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Synthesis Essay

Competency #2: Critical Thinking & Creativity

What's a "Synthesis Essay"?

A synthesis essay is a formal argument that requires you to enter into a "conversation" between multiple sources and your own perspective. While you are using the ideas of others, your success depends on maintaining authorship and using those sources as tools to support a clear line of reasoning.

Going far beyond simple summary, an effective synthesis essay includes a defensible thesis, purposefully integrated evidence from multiple sources, and original commentary that explains how these different sources come together to support your claim.

AI IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE TOOL FOR THIS WRITING TASK.

As you craft and draft your essay, evidence of your authenticity and originality is reflected in:

Handwritten reader's responses and writing prompt responses contained in your Reader's & Writer's Notebook.
Personal annotations of identified texts.
Handwritten outline (when required).
Google Doc history.
Securly classroom history.

NOTE: This essay may be invalidated if you do not provide evidence of authenticity and originality, as indicated in these directions. You will have to start all over again - new prompt, new critical lens, new outline.

An effective "Synthesis Essay"...

Responds to the Prompt

As the writer, you must synthesize the identified sources into a single, clear argument - a thesis that is a direct response to the prompt.

Uses Multiple Sources to Support an Argument

Summarizes and Paraphrases Accurately

When you summarize, focus only on the main points that are relevant to your essay. Always double-check to make sure your summary stays true to the author’s original meaning. AND don't forget to mention the author and title of the work you're summarizing.

Paraphrasing requires you to rewrite the idea in your own unique sentence structure. When you put an author’s idea into your own words, it proves you truly understand the material and helps you maintain your own "voice" throughout the essay. AND don't forget to parenthetically cite what you have paraphrased.

Includes Passages/Quotes

Only use passages/quotes from a source when the wording is truly memorable, significant, or impactful. CAUTION: If you use too many passages/quotes from a source, it can create the impression that you don’t have your own ideas.

Provide your reader with clear transitions to passages/quotes. Let reader know the context for it - who said what and why their statement(s) are credible. See this resource for help: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/

Includes Commentary

Your evidence should flow naturally into your own ideas. After presenting a fact or a quote, always explain how it supports your claim. This is called commentary—the more evidence you provide, the more explanation you need to give to keep your message unified.

Scoring Rubric

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