1. BW 2 May 2019
“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” –Isaac Newton
In your notebook, paraphrase the quote and/or say what you think it means?

2. Thinking About Synthesis
Writing, especially synthesis writing, is really about learning how to enter a conversation.
A conversation is a metaphor for synthesis writing—an argument based on multiple pieces of evidence.
Essentially, when writing, you are first considering
the context of the conversation
especially who the audience is
and you are closely listening to what is being said.
Then, after paying close attention, you can join in.

3. Thinking About Synthesis
Forming an Initial Opinion
Brainstorm for a few minutes by writing about your initial reactions to the essential question for your essay.

4. Thinking About Synthesis
Understanding a Source (Central Source)
Understand. In Into the Wild, Jon Krakauer focuses on the idea that Chris McCandless ____________________________________.
Assess Evidence. One way he shows this is _____________________________________. He also goes on to show _____________________________________.
Identify Counterarguments. Many people might see Chris as ______________________ because _______.
Form an opinion. I agree with Krakauer because _______________________________________. For example, _______________________________.

5. Thinking About Synthesis
Comparing Sources
Compare and Contrast. In the film version of Into the Wild, Sean Penn sees Chris more as ________________________________________. Interpret. In my view, Sean Penn makes Chris seem more successful because ____________ .
Assess Evidence. He shows Chris ____________. However, I question _______________.
Detect Bias. It seems as though he might be biased in that ________________________________________.
Form opinion. I think Sean Penn’s idea of success as seen through Chris is more true because ___________________________________________.

6. Objectives Write one more comparison/contrast with your 3rd source.
Write your thesis.
Gather evidence.

7. Thinking About Synthesis
Comparing Sources
Understand. Stephen King portrays success in a different way. He shows how it _____________.
Interpret. His story portrays ________________. It all works to convey _______________________.
Compare and Contrast. This is different than Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer in that _________________________. It is also different than Penn’s version of Into the Wild because ___________.
Interpret. I think King’s idea of success as seen through Richard Pine is less true because ________________________________________.

8. Thinking About Synthesis
Writing a Claim
After considering the question, write a claim—a working thesis—that clearly states your viewpoint.

9. Thinking About Synthesis
Complete graphic organizer using the paragraphs we have already written. Include quoted evidence in your graphic organizer.

10. Thinking About Synthesis
Drafting a Synthesis Essay
You’ve thought, analyzed, connected, and evaluated.
Now, you need to put it all together. Write a draft of an evidence based synthesis essay explaining your view on one of the essential questions. Use a minimum of 3-4 sources and include an introduction and conclusion.

11. Concluding Paragraph Restatement of thesis Review main points
“So what?”;“how it connects to reader”; “big idea” ending