Some of my former students have called synthesis writing a hybrid of Lang argument and World History FRQ such as this Synthesis Sample on pages 2-9 of the pdf. By the way, we're not writing to this one, so don't get too excited.
You will note that the synthesis prompt gives you background on the topic in case your ethos level is low, it provides an argumentative prompt to focus your writing, and it includes usually 6 sources that you must incorporate 3 into your writing. The trick for this essay is being able to craft your own argument while transitioning evidence and citing evidence correctly. You also have to be able to skim and scan texts to find the ones that will be your friend and those that will steal your time.
Here is the scoring rubric for the synthesis essay, which does overlap with argument: One Page Rubrics.
Some quick notes on the scoring:
- The claim/thesis is just like argument.
- A 4 on evidence means that you have at least 3 sources included, are bringing in multiple examples of evidence per paragraph that is mixed and matched from the sources (i.e. a paragraph has sources A & D quoted and cited, showing the connection between more than one source) with fully developed sub-claims and warrants.
- A 3 on evidence means that you have at least 3 sources included, are bringing in multiple examples of evidence per paragraph from the same sources (i.e. a paragraph has 2 examples both from source A) with semi-developed sub-claims and warrants.
- A 2 on evidence means you have the 3 sources and probably one example per paragraph with lacking sub-claims and warrants.
- A 1 on evidence means 2 sources (so shove that third source in there if the time is running out to avoid this score) and summary-like explanation. This occurs when you base paragraphs around the evidence and sources instead of your own argument. If you find yourself starting a paragraph (or a sentence for that matter) with "In Source B," you are about to summarize.
- A 0 means 1 source or none.
- CITE IN PARENTHETICALS FOR CLEANLINESS AND EASE OF READER. AND USE THE SOURCE LETTERS TO AVOID ANY ISSUES WITH AUTHORS' NAMES. For example, The U.S. Post Office is an integral part of Americana, stemming from Benjamin Franklin's role of postmaster to the current blue shorted uniforms of the mail carriers, and fully indicated by the small town post office raising its flag to welcome its patrons (Source G). SERIOUSLY, JUST DO IT THIS WAY FOR ALL OF US!
- A strong sophistication score will have personalization to the argument. What do I mean by that? Well, the sources are still the most important part of the equation. But, what is you could have an original hook to introduce the concept via anecdote or exemplification? Or, what if you name-drop an example (like I did with good old Ben Franklin in my evidence example), craft an analogy, or bring in extra knowledge to further the argument? Yep, that's sophistication. I want to clarify that you are not writing a full exemplification-style essay like in argument, so don't try to shove in every allusion you learned this year.
- Strong sophistication also could include the name-dropping of a counterclaim, bringing in your own analogies and rhetorical syntactical strategies, having mature diction, and maintaining argumentative voice through the whole essay.
More to come, I'm sure, but this the starter point for tomorrow and the week. If all goes well, our week will bring diagnostic exams in synthesis and multiple choice to see how you respond to these prompts and their times. Remember, you are highly capable to complete timed tests. If I have confidence in all that you can do, I hope you will too!
And, don't forget those tone paragraphs and MC passages for class. You've had plenty of time to complete those!
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