If you have written a research paper, you have written a synthesis. A synthesis is a piece of writing that combines three essential elements:
1) Your clearly stated assertion or central point (the point you will develop throughout your work)
2) Your own ideas, reasoning, and examples (why you believe what you do)
3) Quotes, paraphrases, and summaries from other sources (supporting evidence from credible sources).
In this assignment, you will write a short synthesis (500-600 words) in response to the following question:
Has America lived up to its ideals as stated in the “Declaration of Independence,” the “Preamble to the Constitution,” and the “Gettysburg Address”?
To prepare for this assignment, complete the April 14 and April 21 Checklist of Tasks.
Then, follow these guidelines to write your synthesis:
1. Start by brainstorming your ideas (prewriting).
2. Come up with a clear thesis statement – your central idea.
3. Organize your ideas into a logical order. Your thesis statement should appear in your first paragraph.
4. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
5. Use any of the composition strategies we have studied (narration, description, examples, cause-effect, compare-contrast) to develop your paragraphs.
6. Support your ideas by including at least one quotation, paraphrase, and summary from the “Declaration of Independence,” the “Preamble to the Constitution,” or the “Gettysburg Address.” You may also include references to the videos “Moral Behavior in Animals” and “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
7. Identify the source of your paraphrases, quotes, and summaries using correct MLA documentation. Include a Works Cited page. You should have at least three sources on your Works Cited page.
8. Revise and proofread carefully before submitting your synthesis.