about first topic • Second major point – all about second topic • Third major point – compare and contrast points discussed above • Adapted from In Focus, Chapter 10

22. Activity • In your groups and using information on the next slide (Apples and Oranges) • Write a thesis statement • Then define two or three major points of a possible compare-and-contrast essay

23. Brainstorm for Similarities and Differences • Retrieved 3-23-2012 from http://www.essaywritinghelp.com/compareandcontrast.htm your subjects.

24. Possible Thesis Statement However, although apples and oranges are both fruits, they are each ripe with differences, some of which are shown in the way they are grown and processed. Retrieved 3-24-2012 from http://www.essaywritinghelp.com/compareandcontrast.htm

25. Possible Major Points • (Compare) Apples and oranges are both tree fruits often grown commercially in large orchards. (Contrast) However, apples grow in every climate and oranges need tropical temperatures to produce fruit. • (Compare) Although both fruits can be juiced, (Contrast) apples are pressed and only the juice is bottled while both pulp and juice is squeezed from oranges. • (Compare) Again, while fruit sauce is made from both apples and oranges, usually applesauce comes from the pared and pureed apple (Contrast) while orange sauce may contain both the rind and the pulp of the orange. Retrieved and slightly modified 3-24-2012 from http://www.essaywritinghelp.com/compareandcontrast.htm

26. Transition and Cue Words … are very important because … … they connect ideas … … and introduce shifts, contrast (or opposition), emphasis (or agreement), purpose, result or conclusion, etc. Retrieved and adapted 3-26-2012 from http://www.smart-words.org/transition-words.html

27. A Few Examples • Words such as also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material. • The words but, rather and or, express contrary evidence or point out alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast). • Some words (like especially) are used to introduce examples as support, to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader. Retrieved and adapted 3-26-2012 from http://www.smart-words.org/transition-words.html

28. Lastly, Some Reminders • Use essay structure: Introduction with thesis statement, Body, and Conclusion with restatement of thesis • Use mostly your own words with few quotations • Keep major points in the body in same order as shown in thesis statement • Cite properly (as you write) • Revise, Revise, Revise • Double-check grammar • Proofread for correct use of articles • Use Times New Roman 12-point font