Synthesis Facilitation Project

how to write an Argument

• 1) Prewrite
• 2) Write
• 3) Edit
• 4) Proofread
• Avoid over using words like "often", "usually", and "sometimes"
• Make sure your possition is stated clearly
• A rebuttal completes an effective argument

where to place your position

• The location of your position statement is flexible, you can place it in your thesis, following the context, or near the end of your thesis

pOSITION

• BEFORE THESIS: Create context and background information on the subject for the reader
• The intro is the most important part of your essay, it should grab the readers attention immediately!!!

position

• Basic Intro Strategies:
• 1) Anecdote
• 2) Quotation
• 3) Definition
• 4) Rhetorical Question

Supporting position

• When writing your essay you must keep in mind that the body paragraphs, should support your main idea and what you are trying to prove with the examples that you are providing. You should have strong examples, facts, and useful data that ties back to your thesis, enforces your main argument, and convinces your audience towards your point of view.

supporting position

• Always re-read your work to assure that your evidence is not irrelevant and that it strongly supports your main argument and successfully enforces your voice. Don’t be scared to cross pieces of evident out, and replace them with better choices that positively affect your paper.

evidence

• Always aim to have three reasons that support your thesis and main idea. For example: in the example prompt they ask you to analyze if celebrities should have their private lives like ordinary citizens, or if they should have to pay the price of fame and it be allowed to be exposed.

evidence

• If you believe that celebrities should have to pay the price of fame for example, you would pick the adequate sources and back it up strong reasons. Make sure that you pick relevant, concrete reasons, which impact the reader and convince them to your reasons.

refuting opposing viewpoints

• A key aspect of all good essay is the refutation of opposing viewpoints. This writing strategy involves the writer coming up with coherent arguments that the opposing side may make and then refuting them or “breaking them down”.

REFUTING OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS

• This adds Credibility to the writer since it conveys that the writer has taken both sides of the argument into consideration and through his or her thought process he or she has been able to choose a side and successfully back up his/her position.

counterargument

• The counter argument has no set place to be in. The Counter argument must be put wherever it makes the greatest impact on the essay. Depending on the organization of the essay this may be in the conclusion paragraph or sentence. Or earlier on in the essay.

COUNTERARGUMENT

• Another way of incorporating the counter argument could be by gradually introducing it in all of you paragraphs. And as your essay becomes developed you continue to refute these counter arguments.

Sample synthesis essay question

• The U.S. Constitution makes no explicit mention of the right to privacy. The courts, however, have recognized that privacy is a fundamental right in a free society. Yet, public figures-from politicians to athletes to entertainers-often have their private lives revealed by the media.

sample synthesis essay question

• Is this fair? Shouldn't celebrities enjoy as much privacy as ordinary citizens? Or should they expect to pay a price for fame by having details of their private lives made public? Is the publics right to know stronger then the right of celebrities to maintain their privacy?

Sample synthesis essay question

• Carefully read the following six sources, including the material that introduces each source. Then, in an essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources, take a position on the claim that celebrities have the same right to privacy enjoyed by other citizens.

citing sources

• Don't cite the source that gives everyday factual material that is known by most people.
• There are many ways to acknowledge sources, but on the AP exam you need no more than a brief parenthetical reference.

Citing sources

• For Example:
• According to a school psychologist, "Some children may be better off if they escape their parents' grip, healthier if they grow up wild and free and sort of things out on their own" (source A).

citing sources

• Another Example:
• One panel member summed up the conflict by saying "Young people want a larger share in the decision-making about their lives" (Collins)

incorporating sources

• You must incorporate at least 3 sources, but remember that you will not get extra credit for adding more
• The simplest way to use a source is to state your position and then back it up with evidence from a source

let's recap