Synthesis research help

Composition 1302

Synthesis/Research Essay Template

Note: Start with a summary statement including a primary theme or briefly summarize text in

1-2 lines and the author. Not need for a long statement or introduction to start this short

essay. Include other pertinent information in the body of the essay.

Primary Statement

The coming-of-age experience is one chronicled in many writings because it reflects a

common experience that marks the transitions from an immature way of viewing the world to

one that is more adult and realistic. While these transitions are challenging for every

individual, contending with societal stereotypes that are attributed to those of different races,

cultures or gender can add complexity to the experience and make it more difficult as

illustrated in the short stories by Sherman Alexie and Junot Diaz. In the story, “Indian

Reservation” Sherman Alexie illustrates the coming-of-age of a young Native American, while

Junot Diaz writes a similar story with a focus on a Dominican African-American in “How to

Date a Browngirl, (Black girl, White Girl and Halfie’). Alexie presents a wry observation that

charts the life lessons learned by a Native American student as he moves through the

Reservation school system and experiences the effect of stereotyping. On the other hand, Diaz

uses humor to note how stereotyping turns inward to become a way marginalized people begin

to view the world. Components

Intro Synthesis

Analysis/Why you think the theme is important

Analysis/Synthesis

Primary Claim

II. Body

a. Discuss in detail your primary statement in one paragraph (summary or identification of

specific passages/analysis/examples from text)

b. Discuss your contemporary connection (summary/analysis/examples from research).

III. Close – Reiterate your claim, discussion and add a final statement.