Embedded Assessment 2
Synthesis Essay
To what extent does a person’s culture inform the
way he or she views others and the world?
A. Culture consistently informs the way one views the world and others.
B. Culture rarely informs the way one views the world and others.
C. Culture sometimes informs the way we view the world and others.
Which do you agree with?
Remember, this should be YOUR
idea! Don’t write a summary of
each text.
This is an argument essay!
.
What is
your
position?
a
Which author is
relevant to the
conversation?
Why?
Would he/she
agree, disagree, or
qualify your
position?
What specific examples
could we use to
support/refute our
claim? (Include at least
three.)
Create a list of texts that support your point of
view.
• Flip through Springboard to make your list.
• Narrow your list down to three top texts.
Synthesis Essay
Requirements
• Must be typed.
• 2 pages (4-5 paragraphs) / double-spaced / 12pt. Font (Times New Roman) /
MLA format
• Must use three texts to support your argument.
• Must have a formal outline.
• Look through rubric.
DUE DATES
• Essays due at the end of next class.
• POINTS: 5 points for your outline!
Essay= 50pts
Tips & Reminders
 Don’t use “I” or “you” unless it’s a part of your hook.
 Avoid weak verbs (“it is…” “there are…” “this shows…” etc.) and vague words
(“things,” “stuff,” etc.)
 Proofread carefully!
• Don’t lose points for formatting.
 Punctuate quotes properly and provide page number.
• EX: She says, “I never really understood my cultural identity” (Williams 58).
Introduction
• Needs to begin with a “hook.”
•
•
•
•
Grabs the attention of your reader.
Anecdote (very short story), quote, questions, etc.
This is the only part of your essay where you can use “I” or “you.”
Provides background information.
• Needs an effective thesis statement.
• States your position on the issue (without saying “I believe…”)
• Introduce your three texts.
• Thesis generally comes at the end of your introduction.
Body Paragraphs
 Use a TAG (title, author, genre) statement
 CQC- Claim. Quote. Commentary.
• Don’t forget to add your commentary after your textual evidence.
 Textual evidence
• Quote or Specific Example
 Concessions and refutations
• Be sure to address the other side of the argument. Part of grade.
Conclusion




Restate your thesis using different words.
Make one last point or appeal to your audience
Bring closure to your essay.
The conclusion should be its own paragraph.
Consider the following questions as you plan your
essay:
• How will you organize your supporting ideas?
• Will your concessions and refutations be a separate paragraph from
the supporting paragraphs? Or will concessions and refutations be
incorporated into the paragraphs that offer explicit support for our
claim?
• How will you create cohesion between paragraphs? (transitions)
*You will type next class!