Synthesis Essay: Formulating and Supporting an Argument or Position Statement
Your homework this weekend is to plan for the two or three example essay that you will write in
class Monday through Wednesday.
You must plan for the assigned topic below. If you plan for any other topic, you will be given a
score of zero.
The statement appearing below makes a point about a particular topic. Read the statement
carefully, and think about the assignment that follows.
"Our culture always informs the way we view others and the world around us.”
Assignment:
The statement above implies that our culture will inevitably determine our perspective. It is
culture that provides the lens through which we view the world. Write an essay supporting,
disputing or qualifying this statement. You must use at least two examples from the literature we
have read in class this year to support your argument. You may provide additional support from
history, literature, popular culture or current events. You MAY NOT use personal experience to
support your position. This essay is formal and should be written in academic voice.
HOMEWORK
Sample Plan for your Two or Three Example Argument Essay.
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Your introduction should begin with a hook to grab the reader’s attention. You
should then explain the topic in your own words. Follow up with a thesis
statement that includes a clear claim.
Your second paragraph should explain the point you are making with the help of
a specific example from the literature we have read.
Your third paragraph should explain the point you are making with a second
specific example from the literature we have read.
OPTIONAL THIRD SUPPORTING EXAMPLE (This does not necessarily need
to be literary; however, it cannot be personal experience)
Your next paragraph(s) should qualify your answer. This paragraph will
contain your CONCESSION and REFUTATION: explain under what
circumstances the opposite point of view might be correct. This is to show that
you are aware of all aspects of the issue, even though you are 80-90% convinced
of your thesis. You must include a refutation to follow any concessions you have
made.
Your fifth and concluding paragraph should summarize and reinforce your
thesis (despite the qualification/concession you just made). You may wish to end
with a call to action (some kind of appeal to values/cultural understanding/etc.)
Be sure to wrap up by restating your claim and referring back to your hook.
READ THROUGH YOUR ESSAY CHECKLISTS (GIVEN 9/20 and 9/23).
REMEMBER THAT THIS IS A FORMAL ESSAY WRITTEN FOR AN ACADEMIC
AUDIENCE. It is slightly different from the S.A.T. essay, but it is similar.
PLANNING:
What is your position and what hook might
you use?
What is the first piece of literature you will
use to support your position? Provide
specific examples from the piece to support
your claim.
What is the second piece of literature you
will provide to support your position?
Provide specific examples from the piece to
support your claim.
Will you provide any other supporting
information? If so, what?
What will your concession be? Provide a
concession from a piece of literature we
have studied, and then provide a refutation.
Although you do not have to end with a call to action, you should provide closure.
Referring back to your hook is a good way to wrap your essay up neatly.