Dystopian Synthesis Essay Getting Started

The Essay Hamburger… Appetizing Introduction

Introduction Sentence 5: Thesis Statement 5-7 sentences total Sentence 1: Hook! Catch the audiences' attention! EXAMPLE HOOK: “’We predicated our entire system on predictability. Six-Echo has displayed the one trait that undermines it: human curiosity.’” (The Island). Dr. Merrick from the big screen blockbuster dystopian film The Island sums up one defining characteristic present in nearly all dystopian works of fiction: the idea of rebellion against the established system. Sentences 2-4: One sentence each hinting at what you will talk about in each body paragraph. Sentence 5: Thesis Statement

Introduction… In your intro paragraph, after your hook you should introduce your three main ideas that will be addressed in each body paragraph. EX: In The Island, Ender’s Game, and The Giver, the three protagonists of popular dystopian works begin to question their governmental systems. In addition to the protagonists displaying moments of dissension, these three examples of dystopian stories also involve the establishment of a certain type of control used to keep people in their place. These dystopian works also display common ground in terms of their use of propaganda to control the people in their worlds.

Thesis Statement COMMA, COMMA, AND… Your last (and MOST IMPORTANT) part of your intro paragraph is your thesis statement. It is the roadmap for your essay, telling the reader exactly where your essay will go, and the order it will go in! EX: Although the worlds presented in these dystopian societies are all unique, they can be understood as representative of the dystopian genre when looking at the role of the protagonists, the dystopian control of the governments, and the use of propaganda. COMMA, COMMA, AND…

Strong Intro Paragraph “’We predicated our entire system on predictability. Six-Echo has displayed the one trait that undermines it: human curiosity’” (The Island). Dr. Merrick from the big screen blockbuster dystopian film The Island sums up one defining characteristic present in nearly all dystopian works of fiction: the idea of rebellion against the established system. In The Island, Ender’s Game, and The Giver the three protagonists of popular dystopian works begin to question their governmental systems. In addition to the protagonists displaying moments of dissension, these three examples of dystopian stories also involve the establishment of a certain type of control used to keep people in their place. Furthermore, these dystopian works also display common ground in terms of their use of propaganda to control the people in their worlds. Although the worlds presented in these dystopian societies are all unique, they can be understood as representative of the dystopian genre when looking at the role of the protagonists, the dystopian control of the governments, and the use of propaganda.

To Keep in Mind Do NOT use 1st/2nd person pronouns (no I, me, my, you, we, our…) No “stating the obvious” ‘This paragraph will be about/will show… ‘That is how they all were alike…’

Practice… Which of the following is a strong hook? This essay will explain how many dystopian stories are similar. Governmental control. Limited freedoms. No choice. Though these things sound like the makings of a nightmare, for the protagonists in dystopian stories, these are the reality they must face. Which of the following is a strong thesis? Questioning society, refusing to conform, and thirsting for knowledge are three similarities between the protagonists in these dystopian stories. I saw many similarities between the protagonists in the three stories.

Body Paragraphs If you are struggling, use 3.8 paragraphs! A strong paragraph will have: A clear topic sentence Provide examples synthesizing the similarities from all 3 sources SPECIFIC EVIDENCE! Don’t just say that all the protagonists questioned things; follow it up with specific descriptions –or even better, QUOTES!—that demonstrate them questioning! A concluding sentence that ties up the paragraph. If you are struggling, use 3.8 paragraphs!

Sample Body Paragraph While the dystopian protagonists in the three works come from different backgrounds and life experiences, they all question their world and rebel against it. For Lincoln Six Echo in The Island, his rebellion comes in the form of his natural curiosity. Dr. Merrick and his team of scientists believe that they prevent their manufactured clones from feeling curious, but Lincoln and his best friend, Jordan Two Delta, quickly disapprove that assumption. Ender Wiggin from Ender’s Game also displays questioning characteristics common among protagonists of this genre. Ender’s rebellion comes in the form of his refusal to continue on to Command School; the International Fleet officers must enlist the help of his sister to persuade him to continue his training. Jonas from The Giver also questions his society. After he is chosen to become the Giver and learns more about his society, he slowly begins to go against the rules. One of his first small acts of rebellion occurs when “for the first time, Jonas did not take his pill. Something within him, something that had grown there through the memories, told him to throw the pill away,” and this small act of rebellion leads to his ultimate act of rebellion: leaving the community (Lowry 77). These three protagonists reveal just one common aspect of dystopian fiction; one must also examine the type of control in place to fully understand the depth of the restrictions for the people living in those dystopian societies.

For MONDAY USE YOUR TIME TODAY TO: READ YOUR NOVEL! Or At least TWO body paragraphs! If you have not yet finished your independent novel, indicate where you will add evidence from that book Each paragraph must include at least one embedded quotation, with appropriate citation! (LastName #) Use transitional words/phrases !!!! USE YOUR TIME TODAY TO: READ YOUR NOVEL! Or WRITE YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS!

Conclusion Paragraphs Final impressions are important, almost as important as first impressions. A concluding paragraph is the last impression you will make on your reader, so make it good! Your concluding paragraph must: RESTATE YOUR THESIS IN A FRESH WAY. Do not use the same wording that you used in your thesis.

Conclusion Paragraphs Think of the Conclusion as a triangle. Think of the Conclusion as a triangle. Specific Restatement of Thesis Lead-out Clincher General

Conclusion Paragraphs Provide a sense of closure. Do not confuse the reader with new ideas or added information. Conclusions are often the most difficult part of an essay to write since many writers think they have nothing left to say when they finish their last body paragraph. A writer needs to keep in mind the conclusion is often what the reader remembers best, so the conclusion should be just as effective as the rest of the essay. http://www.shmoop.com/video/what-not-to-do-in-a-conclusion