For the synthesis, you should find two other sources related to your research question/problem. You will be writing a synthesis essay of at least 750 words. In general, for a synthesis essay you will be comparing and contrasting two sources and then integrating your thoughts on the sources with your own views. There is a sample synthesis essay on pp. 320-323 of ABW.

On Friday, May 21, you should bring your synthesis to class for peer review. The final draft will be due by the last day of class at midnight, and as always you should include a process letter with your essay.

I will consider the following criteria when grading your essay:

(1) What background information has the author included about the topic of the two sources?

(2) The author should include succinct summaries of their two sources. How should the summaries be changed to make them better?

(3) After the summaries, the writers should have their thesis statement. What is the essay's thesis statement? Does the thesis statement include all of the following: a synthesis point; an analytical point; and the writer's own views?

(4) Do each of the body paragraphs develop some aspect of the thesis? In what places should the author include more specific textual evidence to support their points? Has the author followed MLA rules throughout?

(5) Does the conclusion adequately wrap up the paper?

(6) Finally, consider any spelling, grammar, or fluency problems you may find.

After you have received online feedback from your peers, use the feedback to revise your essay and then email your revised synthesis with a PROCESS LETTER to the instructor by midnight on Monday, May 24. Your synthesis will be graded based on the criteria listed in the peer review questions above.