Synthesis/Analysis Essay Handout

Handout with the information for the second major out of class essay

ENGL 1301

Miles

 

 

Essay 2: Synthesis and Analysis

DUE DATE: Nov 29

Format:

Like all essays in this class, this paper should use 12-point times new roman font and default page margins.  It should be double-spaced.

 

Required length: 3-4 pages.

 

You are to write a synthesis and analysis essay that meets the following criteria:

 

  • Addresses the focusing question provided by your instructor
  • Summarizes and analyzes the views of two writers on the question
  • Shows how you have wrestled with different perspectives on the question and have synthesized these ideas to arrive at your own new view of the question

 

 

Focusing Question: Should same sex marriage be legal everywhere?

 

Readings: “Gay ‘Marriage’: Societal Suicide” BR pg. 576, “What’s Wrong with Gay Marriage” BR pg. 570

 

Structure:

 

  • Introductory paragraph/section that presents the focusing question and hooks the reader
  • A thesis that maps out your main analytical points and your main synthesis points
  • Summary/analysis of the first text
  • Summary/analysis of the second text
  • Synthesis section that develops your main synthesis points
  • Concluding paragraph that reiterates the values and limitations of the texts you have analyzed pulls together your new insights and leaves readers thinking about your views.

 

 

Papers must adhere to MLA formatting guidelines.  For more information on documenting sources using this format, see chapter 23 in the Penguin Handbook or chapter 22 in the Allyn & Bacon Guide.  You will need to properly document sources and provide a works cited page.

 

Intellectual Honesty:

All work you submit must be your own. If you consult any sources, whether oral or written, copyrighted or not, you must clearly distinguish between your words and ideas (or line of thought) and theirs at all times.

 

Grading:

 

Fairness/Accuracy of the summary and analysis 30%

 

Synthesis of the texts 30%

 

Command of Rhetorical strategies in the texts 20%

 

Overall organization/structure (Is the thesis an accurate forecast for the rest of the essay?  Is the essay true to this forecast?) 20%