Synthesis vs Rhetorical Analysis Mr Eisner November 28

Synthesis vs. Rhetorical Analysis Mr. Eisner November 28, 2017 AP English Language

Synthesis Definition: The combination of ideas to form a theory or system syn = together thesis = placement

The Essay Appears first on exam. Is argumentative. You will make an argument on a given statement (such as “The last wild spaces in the United States should be preserved”). You will read 6 or 7 documents These may include graphs, charts, images (cartoons, ads), short opinion pieces. You will choose at least 3 of these documents to support your argument, and will reference these documents (much the same way you quote a rhetorical text for the analysis essay. )

Contrast Rhetorical Analysis Synthesis 40 minutes 55 minutes (15 extra minutes to read 6 -7 documents). Analyze author’s purpose by examining rhetorical strategies Create an argument on a given topic using sources provided. Quotes text liberally Quotes texts liberally. Focuses solely on the passage May include additional information Contains no counterargument Must contain a counterargument Asserts position early on Has intro, body, and conclusion structure (4 -5 paragraphs) Has intro, body, conclusion structure (4 -5 paragraphs).

Determining a Thesis You will be given a specific statement on a topic. First thing you should do is underline that statement on the topic. After reading the documents, you will determine your position. State your position by using language which clearly defines your position. Are you for, against, or somewhere in the middle?

Choosing Your Documents Once you have determined your position on the topic, you must choose at least 2 sources that will help support that position. What facts or other information will help you to logically prove you argument? Not all sources are equal. Choose the ones that best fit your purpose.

Counterarguments and Rebuttals You must choose at least 1 source that will help you develop your counterargument. A counterargument is what the opposing side believes on the issue. Why address the counterargument? Shows that you understand the opposing side’s point of view. Shows why the opposing side’s argument is weak or false. You must rebut the counterargument. After addressing the opposing side’s claim, you will show why that claim is weak or false by using information from one of your sources or logic to disprove that claim. Doing this not only helps to disprove the opposing side’s argument, it helps to prove your argument. A “claim” is an assertion unsupported by evidence.

Sample Outline (organized by Source) Like with the rhetorical analysis essay, you must decide the best format for organizing your work. You may decide to use only one source per paragraph, or multiple. This outline uses one source per paragraph. Introduction Brief background on the topic. Acknowledge the statement on the topic. Identify your position on the statement (agree, disagree, qualify). Body 1 Source 1—Claim 1 Evidence to support the claim Commentary to support evidence More evidence to support claim Commentary to support evidence Body 2 (Same as Body 1) Conclusion Source 3—Counterargument Address the counterargument Evidence from text Rebuttal to opposing side’s evidence. How this rebuttal to the counterargument further supports your argument. Evidence from another text to prove your counterargument. Closing statement

Sample Outline (organized by claim) Intro (same) Body 1 Claim 1 Source A Commentary Source B Commentary Body 2 (same as Body 1) Counterargument 1 Source C Rebuttal/ Commentary Evidence supporting your counterargument (Source D) Closing statement

Questions?

Let’s Take a Look At A Prompt Locavores are people who have decided to eat locally grown or produced products as much as possible. With an eye to nutrition as well as sustainability (resource use that preserves the environment), the locavore movement has become widespread over the past decade. Imagine that a community is considering organizing a locavore movement. Carefully read the following seven sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed essay that identifies the key issues associated with the locavore movement and examines their implications for the community. Make sure that your argument is central; use the sources to illustrate and support your reasoning. Avoid merely summarizing the sources. Indicate clearly which sources you are drawing from, whether through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. You may cite the sources as Source A, Source B, etc. , or by using the descriptions in parentheses. What does the prompt ask you to argue? Which sources will best support each argument? Which particular information from each source will be helpful in developing an argument? As you read, fill out the worksheet to assist you in preparing for your essay. You will be asked to choose a side, create an argument, support the argument with evidence, and address and rebut the counterargument.