Compose a research paper that explains what constitutes plagiarism.Our last task was to read the Unit 1, Project 2: Synthesis assignment prompt. In Project 1, we summarized and responded to one source. For Project 2, we’ll synthesis three sources. If you are continuing on the topic of debunking myths about writers and writing, that means you’ll add two new sources on the same topic as your first Project. Note: If you are continuing the same topic, then these sources should be related to Project 1, so you are only expected to add two new sources and will continue using the source from Project 1. However, your instructor may allow you to select a new topic. Then you will have to brainstorm on a worthwhile and interesting topic, and research three articles related to that topic.
In Essay 1, you created an analytical summary essay and you used one reference source. For Essay 2, you are faced with that same audience (other college students and the instructor), but with one important difference: you will use at least three sources to explain the different perspectives regarding the topic with a point that you developed by synthesizing the ideas from the sources. So while your purpose in Essay 1 was to inform, your purpose in Essay 2 is to persuade.
If you’re wondering what synthesis is, make sure to carefully read this week’s textbook reading, but also think of it as another skill that we use in everyday life. When we are presented with several different opinions or pieces of information about a topic, we consider the ideas and make sense of the parts together. Some examples in real life would be
A police officer interviewing several different people to determine what really happened at the scene of an accident.
Reading the reviews on Amazon or Best Buy to determine why people liked or didn’t like a product and how those opinions might impact your use of the item.
To do so, your argument will draw support from three articles/essays. If you like to write about writing, our class reading from the online textbook, Bad Ideas about Writing, provides suggested thematic groupings and natural pairings of articles, but you may select a new topic and use articles from the internet and at least one from the PGCC databases.
Components of the Synthesis Essay:
Introduction: Your introduction should begin with a hook to gain your reader’s attention, and then transition to your essay’s focus. The introduction should culminate in a thesis statement that presents your argument. For example, there are the myths about writing that these three writers want to dispel.
Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should present one key point in support of your thesis; this key point should be presented at the start of the body paragraph, in the topic sentence. Each body paragraph must incorporate evidence (in the form of summary, paraphrase, or direct quotation) from at least two of the three sources as well as analysis.
Do not organize your paragraphs so that you have one paragraph per source. The goal of this essay is to bring these authors into conversation with one another (and with you!), not to relegate each author to his/her own separate paragraph.
Conclusion: Your conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis. Your expanded thought can take many forms: You might advise your audience on how they can apply this information to their lives or challenge the reader to take action.
1. Formulate restricted, unified, and precise thesis statements for thesis-driven essays
2. Organize essay content into introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs.
3. Construct unified, coherent, and well-developed paragraphs with precise topic sentences.
4. Apply grammar and usage rules correctly.
6. Synthesize multiple sources into an essay to support its thesis.
7. Accurately integrate sources through summary, paraphrase, and direct quotation.
8. Properly document sources through in-text parenthetical and end-of-text bibliographic documentation according to MLA or APA in order to avoid plagiarism.
PURPOSE: Introduces students to the basics of source use and integration using instructor-selected resources from library databases. Introduces synthesis of multiple sources into a single argument. Introduces paraphrase and quotation, as well as source-use requirements for in-text and bibliography citation, especially in relation to plagiarism. Introduces argumentative thesis statements. Reinforces skills in summary, signal phrase use, essay organization, and paragraphing. Reinforces knowledge of rhetorical situation (audience, context, purpose)
GOALS: Students will craft a thesis-driven essay that builds on the concept of the first assignment to summarize and synthesize three argumentative texts (which may be instructor or student selected). Students will join the conversation by synthesizing multiple sources to address the themes or arguments within the topic, rather than simply responding to individual texts. Essays will use a combination of properly integrated summary, paraphrase, and quotation. Do not give individual summaries and critique them one at a time. All cited materials should be synthesized to support your thesis.
Genre Options
Thesis-driven argument that synthesizes multiple texts.
Response
Literature Review
Viewpoint Analysis
Possible multi-modal option
Compare/Contrast Rhetorical Situation
Subject/Topic
Some bad ideas about writing and what to do about them
Intended Audience
College students, instructors, anyone interested in writing
Minimum Requirements:
Source Requirements
3+ argumentative articles from Opposing Viewpoints, Global Issues In Context, or CQ Researcher.
Specifications
Addresses a specific audience
Includes unified paragraphs with clear topic sentences
Includes summaries of the texts, paraphrases, and quotations
Differentiates between the cited source and the analysis
Differentiates between summary/paraphrase and analysis
Uses correct citation style
Synthesis: each claim is supported by multiple sources within individual paragraphs
Includes an argumentative thesis
Includes a properly formatted bibliography (Works Cited or References)
template:
source selections: https://textbooks.lib.wvu.edu/badideas/badideasaboutwriting-book.pdf
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y9rPMSrA66S1xGKzOkfkAtZ3EL5ijB5V/edit
Last Completed Projects
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