Synthesis/Analysis Essay

Detailed Instructions : Your essay should consist of 4-5 typed, double-spaced pages plus a Works Cited page. See Chapter 12 in your textbook for a sample essay you may use as a model. Your essay will focus on CONTROVERSY relating to some area of artificial intelligence. You may use the same focus as in Paper 2 OR you may change your focus to another area of AI. You may use sources from Paper 2 as supporting research if applicable, but you MAY NOT USE these same sources as the ones you will compare and contrast; you must find two new sources that have opposing perspectives on the aspect of AI that you are researching. Use the framework detailed below (“Framework 1” on page 302 of ABGW), which corresponds to the chapter’s sample essay.

1. Title  Catch the reader’s attention with a creative, relevant phrase. Note the sample essay’s title. Could act as a “hook.”  Avoid an overly general title (examples: “Educational Standards” or “Gun Control”)

2. Introduction and Summary of your two chosen articles (several paragraphs) See pp. 290-92.  In the introduction paragraph, present the synthesis question and “hook” the reader. This may be a good place to use one of your minor sources, as applicable.  Identify the context of each of the two major sources in the rest of the summary paragraphs. Include author, title, original source, intended audience for the article, and purpose of the article. The first time you mention an author (or title if no author), use his or her full name (or full title); after that, use last name only (or an abbreviated title).  Then summarize the articles in separate paragraphs; remember, summary is neutral and objective; only include main points.  Present your thesis, which maps out your main analytical and synthesis points. Your thesis might come at the end of your summary paragraphs or in a mini-paragraph of its own as shown in the sample essay. See pp. 299-302.  Be sure your thesis statement or question has “tension.” See pp. 34-6/

3. Analytical Section (several paragraphs) See pp. 292-95, 300.  Discuss and develop your analytical points. Examine the articles’ parts and features: what do the authors say (= ideas) and how do they say it (= rhetorical techniques used).  Explore the similarities (compare) and the differences (contrast) between the two texts.

4. Synthesis Section (several paragraphs) See pp. 297, 301.  Discuss and develop your synthesis points. Show how your analysis of the two articles has influenced your own view of the issue.  Explore the similarities (compare) and the differences (contrast) between the two texts.

5. Conclusion paragraph (6-12 sentences)  “Echo” the introduction, perhaps using the hook or title as a reminder for the reader.  Reiterate the value (strengths) and limitations (weaknesses) of the articles you have analyzed.  Pull together your new insights.  Leave the reader thinking about your views and if they will change their opinion or take some action based on your experience and research.

6. Works Cited page (4-8 entries = 2 main sources used, plus research from other sources) Use handout, MLA handbook, and/or NoodleTools (pink guide) for help with WC set-up.  Always the last page(s) of your document. Separate from the rest of the document with a page break.  Has a different format than the rest of your document. See the handout for instructions.  Entries are alphabetical and must conform to the NEW 2016 8th Edition MLA guidelines (textbook has old MLA version - do not use! Any citation showing “Web” or “Print” is the old format - update it!).

MLA documentation (8th Edition-2016) for all quoted, summarized and paraphrased information  Use sources responsibly. For help, review pages 546-560 in your textbook, “Skill 22.2: Know When and How to Use Summary, Paraphrase, and Quotation.” AVOID PLAGIARISM.  Add attributive tags to separate your ideas from the author’s.  Include in-text citations and a Works Cited page entry for each source. For help, review pages 561-566 in your textbook, “Skill 23: Citing and Documenting Sources.”

Notes: Use first-person “I” sparingly in this essay. Earn 10 Bonus points beyond the points you earn for Paper 3 if you contact a tutor for this paper and provide proof that you did.