Synthesis Essay Advice

Synthesis Essay Advice

• 1.
  Synthesis Essay Expectations, GradingCriteria, and Requirements
• 2.
  What is Expectedof Me? 1) Craft sentences free of errors 2) Produce an essay with an introduction a body and a conclusion 3) Create an argument that consists of a thesis statement, clear and logical supporting reasons, and sufficient evidence 4) Demonstrate an ability to comprehend a text, analyze it, and provide a sustained response that draws from multiple sources
• 3.
  How will theessay be graded? 1) Sentence Structure  Variety: simple, compound, and complex  Grammar: runons, fragments, comma use, etc. 2) Paragraph Structure  Topic Sentences: subject and controlling idea  Supporting sentence: relevant, specific evidence  Transitions 3) Argumentation  Thesis Statement: Topic and Point of View  Body paragraphs: organization, relevance  Overall Depth – ability to comprehend, analyze and respond in a sustained manner  Following directions, citing, quoting correctly.
• 4.
  Other Questions How shouldthe essay be formatted?  See sample How long should the essay be?  Shoot for at least 4 full pages, but a good, thorough argument is most important. Do I need to do outside research (can I)?  Not necessary, but allowed. All sources should be cited using MLA format and should be appropriate for an academic paper
• 5.
  Other Advice 1) Doplenty of brainstorming, planning, etc. 2) Do plenty of revising, editing, proofreading 3) Make sure each body paragraph has a clear, specific, and relevant topic sentence 4) Make sure each body paragraph has some evidence (examples, quotes, facts, statistics, analogies, etc.) 5) Make sure your thesis makes an argument about the issue, not just the person 6) Don’t panic, but don’t expect it to be easy
• 6.
  Turning it in 1)Save your paper so that the file can be uploaded to Blackboard. Name the file in this manner: “MikeMeloy- SynthesisEssay” 2) Click on “Synthesis Essay (Essay #1”” (on left) 3) Click on “View/Complete Assignment: Synthesis Essay” 4) At bottom of screen, where it says “Attach Local File,” click on “Browse” 5) Locate your paper, click on it, and then click “open” 6) On the bottom right of the screen, click “Submit” 7) You’re done! Congratulate yourself!!