1. Today’s goals Introduce skills for timed writing
Discuss the upcoming class portfolio
Peer review the rough draft of our synthesis essays

2. Class discussion- timed writing
What are some examples of timed writing that you have done in the past?
How would you describe the structure and organization of a timed writing exam?
What strategies can we implement to improve our success in timed writing exams?

3. Timed Writing Skills
Ability to store and access appropriate knowledge into an organized essay
Ability to quickly analyze the specific requirements of an exam question
Ability to deal with pressure, text anxiety, and time constraints

4. Timed Writing Key Terms
The “Ability to quickly analyze the specific requirements of an exam question” starts with identifying key terms in the essay prompt to determine what the main goals of the assignment are
See pg in A&B
These are generally verbs and each has its own response strategy that tells you what type of information to include
Analyze, apply, argue, compare, contrast, construct, critique, define, discuss, enumerate, evaluate, explain, identify, illustrate, prove, review, summarize, and trace

5. Group Activity: Analyze Essay Questions
In your topic groups
Read the “Strategies for Responding to Common Essay Question Verbs” on p. 518
Read the passage on page 521 and select the prompt on page 522 that best matches the essay.
Provide a brief explanation (2-3 sentences) of why the prompt you chose is best suited to the essay.

6. Homework- ENC portfolio
Must include a printed copy of your major ENC essays: rhetorical analysis, visual analysis, and synthesis
May include the assignment sheets for each essay
Necessary part of the final exam; you cannot pass the final exam with it

7. Class discussion- synthesis review
What are some of the differences between a synthesis essay an a regular persuasive essay?
What are the two structural options for synthesis essays?
Where does summary occur in a synthesis essay?
How do we transition into a synthesis summary section?

8. Synthesis essay – summary transitions
Should explain how and when you are transitioning into your sources
“Much research has already been done on . . .”
“Many articles already support this idea . . .” (your thesis)
“Before fully exploring this idea (your thesis), one should examine the published research . . .”

9. Group Activity: Synthesis Peer Review
In groups of 2-3 students based on the topics you have working on, answer the following questions about every group members’ first draft:
Does the essay’s introduction grab the readers’ interest with its hook? What kind of strategy does it use to do this?
What is the writer’s thesis? Take this word for word from the essay you analyze. Does this thesis satisfy the criteria we discussed last week or does it need further revision?
What elements does the essay forecast for the body paragraphs? Are these based on supporting points or on the sources themselves?
What are some example transition words used in the essay? How does the essay transition into its summary section?

10. Homework ENC Portfolio Synthesis Essay – 2nd Draft Worth a quiz grade
Bring with you to class on Friday
Should include a printed version of all of your major essays (rhetorical analysis, visual analysis, & synthesis essay)
Synthesis Essay – 2nd Draft
750+ words
4+ sources (including one from the source list and one that is peer reviewed)
Printed and brought to class on Wednesday