Synthesis Essay on America
Due: _______________ Name: _______________________________________________________
In order to practice your synthesis and research writing skills, you will be writing a brief essay outside of class. You will answer the question: What is America?
This question is intentionally vague. You might want to focus your response down to a subtopic such as the American dream, systems of power, the relationship
between the individual and society that is uniquely American, and so on. Though your thesis will represent your own point of view, you will be required to rely
on at least three different texts we have read throughout the year to back you up and serve as examples.
Goal: Demonstrate ability to synthesize multiple sources into one idea, practice MLA format, reflect on the year, demonstrate mature reading
Suggested texts: The Things They Carried, The Great Gatsby, In Cold Blood, “Superman and Me,” “Education,” “Theme for English B,” “A Talk to Teachers,”
“Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” “The Gettysburg Address,” “Message to Franklin Pierce,” American Dream readings, etc.
Category
Development
(+1 for visual)
Implicit and
Explicit
references
Argument
5
4
3
2
1
4+ pages and 1+ visual aid
(no bonus)
3 pages
2 Pages
Under 2 complete pages
Outline or unfinished
essay
reference to 6+ texts
4-5 texts referenced
3 texts referenced
1-2 texts referenced
No references; mere
opinion
Effective synthesis of
ideas, providing multiple
perspectives that draw
connections between
thesis and related ideas
Effective synthesis of
ideas, providing limited
perspectives that draw
insufficient connections
between thesis and
related ideas
Contains quite a few
lapses in syntax and
diction
Does not synthesize ideas,
or provide multiple
perspectives, shows
limited understanding of
connections between
thesis and related ideas
Many errors distract from
the paper
Argument does not
discuss the prompt or
misinterprets reading
Demonstrate all
qualifications of a 4 but
with less consistency
and effectiveness
Exhibits ineffective use of
language, including weak
word choice, limited
clarity, inconsistent voice,
and ineffective
compositional choices
Exhibits flawed use of
language, including poor
word choice, confusing
ideas, no voice, and lack
of compositional
choices
Demonstrates flawed
use of MLA
Does not use MLA inside
text but does include
Works Cited Page
Does not use MLA
Does not include Works
Cited page or
cite resources within
text
Exemplary synthesis of
ideas, providing multiple
perspectives that draw
strong and clear
connections between thesis
and related ideas
Mechanics No errors
Style Exhibits masterful use of
language, including skillful
word choice, clarity,
consistent voice, and
effective compositional
choices that convey specific
meaning
MLA Demonstrates flawless use
of MLA including
pagination, citations,
Less than 5 errors in
spelling, grammar, format,
and usage
Exhibits good use of
language, including
intentional word choice,
clarity, consistent voice,
and effective
compositional choices that
convey meaning
Demonstrates effective
use of MLA including
pagination, citations,
Shows signs that
revision required
Synthesis Essay on America
Due: _______________ Name: _______________________________________________________
In order to practice your synthesis and research writing skills, you will be writing a brief essay outside of class. You will answer the question: What is America?
This question is intentionally vague. You might want to focus your response down to a subtopic such as the American dream, systems of power, the relationship
between the individual and society that is uniquely American, and so on. Though your thesis will represent your own point of view, you will be required to rely
on at least three different texts we have read throughout the year to back you up and serve as examples.
Goal: Demonstrate ability to synthesize multiple sources into one idea, practice MLA format, reflect on the year, demonstrate mature reading
Suggested texts: The Things They Carried, The Great Gatsby, In Cold Blood, “Superman and Me,” “Education,” “Theme for English B,” “A Talk to Teachers,”
“Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” “The Gettysburg Address,” “Message to Franklin Pierce,” American Dream readings, etc.
Category
Development
(+1 for visual)
Implicit and
Explicit
references
Argument
5
4
3
2
1
4+ pages and 1+ visual aid
(no bonus)
3 pages
2 Pages
Under 2 complete pages
Outline or unfinished
essay
reference to 6+ texts
4-5 texts referenced
3 texts referenced
1-2 texts referenced
No references; mere
opinion
Effective synthesis of
ideas, providing multiple
perspectives that draw
connections between
thesis and related ideas
Effective synthesis of
ideas, providing limited
perspectives that draw
insufficient connections
between thesis and
related ideas
Contains quite a few
lapses in syntax and
diction
Does not synthesize ideas,
or provide multiple
perspectives, shows
limited understanding of
connections between
thesis and related ideas
Many errors distract from
the paper
Argument does not
discuss the prompt or
misinterprets reading
Demonstrate all
qualifications of a 4 but
with less consistency
and effectiveness
Exhibits ineffective use of
language, including weak
word choice, limited
clarity, inconsistent voice,
and ineffective
compositional choices
Exhibits flawed use of
language, including poor
word choice, confusing
ideas, no voice, and lack
of compositional
choices
Demonstrates flawed
use of MLA
Does not use MLA inside
text but does include
Works Cited Page
Does not use MLA
Does not include Works
Cited page or
cite resources within
text
Exemplary synthesis of
ideas, providing multiple
perspectives that draw
strong and clear
connections between thesis
and related ideas
Mechanics No errors
Style Exhibits masterful use of
language, including skillful
word choice, clarity,
consistent voice, and
effective compositional
choices that convey specific
meaning
MLA Demonstrates flawless use
of MLA including
pagination, citations,
Less than 5 errors in
spelling, grammar, format,
and usage
Exhibits good use of
language, including
intentional word choice,
clarity, consistent voice,
and effective
compositional choices that
convey meaning
Demonstrates effective
use of MLA including
pagination, citations,
Shows signs that
revision required