Will give brainliest! Write a synthesis essay that takes a stand on the issue referenced in the sources of your text, The Language of Composition. Synthesize at least three sources for support.
3rd edition students: Read pages 138-166 of The Language of Composition, and take notes in your eNotes.
Write a synthesis essay that takes a stand on the issue referenced in the sources on pp. 167–175.
2nd edition students: Read pages 145-166 of The Language of Composition, and take notes in your eNotes.
Use the issue referenced in the sources on pp. 166–74 to draft your synthesis essay.
1st edition students: Read pages 72-85 of The Language of Composition, and take notes in your eNotes.
Use the issue referenced in the sources on pp. 72-85 to draft your synthesis essay.

Explanation:

Synthesis

Process of developing your own informed opinion by creating a measured response that considers multiple perspectives and possibilities; Not a summary

Entering a Conversation

Carefully reading and understanding the perspectives and ideas surrounding an issue, examining your own ideas on the matter, and then synthesizing these views into a more informed position than the one you began with

Bias

When you are learning about a subject, look for reliable sources; No personal gain for the author

Using Sources to Inform an Argument

Sources should enhance, not replace, your argument; Sources should demonstrate your understanding of opposing positions; "What you have to say is the main event; your position is central"

"Seabiscuit" by Laura Hillenbrand

A champion racehorse beats the odds; Hillenbrand maintains her own voice although she uses some works from experts; She turned to authorities-sources-to deepen and supplement her own knowledge about the mechanics and physics of how a racehorse and a jockey move as one entity

"A Level Playing Field: African American Athletes and Republic of SPorts" by Gerald L. Early

Passage about the complex character of Jackie Robinson who was the first black athlete in MLB

Using Sources to Appeal to an Audience

A writer must analyse the rhetorical situation in order to determine what sources and documentation is appropriate; Type of evidence depends on audience and situation

Using Sources to Appeal to a general audience of readers interested primarily in understanding the basics of Pinker's ideas

No formal sources cited

Technical terms are introduced but not cited to academic origin

Does no go into research that led to conclusion

Goal is to inform readers and keep moving

Ex. Words Don't Mean What They Mean

Using Sources to Appeal to a general audience of readers interested in exploring his subject more deeply

Citation of sources becomes correspondingly more extensive and formal

Audience has some interest in this topic - they have chosen to read about the subject

Summarizing the latest thinking, but introducing terminology common to the subject

Fully and formally cites his sources using endnotes

Ex. "Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature" by Steven Pinker

Using Sources to Appeal to a academic audience of researchers and scholars who bring a good deal of prior knowledge to the text

Sources are embedded throughout the work for direct reference

Sources are other scholarly works

Works cited page at the end

Seems more authoritative

Ex. "The Evolutionary Social Psychology of Off-Record Indirect Speech Acts" by Steven Pinker

Conversation: Mandatory Community Service

Prompt: Using the following documents on community service requirements in high schools, write an essay explaining whether you believe that high schools in general-or your specific school or district-should make community service mandatory. Incorporate references to or quotations from a minimum of three of these sources in your essay

Writing a Synthesis Essay

1. Read and analyze sources and make connections

2. Identify issues in the sources (contradictions, bias, relevancy, etc.)

3. Select which sources you want to integrate into your essay

4. Consider complexities - do not develop a one-sided argument

5. Formulate your position (thesis and claim)

6. Integrating quotes-make it clear and interesting-smooth transition

7. Citing sources: MLA format and a works cited page

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Identifying the Issues: Recognizing Complexity

You might not be able to change a reader's mind, but you want to aim for a compelling argument that leaves the reader thinking, questioning, considering, and reconsidering

Acknowledge issues at hand as a complex one with no easy solutions and a variety of valid perspectives on the matter

Present a reasonable idea that is logical, sincere and informered

Anticipate objections

Formulating Your Position

Make sure you take stock of the issues at hand

Do not make your argument polarized or one-sided

Formulate a thesis or claim that captures the position on the topic

Clear focus while acknowledging the complexity of issue

Framing Quotations

When writing sources, do not simply summarize or paraphrase sources

Include a sentence or two of explanation or commentary with each quote

Use a lead-in sentence and/or sentence or two of commentary to remind readers of the point and how to quote reinforces it

Integrating Quotations

Incorporate quotations in a way that is clear and interesting

Transition from your voice to other's words smoothly and naturally

Citing Sources

Keep track of sources used for your reader

Timed writing only needs source number or author's name in parentheses

Paraphrasing needs citation

Formal writing needs MLA documentation, including a works cited page

A Sample Synthesis Essay

A brief synthesis essay about community services that includes all the above points