FDENG 101: WRITING AND REASONING FOUNDATIONS
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Explanatory Synthesis Assignment
Expectations: 2000+ words; APA style documentation and formatting (get it all right); minimum of six
sources
 Research issues of concern in society from the year in which you were born
 Select one of these issues that interests you (maybe related to possible major?)
 Write the essay
o Part One: analyze the issue as it was discussed and viewed in your birth year
 Why was the issue significant?
 What segment of society was most affected and concerned?
 What “sides” were presented about the issue?
 Why did people think the way they did?
 What did they foresee in the future concerning this issue?
o Part Two: trace the evolution of the issue and the debates/solutions surrounding it from
then up to the present day; analyze the evolution
 How did the issue change over time and why?
 How did the solutions evolve and why?
 Did the issue grow in significance or diminish and why?
 Tip: select a particular lens through which to view the issue, rather than try to
cover everything about the issue
o Part Three: identify and explain where the issue is today and make some predictions
about what the future holds concerning this issue
 Increase or decrease in significance?
 New methods for dealing with the issue
 Tip: again, continue to view the issue through the specific lens you’ve chosen
This is not simply a description essay. Trace and analyze what the effects are, who the winners and losers
are, what is at stake, why are people concerned, etc. Analyze, evaluate, compare, contrast.
Below are possible lenses through which you can view the issue you have chosen; remember these are not
the issues themselves; these are possible lenses to wear as you analyze the issue you have chosen.
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Military
Fine arts
Liberty/freedom
Rights
Social structures:
family, community,
nation
Economy
Society
Religion
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Politics
Morals/ethics
History
Linguistics
(Pop) Culture
Artistic
Literary
Law/legal
Education
Science
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Medicine
Academics
Technology
Recreation
Nutrition/health
Government
Environment
Etc.
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Note: you will also complete the following “sub-assignments” as part of this module.
 Library research worksheet(s)
 Annotation
o 3 annotated articles
 #1 is a class reading
 #2 & #3 are sources for your synthesis essay
o Explanation & Key for annotation code (250 words)
 Summary
o 3 summaries (250 words each) of the three annotated articles
 Research & Essay Plan
 Peer Review
o 1 peer review of classmate’s essay (500 words & annotated essay)