synthesis essay

As You Construct

the Draft . . . *Review the pages in last week's module that present the Synthesis structure and the sample introduction and body paragraph from a Synthesis Essay.

*Take topic sentences out of context and place them on a separate document. Do all of the topic sentences relate? Do these topic sentences support the thesis? Make sure you aren't straying too far from the thesis. It will be beneficial to fill out the Draft Outline document again.

*Each body paragraph needs to address BOTH texts. Do not separate texts. Create topic sentences and analysis that both examples/texts can support.

*Each body paragraph needs to present a direct quote/textual example from each of your texts. I would not recommend integrating multiple examples from the same text. One textual example/direct quote from each text should suffice. Each of these examples/quotes must support the topic sentence and lead to the same analysis.

*Make sure each body paragraph addresses a different point/claim about the social issue/main topic for the essay. Avoiding repetitive topic sentences will allow you to avoid repetitive analysis, as the topic sentences dictate what you will cover in your analysis.

*Every textual example needs a context that comes before it. This context is usually a few lines of summary that allow the reader to understand what is happening in the essay right before the quote is stated. Any summary placed in the body paragraphs needs to come BEFORE the textual examples. Summary should not follow textual examples. Analysis/explanation follows direct quotes.

*Do not place direct quotes/textual examples side by side. We need to receive a transition/bridge from one example to the next. You can create "bridges" by establishing the connection between the examples. State how they relate.

*Full, cohesive analysis of examples is expected in each body paragraph. So you must leave yourself enough space to present what the two examples in the paragraph have allowed you to uncover.

*Check your paragraphs for too much summary. Check the beginning of your paragraphs for misplaced analysis that belongs at the end of your paragraphs.

*Avoid unnecessary summary. Only provide summary that relates to the specific example/direct quote you are presenting in the body paragraph.

*Please email any part of your essay that you'd like me to look at to make sure you are on the right track.