THE SYNTHESIS ESSAY A Guide 1

syn·the·size ˈVerb combine (a number of things) into a coherent whole.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT A synthesis essay requires students to combine information from more than one source Thesis statement Logically presented ideas Support the claim by presenting a variety of supporting evidence 3

INTRODUCTION Must include the following three aspects: A introductory statement to get your reader thinking about your topic. Can be an anecdote, quote, etc. . . The title and author of the work(s) you are discussing Your thesis . . . Your opinion of the topic/ what you will argue 4

Step 1: Thematic Statements Work with your group to choose a theme statement that connects to two different texts but general enough to apply to other stories and the real world. This statement should be reflected by your thesis (be thinking of this theme in drafting your thesis)

Step 2: The Hook: Possible Options Theme statement Rhetorical Questions: The Quotation (a famous quote) This should be one or two sentences max and what ever style you choose, your hook must connect to the theme!

Step 3: Context Be sure to include the name of both the literary works you are writing about, as well as the authors BRIEF summary that connects both texts: The protagonists in “Burn a Man on a Texas Porch” by Mark Jarman and “Death by Landscape” by Margaret Atwood, both face challenges as they attempt to deal with past trauma.

Step 4: Thesis How are you answering the question? Have you taken the topic into consideration in your argument? Think about the body. What evidence are you using to support your argument? Examples: Theme, setting, plot events, characters, mood, atmosphere, etc. All of your points and quotes should connect back to your thesis!

Step 5: The Body Each body paragraph compares one aspect of the topic. For this essay, you will create two body paragraphs to make a four paragraph essay. With proper transitions, students are able to stay on topic and are often more aware of the comparisons they make.

TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES Contrast Contrast yet and yet nevertheless nonetheless after all but however though otherwise on the contrary in contrast notwithstanding on the other hand at the same time

Body Paragraphs Be sure to have a topic sentence for each paragraph. What are you talking about in the paragraph and how does it relate to your thesis? Use evidence to support your topic sentence. Explain your evidence, relating to your thesis and integrate all of your quotes effectively. Consider your transitions – does your essay flow well? End each paragraph with a conclusion connecting the main point back to the thesis.

Step 6: Conclusion Same paragraph structure as your first essay, however, you are referencing both texts and summarizing both paragraphs. This should result in a clear answer to the thesis question.

WHERE CAN I GO WRONG? No thesis Repeating the same points/ not different enough Quotes not connecting or supporting the thesis Not using academic language Not synthesizing the information Not supporting with quotations, a failing paper

HOW DO I AVOID THESE MISTAKES? Create an outline first then check to see if you have all of the necessary components including thesis, distinct points for comparison, quotes Proofread carefully check for ‘I’, ‘You’, ‘In my opinion’ and change or eliminate them Use transitions that demonstrate synthesis Use a thesaurus to improve your word choices Read your essay out loud before printing it

THE BLOCK METHOD: Not recommended!!!!! Works well when discussing more than one literary piece One paragraph devoted to each literary work and one paragraph for comparison Draw backs . . . Student do not write an adequate comparison paragraph so the essay is ultimately unsuccessful 15

Today: Practice writing an introduction paragraph for a synthesis essay. Wednesday: Review introduction paragraphs and peer edit. Next week: You will be given two new stories to read over the weekend. On Monday I will assign a synthesis topic and you will write the introduction in class and find examples from the text to support your thesis. Tuesday: Writing your essays in the library. Wednesday: Peer Edits. Thursday: Final touches and hand-in essays.

Extra Time If you need more time, you are able to work on your essay during flex or after school on Tuesday. All essays must be printed and handed in by 4:00pm. If you are away, you will be required to complete your essay on Wednesday after school with the same time constraints. I must be present when you are writing your essay.

Possible topics! Which character has the highest potential to be successful in their endeavours? Choose two characters from two different stories we have read. Which character is more self-aware? Choose two characters from two different stories.