Synthesis Essay Take notes!

Introduction Paragraph There are three main parts: Hook Transition Thesis Statement

Hook NO Questions!! Purpose: Options for hooks: Grab the reader’s attention Make the reader want to keep reading Options for hooks: Quotes from historical or well-known figures Startling facts (NOT a piece of your evidence!) Thought-provoking statement about your topic NO Questions!! Maintain formal voice: No 1st/2nd person

Transition Purpose: Guide the reader from the hook to the thesis statement. Here, you should provide background information about your topic. What is the core of the debate that is happening around your topic? This would also be a good place to introduce both your argument and the counter.

Thesis Purpose: State the position that you will argue in your paper For this paper, your claim (your position on the prompt question) and your reasons will become your thesis.

Body Paragraph (THINK: Precis) Topic Sentence: Focus your body paragraph & connect to thesis. Clearly state reason/text your paragraph will focus on Evidence: 2-3 pieces per paragraph Text: Direct Quote with set up. If citing more than one text per paragraph, include TAG in set-up Personal: No quotes – describe situation/observation

Body Paragraph (THINK: Precis) Analysis: The MOST important part of your body paragraph! Explain HOW your evidence (whether textual or personal) proves your topic sentence NO LESS THAN 2 sentences (But good analysis is more like 3-5, TBH) Concession/Refutation: Use textual evidence + analysis to refute counterclaim (prove it wrong – therefore it’s still supporting your claim)

Body Paragraph (THINK: Precis) Concluding Sentences: Wrap up your ideas Restate topic sentence Summarize evidence/analysis in a sentence each

Conclusion Three main parts: Restate thesis Summary of main points Call to action/parting thought

Restate Thesis Purpose: Bring the body of your paper back to your thesis statement MUST be a restatement: DO NOT copy and paste the same sentence from your introduction.

Summary of Main Points Purpose: Briefly show how the body of your paper proved your thesis Summarize each body paragraph in one sentence.

Call to Action Purpose: Challenge the reader to DO SOMETHING about “it” (your argument) What is the outcome you want as a result of your claim? “We” is ok here (but still no “you” please) Hint: This is not your claim – this is not where you convince, but where you challenge to action.