Choose three of the short stories we?ve read recently:?A Hunger Artist,?Gooseberries,?Proper Library,?and?Where Are You Goin
ENGL 11
Length: 4-5 Pages (1400-1800 words)
Format: Double spaced, 10-12 pt. font
Synthesis Essay
The goal of this essay is to synthesize, that is blend examples from the short stories we’ve read this semester, in support of your claim (thesis). Choose three of the short stories we’ve read recently: A Hunger Artist, Gooseberries, Proper Library, and Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?
An example of such a theme is that of suffering. In this example you would use any three stories listed above to synthesize the elements of suffering to support that assertion.
Synthesis is more than summary (we are not writing a book report – so do not explain the stories themselves):
1) Synthesis is not just a summary. Synthesis is analysis of the sources to show how they verify your central idea. Maintain your own argument, and only use the stories for examples of what you are arguing. Do this, using at least two examples, for every supporting argument in the essay (so three supporting arguments means you’ll have at least six separate examples from the stories). 2) In synthesis it’s important that you don’t separate the sources into individual support elements (do not use one source per section), but that you combine examples from the sources to build your support.
Example of synthesis in a supporting argument (this is just an example – you should form your own thesis statement and arguments):
Topic sentence 1 – Self-discovery requires risk.
Make some statements about why these risks are necessary, and also what makes them dangerous. Once you establish the argument, use two or three examples from the stories to demonstrate the idea. Lorrie risks disapproval from his family for pursuing a relationship with Rakeem. He risks losing Rakeem over going back to school. At school Lorrie suffers ridicule that makes it hard to succeed. You don’t have to talk about all of these things, however; just pick one to show the risk and why it’s worth it. Then perhaps compare that, using transition language, to show how the Hunger Artist so commits to the identity of a performing artist that his entire self-worth is wrapped up in a dangerous practice that ultimately loses appeal with his fans. He risked it all for a single identity and lost everything. Then follow up these examples in your own words to point back to your argument – that pursuing self-identity requires risk.
The above is just one of three or four separate supporting arguments you need. In each argument maintain at least two examples from different sources that work to show how your topic statement is accurate.
Obviously there are differences between the stories. Depending on your approach, it might be sensible to show opposing examples from the sources so long as together they validate the main point of your argument.
Prewriting steps for this essay include:
1) Re-reading your sources
2) Decide your position
3) Write a strong thesis statement
4) Draft an outline, including: each sub-argument following the thesis and, support for each sub-argument.
Be sure to use your sources to support each of your arguments. Each story has plenty of supporting information to build with.
Some possible themes are:
Suffering as a universal human condition.
Guilt as a motivator.
How privilege limits fulfillment or personal growth
Some aspect regarding class struggle.
None of these are synthesis by themselves, but they might give you a starting point for your focus. The synthesis essay requires thought and familiarity with the material, and as such will require you to think about the ideas in each story as they relate to your own thesis.
In summary: have a claim; support it with at least three arguments; use two or more examples from a mix of the stories to support each argument; stay focused on your claim and do not simply explain the stories (the focus isn’t the stories, it’s your argument. The stories simply provide examples that, when used together exemplify your claim).
See Synthesis Examples Download Synthesis Examplesfor more help (or ask me!)
Other points to remember
Use MLA format including:
A title for your paper
Course information in the upper left-hand corner
In-text citations when quoting
A works cited page (this page does not count as your minimum 4-5 pages).
See here for MLA guidelines (Links to an external site.).
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