Synthesis Essay

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Synthesis Essay

• Take notes!

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Introduction Paragraph

• There are three main parts
• Hook
• Transition
• Thesis Statement

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Hook

• Purpose
• Grab the readers attention
• Make the reader want to keep reading
• Options for hooks
• Quotes from historical or well-known figures
• Startling facts (NOT a piece of your evidence!)
• Thought-provoking statement about your topic
• NO Questions!!
• Maintain formal voice No 1st/2nd person

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Transition

• Purpose
• Guide the reader from the hook to the thesis
  statement.
• Here, you should provide background information
  about your topic. What is the core of the debate
  that is happening around your topic?
• This would also be a good place to introduce both
  your argument and the counter.

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Thesis

• Purpose
• State the position that you will argue in your
  paper
• For this paper, your claim (your position on the
  prompt question) and your reasons will become
  your thesis.

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Body Paragraph (THINK Precis)

• Topic Sentence Focus your body paragraph
  connect to thesis. Clearly state reason/text your
  paragraph will focus on
• Evidence 2-3 pieces per paragraph
• Text Direct Quote with set up. If citing more
  than one text per paragraph, include TAG in
  set-up
• Personal No quotes describe situation/observati
  on

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Body Paragraph (THINK Precis)

• Analysis The MOST important part of your body
  paragraph!
• Explain HOW your evidence (whether textual or
  personal) proves your topic sentence
• NO LESS THAN 2 sentences (But good analysis is
  more like 4-7, TBH)
• Concession/Refutation
• Use textual evidence analysis to refute
  counterclaim (prove it wrong therefore its
  still supporting your claim)

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Body Paragraph (THINK Precis)

• Concluding Sentences Wrap up your ideas
• Restate topic sentence
• Summarize evidence/analysis in a sentence each

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Conclusion

• Three main parts
• Restate thesis
• Summary of main points
• Call to action/parting thought

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Restate Thesis

• Purpose
• Bring the body of your paper back to your thesis
  statement
• MUST be a restatement DO NOT copy and paste the
  same sentence from your introduction.

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Summary of Main Points

• Purpose
• Briefly show how the body of your paper proved
  your thesis
• Summarize each body paragraph in one sentence.

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Call to Action

• Purpose
• Challenge the reader to DO SOMETHING about it
  (your argument)
• What is the outcome you want as a result of your
  claim?
• We is ok here (but still no you please)
• Hint This is not your claim this is not where
  you convince, but where you challenge to action.