1. Synthesis Essay
You must cite all your sources – either in the sentence or at the end
You must use at least 3 sources
Don’t just drop sources in and/or merely summarize/paraphrase sources.
The top papers will truly blend/synthesize more than one source per paragraph/idea
The top papers will demonstrate that their idea is central and then use the sources for support
As always the top papers will demonstrate style/voice and generally more sophisticated vocab.

2. How to connect sources if they go against your claim
Use key signal words – Although, but, yet, however, while
State your thesis first – then support your claim first then bring in the contradiction –
The equal distribution of intelligence between the sexes demonstrates that the lines between female/male are often transcended and blurred. Marie Curie, Susan B. Anthony, Sacajawea are just some examples of intelligent females throughout history that can take their place amongst the “intellectually superior” men. While Broca would argue that the smaller female brain size demonstrates less intelligence and the brain scan shows males and females process information differently, examples from history negates the idea that these details equate to women being less intelligent than men.

3. or
Start with your thesis and the negation and then counter with your ideas.
Intelligence is just one example where the lines between female and males are transcended. While Broca may argue that the smaller size of the female brain indicates less intelligence than the male brain, and others may use the brain scan image to argue male superiority in thinking – a preponderance of the evidence counters this thinking. For every intelligent male you can name there is an equally intelligent female. Throughout history women like Sacajawea, Susan B. Anthony, Marie Curie, Margaret Thatcher have demonstrated their intelligence in every subject from geography to science to politics.

4. How to balance your voice with the sources
Do this by leading with YOUR argument/thesis first – this establishes YOUR ideas.
Then support with evidence from the sources – either in support or as a contrast to YOUR ideas
Finally – by spending most of your time/energy analyzing/commenting/synthesizing ideas you are demonstrating YOUR thinking

5. What if my ideas don’t have anything to do with the sources?
Ideally – Start with your ideas first before you read the sources to best keep your argument central!
BUT – use common sense – you may need to tweak/adjust/change as the sources dictate –
The key is to not just summarize or parrot the sources – bring in your voice/ideas in conjunction with those ideas – Demonstrate that you have your own thoughts on the subject!

6. Directions are not clear
Underline the key words of the prompt – look for the language that says then in an essay . . This is the actual task/prompt you must address. Try underlining the verbs of the task.
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 in times of war the media has an obligation to provide the public with the most complete coverage possible, regardless of the consequences.