Dystopian Synthesis Essay
Getting Started
The Essay Hamburger…
Appetizing
Introduction
Introduction
 5-7 sentences total
 Sentence 1: Hook! Catch the audiences' attention!
 EXAMPLE HOOK:
 “’We predicated our entire system on predictability.
Six-Echo has displayed the one trait that
undermines it: human curiosity.’” (The Island). Dr.
Merrick from the big screen blockbuster dystopian
film The Island sums up one defining characteristic
present in nearly all dystopian works of fiction: the
idea of rebellion against the established system.
• Sentences 2-4: One sentence each hinting at what you will
talk about in each body paragraph.
• Sentence 5: Thesis Statement
Introduction…
 In your intro paragraph, after your hook you should
introduce your three main ideas that will be addressed in
each body paragraph.
EX:
In The Island, Ender’s Game, and The Giver, the three protagonists
of popular dystopian works begin to question their governmental systems.
In addition to the protagonists displaying moments of dissension, these
three examples of dystopian stories also involve the establishment of a
certain type of control used to keep people in their place.
These dystopian works also display common ground in terms of their
use of propaganda to control the people in their worlds.
Thesis Statement
 Your last (and MOST IMPORTANT) part of your intro paragraph is your
thesis statement.
 It is the roadmap for your essay, telling the reader exactly where your
essay will go, and the order it will go in!
 EX: Although the worlds presented in these dystopian societies are all
unique, they can be understood as representative of the dystopian
genre when looking at the role of the protagonists, the dystopian
control of the governments, and the use of propaganda.
COMMA, COMMA, AND…
Strong Intro Paragraph
 “’We predicated our entire system on predictability. Six-Echo has
displayed the one trait that undermines it: human curiosity’” (The
Island). Dr. Merrick from the big screen blockbuster dystopian film
The Island sums up one defining characteristic present in nearly all
dystopian works of fiction: the idea of rebellion against the
established system. In The Island, Ender’s Game, and The Giver the
three protagonists of popular dystopian works begin to question their
governmental systems. In addition to the protagonists displaying
moments of dissension, these three examples of dystopian stories
also involve the establishment of a certain type of control used to
keep people in their place. Furthermore, these dystopian works also
display common ground in terms of their use of propaganda to
control the people in their worlds. Although the worlds presented in
these dystopian societies are all unique, they can be understood as
representative of the dystopian genre when looking at the role of the
protagonists, the dystopian control of the governments, and the use
of propaganda.
To Keep in Mind
 Do NOT use 1st/2nd person pronouns (no I, me, my, you, we, our…)
 No “stating the obvious”
 ‘This paragraph will be about/will show…
 ‘That is how they all were alike…’
Practice…
 Which of the following is a strong hook?
a) This essay will explain how many dystopian stories are similar.
b) Governmental control. Limited freedoms. No choice. Though
these things sound like the makings of a nightmare, for the
protagonists in dystopian stories, these are the reality they must
face.
 Which of the following is a strong thesis?
a) Questioning society, refusing to conform, and thirsting for
knowledge are three similarities between the protagonists in
these dystopian stories.
b) I saw many similarities between the protagonists in the three
stories.
Body Paragraphs
 A strong paragraph will have:
 A clear topic sentence
 Provide examples synthesizing the similarities from all 3 sources
 SPECIFIC EVIDENCE!
 Don’t just say that all the protagonists questioned things; follow it up with
specific descriptions –or even better, QUOTES!—that demonstrate them
questioning!
 A concluding sentence that ties up the paragraph.
If you are struggling, use 3.8 paragraphs!
Sample Body Paragraph
While the dystopian protagonists in the three works come from
different backgrounds and life experiences, they all question their world and
rebel against it. For Lincoln Six Echo in The Island, his rebellion comes in the
form of his natural curiosity. Dr. Merrick and his team of scientists believe that
they prevent their manufactured clones from feeling curious, but Lincoln and
his best friend, Jordan Two Delta, quickly disapprove that assumption. Ender
Wiggin from Ender’s Game also displays questioning characteristics common
among protagonists of this genre. Ender’s rebellion comes in the form of his
refusal to continue on to Command School; the International Fleet officers
must enlist the help of his sister to persuade him to continue his training.
Jonas from The Giver also questions his society. After he is chosen to become
the Giver and learns more about his society, he slowly begins to go against
the rules. One of his first small acts of rebellion occurs when “for the first time,
Jonas did not take his pill. Something within him, something that had grown
there through the memories, told him to throw the pill away,” and this small act
of rebellion leads to his ultimate act of rebellion: leaving the community (Lowry
77). These three protagonists reveal just one common aspect of dystopian
fiction; one must also examine the type of control in place to fully understand
the depth of the restrictions for the people living in those dystopian societies.
For MONDAY
• At least TWO body paragraphs!
• If you have not yet finished your independent novel, indicate
where you will add evidence from that book
• Each paragraph must include at least one embedded quotation,
with appropriate citation! (LastName #)
• Use transitional words/phrases !!!!
• USE YOUR TIME TODAY TO:
• READ YOUR NOVEL!
• Or
• WRITE YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS!
Conclusion Paragraphs
Final impressions are important,
almost as important as first
impressions. A concluding paragraph
is the last impression you will make on
your reader, so make it good!
Your concluding paragraph must:
RESTATE YOUR THESIS IN A FRESH
WAY. Do not use the same wording
that you used in your thesis.
Conclusion Paragraphs
 Think of the Conclusion as a triangle.
Restatement of Thesis
Specific
Lead-out
Clincher
General
Conclusion Paragraphs
 Provide a sense of closure.
 Do not confuse the reader with new ideas or added
information.

Conclusions are often the most difficult part of an
essay to write since many writers think they have
nothing left to say when they finish their last body
paragraph. A writer needs to keep in mind the
conclusion is often what the reader remembers
best, so the conclusion should be just as effective as
the rest of the essay.
http://www.shmoop.com/video/what-not-to-do-in-a-conclusion