1. Today’s goals Share initial results of research
Discus the origins and theory of synthesis
Practice creating and critiquing synthesis theses

2. Class discussion- beginning research
What articles did you analyze for blog entry 5?
What are your current viewpoints on your topics? (food and health, education and the economy, sleep and psychological disorders)
What, if anything, have you learned since starting your research?
What are questions you still have that remain unanswered? Where might you find information about these?

3. Class discussion- advanced theses
What are the main strategies for theses we discussed in class?
What else might we have to add or consider for synthesis theses?

4. Hegelian dialectic
Ideas started by philosopher George Hegel (and Kant and Fichte). This philosophical model has also come to be used by education and composition for understanding and refining ideas.
Thesis – intellectual proposition
Antithesis – negation or opposite of the thesis
Synthesis – combination of thesis and antithesis by reconciling common truths

5. Synthesis essay- thesis strategies
Clear
Keep your thesis short, preferably one sentence
Begin your thesis with an independent clause, focusing on the subject of that clause
Eliminate any unnecessary words, clauses, or information
Credible
Do not mention any 1st or 2nd person
Do not include specific source evidence in the thesis itself
Make sure your thesis is perfectly edited
Original:
Use “should” to propose a solution to a specific audience
Use “because” to add unique reasoning to your thesis
Do not repeat the main ideas of your sources, even if you agree with them
Be as specific as possible!
Arguable
Make your thesis contentious
Base your thesis on one side of an issue (determined by your own opinion and knowledge) rather than be objective
Don’t make obvious statements; be surprising

6. Class discussion- Example synthesis theses
What are each of these theses doing well? How could each still be revised?
“Social media can be very beneficial especially when it comes to communication, but people should learn how to manage its usage especially during everyday usage and memorable experiences.”
“Though we rely on technology and the internet, the internet and technology are more helpful than harmful and can in moderation help people socially, economically, and their overall health.”
“The misdiagnosis of ADHD and sleep disorders can lead to irreversible damage that can cause serious behavioral and neurological damage in our growing children, and it should be avoided by providing better training and equipment to the physicians charged with making that distinction.”
“Due to the growing childhood obesity epidemic in America, I believe all Americans should eliminate their consumption of high-fructose corn syrup to prevent future health problems.”

7. Group activity: Synthesis Practice
In your topics groups
Read through the passages on pg 191 and answer the questions below (*adapted from pg. 192)
How does the author of passage 1 feel about boomerang kids? How does he advocate treating them?
How dopes the author of passage 2 feel about boomerang kids? How does she advocate treating them?
What is your group’s position on boomerang kids? (Can be answered individually if opinions differ)
What is a possible thesis you could synthesize from these two texts that reflects your knowledge from reading both articles?

8. Synthesis essay- structure 1
Introduction
Hook
Thesis
Forecasting
Summary
Summary of the main points of each article
Explain how these articles and their data relate/agree/disagree with your thesis
(This section can occur before or after the regular introduction but must be before the body paragraphs)
Body paragraphs (organized around points supporting your thesis)
Should support/prove your thesis
Must match up with the forecasting in you introduction
Should rely on your sources for data and quotes
Conclusion

9. Synthesis essay- structure 2
Introduction
Hook
Thesis
Forecasting (based on articles that will be used)
Source 1
Summary of source
Explain how this article and its data relates/agrees/disagrees with your thesis
Source 2
Source 3-4, etc
Conclusion

10. homework
Read A&B