Argumentative Synthesis.

*Note that you will be writing an argumentative synthesis, not an explanatory synthesis. (Both types are discussed in your book.)

Choose a chapter in your book (excluding chapters 1-3) according to your interests. You will see that each chapter contains readings categorized by subject, e.g., education, nature, history, etc. Read through the essays in the chapter and become familiar with the gist of each argument (you do not have to read every word of each argument to get a sense of its gist.) After you are familiar with the essays in your chosen chapter, formulate your own position or claim (this will be your thesis) on an issue discussed in the chapter.

After you have your own position, choose at least two essays in the chapter that you can use in your synthesis. Note that you do not need to choose only essays that support your claim; you can also choose an essay that argues against your claim so long as you show why that argument is weak in your synthesis. Now re-read these essays that you will use. Take notes, highlight words, circle phrases, underline important concepts, etc. Be a critical reader. It's important that you absorb every facet of these essays and record your findings, reactions, observations.

Now write. Your purpose is to persuade the reader of your position (thesis). Your opening paragraphs should make clear the issue, key terms, how your paper will be organized (main points of your reasoning), your thesis, and perhaps some background. In your body paragraphs, you will integrate quotes, paraphrases, and/or summaries from the essays you read in order to bolster your argument. Be sure to explain every integration in your own words and/or explain how it fits into your paper. Do not simply quote a few sentences and call it a paragraph. Also, remember that you need both in-text citations and a works-cited page.

You may want to refer to pages 129-132 in your book for guidance.

Requirements:

• MLA format
• Length: 3-4 pages (not including works-cited page)
  
• Show me a preliminary thesis and your potential sources during our conference.
  
• Due: Nov. 5, 2009.

A successful paper will:

1.) Have well-supported and well-developed ideas that support your thesis.
2.) Have a strong, clear thesis statement. (This will guide the rest of your paper.)
3.) Effectively integrate and document material from at least two sources.
4.) Be clear, focused, and unified.
5.) Anticipate and respond to objections others will make to your argument.
6.) Progress from idea to idea in a logical manner. (Use transitions.)
7.) Have very few errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.