Synthesis Essay

This week, we have learned how to form conclusions using evidence, dissect an argument, and respond to counter arguments. As a next step, you will be putting those skills together in the form of a synthesis essay. Introduction to the assignment You will be given sources that you will use to write a synthesis essay about one of the options I have provided. The essay must be typed, double-spaced, and follow all MLA guidelines. It must be 2-3 pages long. We will spend time in class working on the essay, but you will be expected to put in some out-of-class time in order to complete it to the best of your ability. It is very important that you use your time in class wisely as well. The final paper is due Friday, April 6th at the beginning of your class period. If you are not present at school that day, you are still expected to have a printed copy of your paper to me before or on that day. What is a synthesis essay? Synthesis is the process in which you, as the writer, develop a thesis and, in the course of developing this thesis, you investigate a variety of sources, both print and visual; you choose which of these sources to include in your paper; you respond to these sources and discuss how they relate to your position on the topic. Still dont get it? Think of synthesis this way: youre having a dinner party and consult two recipes youve been given and use bits of each to create your own, new dish. You let your dinner guests know you invented the dish, but that you used and combined recipes from your grandmother and the newspaper. You dont take credit for those two recipes, but you do take credit for what you did with them.

This is the process you will need to follow as youre writing your synthesis essay: 1. Establish a position on the issue. 2. Critically read all given texts and any introductory material provided. A set of articles will be provided to you during class; however, I strongly suggest that you print off your own packet if you are a person who likes to annotate and highlight on the text itself. 3. Select at least 4 appropriate sources to support your position and thesis. 4. Choose appropriate excerpts from each of the selected sources that can help develop the thesis. 5. Summarize, paraphrase and draw inferences from the selected material. 6. Make certain you properly cite each source you incorporate into the essay. 7. Construct a conclusion that clearly states a strong, final point. 8. Proofread.

Here are your options: Option 1 A new word has entered the American vocabulary: affluenza. A 1997 PBS documentary title Affluenza introduced the term and defined it: n. 1. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses. 2. An epidemic of stress, overwork, waste and indebtedness caused by dogged pursuit of the American Dream. 3. An unsustainable addiction to economic growth. Since then, scholars, journalists, political leaders, artists and even comedians have made Americas ever-increasing consumption the subject of dire warnings, academic studies, social commentary, campaign promises and late-night TV jokes. Carefully read the sources (including any introductory information). Then, in an essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources, take a position that supports or opposes the claim that Americans are never satisfied. (They are constantly wanting new things and are never content with that they have. There is a superabundance of stuff, and Americans have lost their sense of meaning.) Option 2 Technology has made it easier for people to get in touch, but does it help them communicate more efficiently? Millions of users log into Facebook each day to post a status update or comment on a friends page; Twitter is logging around 250 million tweets per day. While people are now able to connect with just about anyone at any time, how much of the communication that is done through social networking sites is truly meaningful? Carefully read the sources (including any introductory information). Then, in an essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources, take a position that supports or opposes the claim that the excessive use and reliance on social networking sites (or technology in general) causes isolation and makes it more difficult for people to communicate efficiently.