Synthesis EssayHow to write a perfect synthesis essay

The college Board wants to determine how well the student can do the following:

Read critically Understand texts Analyze text Develop a position on a given topic Support a position with appropriate evidence Incorporate outside sources into the texts of

the essay Cite sources used in the essay

Purpose?

What’s it like? The prompt

contains an Introduction and description of an issue that has varying viewpoints associated with it.

Along with the topic, you will be given a selection of sources:

Text Non-fiction Poetry Chart Letter News article Photo Fiction cartoon

What’s it like?

After carefully reading and annotating the sources, you must respond to the prompt and integrate and correctly cite at least three of the sources in your response.

What’s it like?

The first possibility is an EXPOSITORY Develop the thesis and support with specific

examples from sources by any of these strategies:

• Compare and contrast• Cause and effect• Analysis

What kinds of synthesis essays can I expect?

The second kind of synthesis essay presents an ARGUMENT.

For an argumentative essay, you will take a position based on the prompt, and support, refute, or qualify and support with the sources.

What kind of essay can I expect?

Deconstruct the synthesis prompt

Read and annotate each of the given texts related to the synthesis prompts

Decide how you will address the prompt

Timing and Planning the Synthesis Essay: First 15 Minutes

5-6 minutes going back to the texts and deciding which you will use in your essay

8-10 minutes planning the support of your position

20 minutes writing the essay 3-4 minutes checking to make certain that

you have incorporated at least three sources into your response

3 minutes proofreading

After the first 15 minutes

You must spend time carefully reading and deconstructing the prompt!

Carefully read introductory material and the assignment.

THE INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL IS CENTRAL TO COMPLETING THE PROMPT AS DIRECTED. DO NOT SKIP IT!

Working the Prompt

Do this: I have decided to useSource A _ Source B _ Source C _ Souce D _Set up your thesis paragraph• Direct reference to the prompt and/or

introduction• Clearly state your point (main idea)• Write your thesis

Develop your opening paragraph

Use a variety of ways to integrate your source material:

Begin with an attribution (According to ___) Paraphrase and cite (source C).

Clips from direct quotes and cite Contrary to what the court sees as “permissible

public use” (source C), a government foreclosing on a home goes against personal property rights.

Write the body of your essay

Do not rehash or summarize!

Add a pertinent memorable point or come full circle from your opening.

Add a conclusion

An argument has two sides, and to effectively argue, it’s essential to present points of view within the context of your paper.

Structuring an Argument

Classical

Rogerian

Toulmin

Structure of an Argument

Began in ancient Greece around 5th century B.C.

Communicated orally and designed to be easily understood by listeners

Based on formal logic, including the syllogism

Six main components

Classical Argument

1) Introduction: captures attention of audience; urges audience to consider your case

2) Statement of Background: narrates the key facts and/or events leading up to your case

3) Proposition: states the position you are taking, based on the information you’ve already presented, and sets up the structure of the rest of your argument

4) Proof: discusses your reasons for your position and provides evidence to support each reason

5) Refutation: anticipates opposing viewpoints; then demonstrates why your approach is the only acceptable one (i.e. better than your opponents’)

6) Conclusion: summarizes your most important points and can include appeals to feelings or values (pathos)

Classic Argument Structure

Developed by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin in the 1950’s

Emphasizes that logic often based on probability rather than certainty

Focuses on claims

Three primary components

Toulmin Model

Claim = My parents should allow me to go to my friend’s party on Friday night.

Data = The parents of nearly all of the juniors at UHS have given their children permission to attend this party.

Warrant = My parents should act in accordance with the other parents of juniors at UHS.

Toulmin Model

What if my parents don’t “buy” my warrant? What if they don’t think they should necessarily do what other parents are doing?

How can I still get permission to attend the party? Or at least have a better chance of getting permission?

Uh oh. . A potential snag. . .

What might be more convincing data for an audience of parents?

What might be a warrant that most parents will share?

Try a new warrant and new data

Developed by psychologist Carl Rogers (also in the ’50s)

Emphasizes problem-solving and/or coming to consensus

Allows the author to appear open-minded or even objective

Appropriate in contexts where you need to convince a resistant opponent to at least respect your views

Rogerian Strategy

Introduction: statement of problem to be solved or question to be answered

Summary of Opposing Views: described using a seemingly objective persona

Statement of Understanding: concedes circumstances under which opposing views might be

valid

Statement of Your Position

Statement of Contexts: describes contexts in which your position applies/works well

Statement of Benefits: appeals to self-interest of readers who may not yet agree with

you; demonstrates how your position benefits them

Rogerian Strategy

Set up of the thesis paragraph Introductory Statement Statement of the problem to be solved Summary of understanding of each side Thesis :Begin with Although or WhileFirst = ConcessionSecond = Position you are supporting

Set up your argument with the Rogerian model in mind

Possible Thesis Although laws restricting cell phone use while driving

are an infringement on personal privacy and a violation of First Amendment rights, legislation must be passed that bans the use of all communication devices while driving to protect others from distracted drivers.

Although the use of communication devices while driving is proven to be distracting and potentially dangerous, laws banning usage infringe on personal privacy, and an individual’s First Amendment rights must be protected at all costs.

Sample Rogerian Thesis Statements

1. Review the notes on the synthesis essay.

2. Read and outline the introductory material and prompt.

3. Decide what position you will take and list your reasons and any examples that come to mind.

4. Decide how you will respond to the prompt.

5. Read and annotate each source. Decide how you will use it in your essay (don’t forget concession)

6. Make a chart of those you plan to use. A___ B ___ C ___ D ___ E ___ F ___

Assignment