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What is a Synthesis Essay?. Synthesis Essay. A synthesis essay is basically a compare and contrast essay You must look at two passages and connect them by one idea In order to do this, you have to look at how they are the same and different. Two types of questions.
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Synthesis Essay • A synthesis essay is basically a compare and contrast essay • You must look at two passages and connect them by one idea • In order to do this, you have to look at how they are the same and different
Two types of questions • There are three different formats to the types of questions you will be asked: • 1. You will be asked to directly compare and contrast • Ex. Discuss the ways both authors view life in the country.
Two types of questions • 2. You will be asked which is “more”, or of higher value. • Ex. Assess which passage, “The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask…” or “Be-ers and Doers,” shows the more respectful approach of parents to their children. You must refer to both passages in your essay.
Two Types of Questions • You need to be prepared to answer any format in class, on your midterm and on the provincial exam.
Tips on writing Synthesis (handout) • UNDERLINE THE KEY WORDS • This ensures you know exactly what the question is asking. • Ex. Contrastthe relationships that the father in “Wordsmith” and Sam Sing in “The Gold Mountain Coat” have with their children. You must refer to both passages in your essay.
Tips on writing Synthesis (handout) • Answer the question! • Before you start your essay, be able to answer the question in a sentence or two • This will help you develop your paragraphs and create a clear answer
Tips on writing Synthesis (handout) • Use the Planning Page! • Because you have two stories to work with, it is imperative that you organize your thoughts before you write
Tips on writing Synthesis (handout) • You introduction must be flawless • First impressions count here, if you have many grammar mistakes in the first paragraph, they will automatically put you in a lower category in which you have to prove your way up
Synthesis Intro • Your first (or possibly second) sentence should be: In “Title Passage 1” by last name of the author, and “Title of Passage 2” by last name of the author, both passages show…. TAG is very important!
Tips on writing Synthesis (handout) • Quotations must be at the most 8 words • The reader doesn’t want to see how you can quote, they want to see your analysis supported by quotes • Only use quotes that directly relate to your thesis
Tips on writing Synthesis (handout) • Analyze, don’t summarize! • Just like the stand-alone, if you summarize the text, you will get a max score of 3 • Ask yourself “why?” to help you analyze
Tips on writing Synthesis (handout) • 4:1 ratio for explanation to your quotes • Always connect quotes back to your thesis
Tips on writing Synthesis (handout) • Less is more! • Don’t write too much, you will begin to ramble, and will have less time to proofread • Your essay should be between 3-4 paragraphs
Tips on writing Synthesis (handout) • Proofread! • Proofreading could mean the difference 1 point on the 6 point scale, which means 4 extra points on the essay (synthesis essays are out of 24)
Other tips • Always discuss BOTH passages in each paragraph • If you don’t, you will most likely get a 2
Other Tips • - Instead of saying “story”, “poem” or “article”, use the word “passage”. • It applies to all three and saves you from confusing them in your writing. • Ex. In the passage “Country Living”….
