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The Synthesis Essay. Basics Dos and Don’ts. What is t he Synthesis Essay?. The synthesis question asks you to combine information from a variety of sources to inform your own discussion of a topic. Synthesis=a mini-research paper. The Language of the Prompt (Directions).
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The Synthesis Essay Basics Dos and Don’ts
What is the Synthesis Essay? • The synthesis question asks you to combine information from a variety of sources to inform your own discussion of a topic. • Synthesis=a mini-research paper
The Language of the Prompt (Directions) • This will be the same on every Synthesis essay prompt Suggested Writing Time: 40 minutes Directions :The following prompt is based on the accompanying six sources. • Read the following seven sources carefully, including the introductory information for each source. Then, in a well- organized essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources for support, _____________________(examine factors or argue for a a topic). • Make sure your argument is central; use the sources to illustrate and support your reasoning. Avoid merely summarizing the sources. Indicate clearly which sources you are drawing from, whether through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. You may cite the sources as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the descriptions in parentheses.
The Language of the Prompt (Introduction) • This will vary depending on the topic Introduction Television has been influential in United States presidential elections since the 1960’s. But just what is this influence, and how has it affected who is elected? Has it made elections fairer and more accessible, or has it moved candidates from pursuing issues to pursuing image? Introduction Invasive species are nonnative plants and animals that thrive outside of their natural range and may harm or endanger native plants and animals. As producers and consumers in our global society, we affect and are affected by species introduced accidentally or intentionally to a region. Currently, some people argue for stricter regulations of imported species to avoid the possibility of unintended negative consequences. Others, however, claim that the economies and basic resources of poorer nations could be improved by selective importation of nonnative species.
The Language of the Prompt (One Assignment) Assignment Read the following sources (including any introductory information) carefully. Then write an essay in which you evaluate what a business or government agency would need to consider before transferring a hardy but nonindigenous species to another country. Synthesize at least three of the sources for support. Refer to the sources by their titles (Source A, Source B, etc.) or by the descriptions in the parentheses. Source A (Photo) Source B (Dybas) etc. to Source G
The Language of the Prompt (Another Assignment) Assignment Read the following sources (including any introductory information) carefully. Then, in an essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources for support, take a position that defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim that television has had a positive impact on presidential elections. Refer to the sources as Source A, Source B, etc.; titles are included for your convenience. Source A (Campbell) Source B (Hart and Triece) etc. to Source F
The 15 Minute Plan of AttackP.R.A.P. • P is for Possible—a possible thesis, 1 minute, optional step • R is for Read—not for analysis of style but to LEARN about the topic and UNDERSTAND different perspectives • A is for Annotate—+ means agree, - disagree, underline exact quotes/stats you want to use, write observations of pics/charts in the margin • P is for Plan—answer prompt w/ 2-3 separate, main ideas/reasons (paragraphs) & write thesis
Synthesis Dos and Don’ts Impressive! Are you Joking? Uses only ones you ‘agree’ with Quotes standing alone; j-high transitions like, ‘For example, in source A when it says…’ Forgets to cite sources; cites only two Is a lazy punk • ‘Disagrees with’ a source or two • Seamlessly blend the part of the quote you need • Cite, cite, cite!! (parentheticals mixed with summary mixed with your own analysis.) • Edits for mistakes & weak vocab
Outline • Thesis • Topic Sentence: reason/factor -Evidence (Source & Quote or Observation from Visual) • Topic Sentence: reason/factor -Evidence • Topic Sentence: reason/factor -Evidence