Step 3 of Inquiry Project: Synthesis and Evaluation of Sources

ENGL 102, JZ, Spring 2017, Dr. Cheryl Duffus

In this essay, you will expand on the ideas in your concept map. You will write an analysis of
your research.

The essay should answer the following:

For each source: who is the author? What are their credentials? Who is the audience for
each source? What was the sources main point? How was the point backed up with
evidence?
How did the sources help you to better understand the topic? What new information did
they add to your knowledge about the topic?
Did sources make you re-think your ideas or opinions about the topic? Or did they
confirm what you already believed?
How would you categorize the information you found in the sources (types of
information background, opinions, solutions to problems, different points of view)?
How do the sources relate to one another?

You should include your own opinions and observations in this essay. This isnt a summary of
your research it is an evaluation of your research. Focus on the ideas and concepts and how
they relate to one another.

Your Synthesis and Evaluation should be MLA Formatted and use MLA in-text citations.
A Works Cited page should also be included. Purdue OWL is a great resource for MLA
information. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

With the Final Draft, you also need to include a cover letter explaining the following:
What work are you most proud of the Inquiry Project? (Proposal & Subjectivity
Statement, Concept Map, Research Methods Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation)
Do you think your analytical/evaluation skills have changed as a result of the Inquiry
Project? If so, how?
What did you struggle with during the research and/or writing process? How did you
overcome this obstacle?
What more would you like to know about your topic?
Please comment on how you contributed positively to your writing group, and how
feedback from your peers helped you revise your Synthesis and Evaluation.
Please describe how you addressed the errors in your Proofreaders Guide in your Final
Draft of the Synthesis and Evaluation of Sources.

Due Dates:
Thurs, Feb. 9 Bring draft of Works Cited page to class
Tues., Feb. 14 Peer Review bring a draft of the Synthesis and Evaluation essay
Thurs., Feb. 16 3 Minute Presentations on Inquiry Project
Tues., Feb. 21 Hybrid Day Upload Final Draft of Synthesis and Evaluation essay +
cover letter by 9:15 am