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The Synthesis Essay

The Synthesis Essay. An argumentative essay that incorporates at least THREE of the 6-8 sources provided. The key is analyzing what sources have to say and then loading them as ammunition into YOUR argument. Don ’ t summarize others ’ opinions; use them to support your own.

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The Synthesis Essay

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  1. The Synthesis Essay • An argumentative essay that incorporates at least THREE of the 6-8 sources provided. • The key is analyzing what sources have to say and then loading them as ammunition into YOUR argument. • Don’t summarize others’ opinions; use them to support your own. • You can and should argue from personal experience as well as from the sources. • This means you can use first-person pronouns; however, use them sparingly.

  2. Reading the Sources • You will probably have some idea where you stand on the question before reading the sources. • Read the sources to find support for your position or counter-points to refute. • Either way, read carefully and analytically. • Author, Context, Purpose, Audience Biases • But remember: the essay is argumentative, so the sources are only useful if they help you make your point. • Don’t feel pressured to use all or even most of the sources.

  3. Reading the Sources • 15 minutes of reading time • You can read/annotate any of the 3 essay prompts (analytical, argumentative, synthesis), but do the synthesis first! • As you read sources, jot down a few lines summarizing your takeaways. • What conclusions can you draw? • Which side of the argument does this source add to? • Some sources will be pictures/graphs—what can you take from them?

  4. What Can You See?

  5. Writing the Essay • Once you’ve read the sources, plan an argumentative essay that folds in material from the best of them. • As you decide to argue “YES,”“YES, BUT,” or “NO,” line up sources that support each viewpoint. • Decide what stance you are going to take and which 3+ sources you will use to support it. • It’s okay to develop your position and cite only sources that agree with you. • Just be sure you do acknowledge counterarguments somewhere.

  6. Using Sources • Remember: you only need 3 sources • Not penalized for 3, nor rewarded for 4+ • Don’t force a source! • Don’t just cherry-pick phrases; respond to the sources’ arguments • GOOD: Source B calls capital punishment “a sin worse than Cain’s,” but that loaded phrase is no more than a flashy distraction from the facts. • Critique of the source’s words • You can also point out why a source’s point is particularly valid or well made.

  7. Using Sources • If possible, connect two sources to prove your understanding of them. • Fisher calls embryonic stem cell research “a new horizon” (Source A), emphasizing its promise, and Hamill likewise characterizes it as a “limitless frontier” (Source D). But even in their enthusiasm, both authors implicitly acknowledge the many unknowns it entails. • Don’t forget about the development of your argument—why are your own ¶s arranged as they are?

  8. Citing Sources • Unlike essays that refer to a single text, proper citation of sources here is a must. • Like a “mini-research paper” • Integrate quotes just as you do in analytical essays; cite sources in the SAME SENTENCE AS THE QUOTE. • Refer to sources either as Source A, Source B, etc. or by the author names provided in the prompt.

  9. Citation Methods • Parenthetical citation • “Lakewood cannot survive without a strengthened tax base,” the mayor told 60 Minutes (Source B). • In-text citation • In Source B, the mayor claims that Lakewood “cannot survive” without the tax benefits the construction would bring.

  10. Grading/Reminders • If you don’t cite, max score of 2 • If fewer than 3 sources, max score 3 • You can use outside info, but attribute it (no need to cite). • Remember: equally weighted with the other 2 essays • Use present tense verbs. • Set the context in the introduction. • Provide a strong, clear thesis statement at the outset—the stance. • Remember to thoroughly explain your points, using the sources as support. (Your argument should be central). • Be careful NOT to just summarize sources. • Think about what you learned in writing CARP and apply those techniques here.

  11. Timing • 15 minutes reading the sources, making connections between them, underlining key ideas/quotes you might use, determining which sources stand on which side of the issue • 40 minutes to write: • 10 minutes planning, organizing • 25 minutes writing • 5 minutes re-reading your work, checking for essentials

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