Writing a Synthesis Essay Argument

1. Writing a Synthesis EssayArgument A synthesis essay draws on two or more sources and combines their ideas into a coherent whole. Borrowed from Northern Virginia Community College: Loudoun Campus Online Writing Center http://www.nvcc.edu/loudoun/english/writingcenter/online%2 0writing%2 0center/synthesis%2 0essay.htm

2. Overview of Assignment • 5-paragraph essay • APA formatting • 2 references (including in-text citations) • Typed, 12 pt, New Times Roman font • Double-spaced

3. What do I need to write one? Writing a successful synthesis essay will require you to do four things: • Read accurately and objectively • See relations among different viewpoints • Define a thesis based on these relations • Support the thesis effectively

4. Start with a focus… • Comparison and contrast. Discuss the similarities and differences in the writer’s viewpoints and draw whatever conclusions are possible from your comparison. • Thesis supported by examples. Develop a thesis based on common points among the works, and support the thesis with appropriate examples from each work. This strategy works well with essays that approach a subject from highly diverse viewpoints. • Argument. If you have a clearly defined opinion about the subject, support that opinion by incorporating the valid viewpoints of the writers of the essays you have selected, and show the weaknesses of those ideas which you feel are not valid.

5. Argument • If you have a clearly defined opinion about the subject, support that opinion by incorporating the valid viewpoints of the writers of the articles, and show the weaknesses of those ideas which you feel are not valid. • This is not your standard argument essay. You will need to choose a topic that you can find at least two writer’s viewpoints. Synthesize those viewpoints into your essay to support your argument.

6. Argument • Choose a topic and research it. • Read carefully. First skim through the readings and look for similar issues in each article. Reflect on those issues, and jot down your ideas. Reread and decide on one topic that will unify your essay. Note each article’s thesis and main points. Finally, take notes. • Use the handout “Argument Organizer” to organize the viewpoints into argument points.

7. Develop your thesis • Next, determine your thesis. A thesis is a direct statement of a main issue or idea that you have developed from studying the essays. In an argument essay, your thesis will state your opinion about the subject and will indicate that you will be supporting your views through an analysis of articles.

8. Organize • Then, organize your essay with your thesis in mind. The type of organization you use depends on your thesis, but in general you should be able to use either block-by-block or point-by-point organization with any of the essay types. • Use the OUTLINE FOR ARGUMENT ESSAYS to develop your thoughts.

9. Rough Draft • Write a rough draft after you have decided on the organization you will be using. Here are some pointers: Early in your paper, mention the titles and authors of the articles you will be discussing. Quote or paraphrase brief passages from the essays to show how the essays illustrate, agree with, or disagree with each point you make. Whenever you quote or paraphrase, cite the author properly.

10. Revise • And finally, REVISE. Remember: All good writing is rewriting. • Use PAPERRATER.COM to check your paper for grammar, vocabulary, fluency issues. Citation help: • In text- Summary and paraphrase (authors last name, year of publication) Quotation (authors last name, year of publication, paragraph #) • Reference list- Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of article. Title of Newspaper. Retrieved from http://www.someaddress.com/full/url/