Synthesis Essay

 

Write an 800-1000 word essay which expands and revises your timed writing. Your essay should state your position on American Exceptionalism and use the sources from Nation on a Hill for support and development. Creating a dialogue with the ideas represented by the other authors is essential and the primary skill being assessed. As always, the use of rhetoric is important and students should be using  the most effective rhetorical devices achieve their purpose.

The essay should be double-spaced and submitted by email to patgar1@gpsk12.org.

Note:   Please have your name as part of the file name (For example, BillThompsonTone.doc).

Important dates:

Class time            Monday               10/10   Class time for reading of the text, annotation, and brainstorming.

Lab time               Thursday             11/21  LAB time for drafting

Friday                    11/22   LAB time for drafting

Essay Due            Monday               11/26   (by 2:30 PM)

 

SOURCE LINK: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/09/17/does-the-sense-of-american-exceptionalism-help-the-united-states-or-hurt-it

 

Six Steps to Synthesis

1.       Read the question. Take a position. Yes or No? Pro or Con? For or Against?

2.       List several reasons for your position. Why do you think this way?

3.       Find support. Read sources for support for your position. Use all the sources. Cite the sources.

4.       Don’t forget the opposing side to your position.

5.       Struggle with that opposition by either A) contradicting it, or B) modifying your original position to deal with the opposition’s reasoning.

6.       Your position(both original and modified) has implications and extensions. Write a statement that explores the ideas behind and beyond your position.