ENGL 1301
Miles
Essay 2: Synthesis and Analysis
DUE DATE:
Format:
Like all essays in this class, this paper should use 12-point times new roman font and
default page margins. It should be double-spaced.
Required length: 3-4 pages.
You are to write a synthesis and analysis essay that meets the following criteria:



Addresses the focusing question provided by your instructor
Summarizes and analyzes the views of two writers on the question
Shows how you have wrestled with different perspectives on the question and
have synthesized these ideas to arrive at your own new view of the question
Focusing Question: What social attitude should we take toward smoking?
Readings: “I’d Rather Smoke than Kiss” by Florence King, “A Silence That Kills” by
Lyndon Haviland
Or
Focusing Question: Should marijuana, as well as other drugs, be legalized throughout
the US?
Readings: “Why Legalizing Marijuana Makes Sense” by Joe Klein, “Drug Policy and the
Intellectuals”
All readings can be found on our Learning Web page.
Structure:





Introductory paragraph/section that presents the focusing question and hooks the
reader
A thesis that maps out your main analytical points and your main synthesis points
Summary/analysis of the first text
Summary/analysis of the second text
Synthesis section that develops your main synthesis points

Concluding paragraph that reiterates the values and limitations of the texts you
have analyzed pulls together your new insights and leaves readers thinking about
your views.
DRAFTS/REVISIONS:
As the goal of the course is to explore writing as a process, you will be required to show
the steps that you take in developing your final product. The primary components of the
assignment will be:
-Final Draft: This is the finished product. You may choose to revise your final draft if
if you are still unhappy with your paper (see “revision policy” in syllabus), but this will
be the completion of your assignment and will receive the grade.
Papers must adhere to MLA formatting guidelines. For more information on
documenting sources using this format, see chapter 3 in the Bedford Reader. You will
need to properly document sources and provide a works cited page.
Intellectual Honesty:
All work you submit must be your own. If you consult any sources, whether oral or
written, copyrighted or not, you must clearly distinguish between your words and ideas
(or line of thought) and theirs at all times.
Grading:
Fairness/Accuracy of the summary and analysis 30%
Synthesis of the texts 30%
Command of Rhetorical strategies in the texts 20%
Overall organization/structure (Is the thesis an accurate forecast for the rest of the essay?
Is the essay true to this forecast?) 20%