Intro to Synthesis Essays

1. Intro to Synthesis Essays Springboard Level 6 Unit One - EA2 Synthesizing the American Dream

2. Synthesis differs from other essays • It is a CONVERSATION between you and your sources, not just using them because they agree with your point • It shows the COMPLEXITIES of an issue, not black and white

3. … Many doctors warn about the risks of childhood obesity because it is obviously a problem in our society. Scientists repeatedly warn about the repercussions of a “steady diet of McDonalds and Burger King” at such a young age. This is a valid point that most would not dispute. However, the fact can’t be ignored many families are not left with more healthy options. I can recall many times where a quick on-the-go drive through stop was required as opposed to the time it would take to cook a healthy meal. In fact, studies have shown that “Three quarters of American families choose to eat out at least once a week due to their busy schedules.” This shocking statistic seems to only raise another question: What is so important to families that they can’t sit down and enjoy a simple meal on a regular basis? Our priorities are clearly out of order.

4. The Prompt • Defend, challenge or qualify the statement that America still provides access to the American Dream, to the “tired, poor, and the huddled masses.”

5. Defend, Challenge, Qualify • Defend:to back up, to agree with • Challenge: to refute, to disagree with • Qualify: to limit or modify, to agree and disagree at the same time (with reason); to show a complexity.

6. Defend, Challenge, Qualify • D: American Idol is the best show ever. • C: American Idol has lost its excitement since it first began. • Q: American Idol was a groundbreaking reality show when it first started, but has been replaced by more interesting shows like The Voice.

7. Defend, Challenge, Qualify • D: Cloning research is vital to the continuation of our species and should be funded by the federal government. • C: Cloning research is immoral and provides the opportunity for unethical treatment of Animals. • Q: Cloning research, while necessary, should be limited to cases where it would save human life.

8. Defend, Challenge, Qualify • D: Schools should have a strict dress code to ensure student safety. • C: Schools should allow students to express themselves. • Q: Schools must enforce a balance between individual liberty and societal expectations.

9. The Prompt • America still provides access to the American Dream, to “the tired, the poor, the huddled masses”

10. Statue of Liberty • The New Colossus • Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,With conquering limbs astride from land to land;Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall standA mighty woman with a torch, whose flameIs the imprisoned lightning, and her nameMother of Exiles. From her beacon-handGlows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes commandThe air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame."Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries sheWith silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

11. Getting Started • Decide which side you’re going to take • Qualify is always best; gives you something unique to say • Write a Thesis Statement • Outline your main points… they should NOT have anything to do with your sources

12. Example of Main Points Thesis: Cloning research, while necessary, should be limited to cases where it would save human life. • Cloning research has proven successful in the past. • Many diseases could be cured through information this research provides. • However, biological research always raises concerns of cruelty to animals. • In addition, many religious institutions are opposed to cloning on moral grounds. • Ultimately, the medical benefits far outweigh the controversy

13. Example of Main Points Thesis: Schools must enforce a balance between individual liberty and societal expectations. • High schools are supposed to be preparing students for the real world where they’ll have to conform to expectations. • In the same vein, student safety is always an issue at stake. • Of course, teenagers are trying to find their identity and stifling their creativity could cause serious developmental issues. • Ultimately, schools need to determine how to best ensure the well-being of all of their students and can do so with a moderate dress code that allows for individual expression within reason.

14. Homework for the weekend • Write your thesis statement • Write a Main Point Outline • Choose/Brainstorm which sources would best fit into your paper. • One must be Gatsby • One must be a nonfiction piece from Unit 1 • Third can be any other piece we have studied.