Argumentative Synthesis

Light, ENG 100

English 100: Argumentative Synthesis

One of the goals of the course is to learn to understand and analyze arguments and become proficient at writing your own argumentative pieces. In order to fulfill this objective, you will write an argumentative synthesis paper.

Your paper will center around an issue of your choosing that is related to literacy. We will take some time during class to generate potential topics for the paper, but you will be responsible for crafting your own argument regarding the topic you choose.

In your paper, you will craft an argument on your topic and support, counter, or provide context for that argument using the sources that we have discussed in class. In any case, your synthesis should use textual evidence (grounds) to support your claims, and that textual evidence should be clearly tied to your claims through the use of warrants. Your paper must be logically organized and convincing. When I have finished reading it, I should have a clear understanding not only of what your argument is but also of how you arrived at that conclusion.

In this paper, you should incorporate at least three sources. The readings should come from those we have read in class, although you are welcome to include an article that you’ve found through your own research. We will discuss how to perform such a search in class.

Some Guidelines:

• You must create a clear, arguable thesis which will guide your paper

• Support the rationale provided in your thesis by providing textual evidence in your paper.

• Make sure there are clear connections between each of your points and the text you have chosen

• Maintain an academic tone throughout your essay whether or not you choose to use “I.”

• Use the texts to support your argument rather than simply summarizing the three texts you are using.

Format:

• 5-6 full pages in length (no essays under 5 full pages will be graded)

• Times New Roman, 12 point normal font

• Double-spaced

• 1” Margins

• Must follow correct MLA format—Works Cited and parenthetical citations