Researched Argumentative Synthesis
Write an Argumentative Synthesis on the subject of and using at least 15 of the 20 sources you consulted for the Proposal and Annotated Bibliography and Explanatory Synthesis.
Subject: The argumentative synthesis should be on the subject you identified at the beginning of the semester and should comply with the Argumentative Synthesis requirements in Chapter 5 (p.129-177) of Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum and Argument Writing in Writer’s Help.
Thesis: The thesis should be argumentative (strongly or mildly), relaying your stance on the subject.
Audience: The audience is professionals in your field of study.
Format: Your synthesis should comply with MLA, APA, CMS, or CSE standards.
Length: at least 10 full pages, not including any cover/title page required by your documentation style or a bibliography page
Structure:
Introduction (3/4 to 1 page):
Use one of the methods of introduction identified in chapter 3 (Quotation, Historical Review, Review of a Controversy, From the General to the Specific, From the Specific to the General: Anecdote or Illustration, Question, Statement of Thesis.)
State your thesis (the claim).
Body (cumulative 8 pages):
Give relevant background information on the subject (This part can come from your Explanatory synthesis, but note that your WHOLE explanatory synthesis cannot be copied and pasted into your Argument Synthesis. The introduction and conclusion of your Explanatory Synthesis will have no place in your argumentative synthesis. However, a review of relevant information from sources on the subject will (500 words).
Remind the readers briefly of your thesis.
Develop paragraphs that offer support for your claim by giving reasons for your claim and citing sources to back them up (1,500 words).
Choose one of the methods from chapter 5 for organizing your support.
Climactic order
Logical order (problem/solution, two sides of a controversy, or comparison-and-contrast).
Use logos, ethos, and pathos throughout your argument.
Address and respond to counterclaims/opposing views using counterarguments and concessions (500 words).
Conclusion (3/4 to 1 page):
Use one of the methods of conclusion identified in chapter 3 (Statement of the Subject’s Significance, Call for Further Research, Solution/Recommendation, Anecdote, Quotation, Question, Speculation.)
Remind the reader of your thesis and summarize briefly your main points.
Make a strong last impression on your audience.
Remember:
Your paper should comply with MLA, APA, CS, or CSE standards for documenting sources and document design.
Your essay should be at least 10 full pages, not including any cover/title page required by your documentation style or a bibliography page.
Study the sample argument synthesis on pages 154-161 in Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum.
TIPS FOR SUBMITTING YOUR PAPER:
Submit document as .doc file.
Follow the formatting conventions of your documentation style manual.
Be sure all source information is cited in the text and on a works cited or reference page, as required by your style.
Work your Explanatory Synthesis into your Argument Synthesis as indicated above.
Rough draft for peer review: 7 pages
Completed & final draft for submission: 10 full pages