Detailed Instructions for Synthesis Essay

Your synthesis essay should follow the form of an argumentative essay. The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following: A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay. In the first paragraph of an argument essay, you should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next, explain why the topic is important or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, you should present the thesis statement. Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion. Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essays argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section. Body paragraphs that include evidential support. Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for ones audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis. However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. For this essay, you should dedicate some portion of the essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, you should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date. Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal). The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, you must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not your job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work. Adapted from OWL Purdue Online Writing Lab

This essay will be a major portion of your grade this nine weeks. I want everyone to do their best, so here are a few notes: General Notes There will be a total of 100 points for process elements and the final draft will be worth 150 points. The final draft will be due TUESDAY, APRIL 10th o If you are not at school that day, I expect you to email your essay, send it with a classmate, drop it in Mrs. Nowells boxwhatever you have to do to make sure that I have it on April 10th. For every day that your paper is late, I will subtract 10 points off of the grade for your final draft. Final drafts will be graded in areas of grammar, organization/presentation of content, effectiveness of argument, and MLA formatting. All process elements must be turned in with your final draft, in either a manila envelope or a pocket folder. I need to be able to see how you went through the steps!

Notes about MLA formatting

Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper. Double-space the text of your paper, and use a legible 12 pt. font (e.g. Times New Roman). Set the margins of your document to 1 inch on all sides. Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin. MLA recommends that you use the Tab key as opposed to pushing the Space Bar five times. Create a header that includes your last name and numbers all pages consecutively in the upper righthand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, your instructor's name, the course, and the date. Again, be sure to use double-spaced text. Align your paragraphs left. Do not center your paragraphs!

Points and Schedule Graded elements for process:

Synthesis: Step One Chart (3) Annotated copies of articles OR note sheets Thesis Approval Outline Rough Draft Peer Editing Evaluation TOTAL FOR PROCESS: 15 points 30 points total/10 points each 5 points 15 points 25 points 10 points 100 POINTS

Synthesis Essay Schedule

Monday 3/26: Article discussion Tuesday 3/27: Review thesis statements and work on note sheets Wednesday 3/28: Note sheets; thesis approved by end of class Thursday 3/29: Note sheets due at beginning of class; Outlining Friday 3/30: Outline due at the beginning of class for approval Monday 4/2: Rough draft workshop Tuesday 4/3: Rough draft workshop Wednesday 4/4: Rough drafts due; peer editing workshop Thursday 4/5 : Swing Day Friday 4/6: Computer lab to type final drafts Monday 4/9: Computer lab to type final drafts Tuesday 4/10: FINAL DRAFTS DUE