instructions of the essay

Essay #1; Summarize, Analyze, Synthesize

Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to accurately summarize the writing of others, to analyze the information, and to synthesize the work of the author into your own text while guiding the reader with a clearly articulated thesis statement. This assignment will help you to refine your rhetorical criticism of sources as you move toward the final research paper.

Assignment: Pdf files of two peer-reviewed, online, academic journal, database articles are accessible by clicking on Course Home to access the Folder titled “Essay #1.” From there, click on each pdf title and download the pdf files to your desktop and print them.

1) Summarize the arguments of ONE article, giving the main ideas. 

2) Analyze the text. Your assignment is to identify the formal features of persuasibility/rhetoric in the text. Identify any subclaims. The analysis section should point out the rhetorical strategies of each text. How does (do) the author(s) prove his or her (their) claims? Appeal to the reader’s logos (reason)? pathos (emotion)? ethos (credibility)? How? What kinds of support are used to back up the argument? Are there any gray areas of persuasion or questions that go unanswered? 

3) Synthesize your observation, your thesis, about the article with respect to the author’s claims and use of supporting material. In other words, you need to provide evidence from the text to explain your thesis, e.g., pointing out strengths and weaknesses that led you to your conclusion. If you choose to argue your view, then you must express your view in response to what each author says. Remember that you are engaging in the conversations of the author. If your essay is nothing more than a diatribe expressing your view on the subject content of the essay that does not incorporate the assigned text, then the purpose of the assignment is not fulfilled, and this will be reflected in the final grade for the assignment.

Requirements: Five-six (5-6) pages typed, double-spaced, MLA format. .doc or .docx files ONLY. No rtf or wpd files. If you use Google docs, publish as a Word file before submission. 

I highly recommend that you visit the Learning Support Center, 4th floor Williams Library, to receive help from a writing tutor before turning in your final draft. Writing Lab info can be found on the syllabus. You may email as many drafts to me as you like, and I give overall comments and feedback; however, you may want to get feedback from a tutor first and then get my feedback. NO ROUGH DRAFT will be turned in for this essay, but remember that essay writing is a process as well as product, and revision of drafts will produce a refined essay.   

FINAL DRAFT Due SUBMITTED TO DROPBOX ON D2L by midnight at the end of the day on September 21st. Under “Assessments” click on Dropbox, and then click on Essay #1 folder. From there you will Add a file, and then click “Submit.” 

Weight: 150 %