Synthesis Skills
This must be in every synthesis essay in addition to your argument
What is at least 3 sources?
The parts of a rhetorical situation
What is the context, purpose, audience, speaker, and message of a text?
This is the key to writing a defensible thesis for an argument essay
What is to clearly state a position that can be supported with reasoning and evidence
This is why a line of reasoning important in all three FRQs
What is to create coherence and ensures that each paragraph logically builds on the one before?
Pollution is bad for the environment.
What is nah?
Define "qualify" in the context of a synthesis prompt.
What is to agree with part of an argument and disagree with another, presenting a nuanced stance.
This is why a writer might use repetition in their speech
What is to emphasizes a key idea and can create rhythm or build emotional impact
This is the definition of “line of reasoning”
What is a logical progression of ideas that supports the writer’s thesis?
This is the role transitions play in the line of reasoning
What is to guide the reader and connect ideas clearly?
While some argue that standardized tests are a fair measure of intelligence, they fail to account for creativity and socioeconomic factors.
What is yea?
This is the best way to avoid summarizing sources
What is using source material to support your claims, not as the claims themselves
This is the purpose of using ethos in an argument
What is to establish credibility or authority with the audience?
This is at least two types of evidence you can use in the argument essay.
What are historical examples, current events, literature, personal experience, etc.?
This is how you can check for a weak line of reasoning in your draft
What is asking if each paragraph clearly ties back to the thesis and builds the argument?
Technology is everywhere in today’s society.
What is nah?
This is how you can signal integration of sources effectively
What is embedded quotations?
This is how diction contribute to a writer’s tone
What is to reflects emotional attitude, impacting how the message is received?
This is a concession and this is how it strengthen your argument
What is acknowledging the opposing side to show complexity?
This is it mean to “extend” a line of reasoning in the conclusion
What is to reinforce your claim and show broader implications or relevance
The author uses repetition and irony to critique consumer culture and persuade readers to reflect on their values.
What is yea
This is the one common trap in the synthesis essay that can lower your score
What is relying too heavily on sources without developing your own argument?
This is what a strong rhetorical analysis paragraph includes
What are a claim, textual evidence, an analysis of rhetorical choices, and how those choices achieve the purpose.
This is one of the ways you can avoid a simplistic argument
What is addressing nuances, qualify ideas, and/or develop sophisticated commentary?
This is how counterclaims affect your line of reasoning
What is strengthen your argument when addressed thoughtfully and rebutted effectively?
Although graffiti is often dismissed as vandalism, it can be a legitimate form of political expression that challenges authority.
What is yea?