Synthesis Essay

The hardest part of being a writer—for many—is discovering what to say. Sometimes we must go through
an extended process of drafting and revising before we find something we think is worth writing. As E. L.
Doctorow says, “writing […] is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as the headlights, but
you can make the whole trip that way.”

For this assignment, I want you to synthesize three texts that deal with a common issue, perhaps
something we have discussed in class. At least two of the essays, or chapters, should be texts already
assigned for Unit II. You may look through The Blair Reader and the online list of texts related to Deep
Economy for your third text. In the synthesis essay, you should briefly summarize the argument of the
texts you have chosen, explain their implications, and show how the three texts “speak to each other.” I do
not want you to express your own opinion in this paper because trying to be objective will (1) allow you
to understand the arguments of others better and (2) help you practice synthesis before moving on to
evaluation and creation (of your own argument). Read Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning below:

Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning: knowledge, or being able to recall information; comprehension, or

understanding the significance of that information; application, or being able to apply that information in
different situations; analysis, or examining the parts and how they’re related to the whole body of
information; synthesis, or combining different bodies of information; and evaluation, or deciding the
strengths and weaknesses of the information provided. Because synthesis means combining information, I
expect you to use transitions that show how each text’s ideas relate to the others’ ideas. You might try
arranging paragraphs topically instead of by author to help, but transitions within the paragraph will still
be necessary to show how the three texts speak to each other.
Synthesis Essay Rubric

Ideas 50 points
Title is specific, allowing the reader to know what texts
are considered in the essay.
Thesis is arguable and specific enough to be addressed
in 4–6 pages. The essay aims to synthesize the texts as
they relate to a common issue/theme/subject.
Writer responds to ideas presented by the texts, using
them as a starting point for further thought and
questioning.
Writer supports thesis by “staying true” to three texts
(i.e., three essays and a visual), using them as evidence.
This does not mean that the writer must agree with the
texts but that he or she must acknowledge—within
reason—what they “say.”
Essay integrates quotations properly and explains their
significance, developing the ideas presented.
Paraphrases should be paraphrases and not retain texts’
vocabulary or syntax.
Organization 30 points
Essay is well organized with choice material and
connections across paragraphs that guide the reader to
understand the work as a whole.
Sentences transition well from one to another and add
meaning, not unnecessarily repeating ideas already
presented.
Voice 10 points
Writer considers audience’s prior knowledge and
feelings.
Writer maintains a consistent, academic tone.
Conventions 10 points
Essay matches MLA format: pagination, header,
heading, title, works cited, one-inch margins, Times
New Roman, 12-point font.
Grammatical and spelling choices indicate the writer set
aside time to edit and present his or her work
professionally. “Errors” do not hinder the reader’s
understanding of the work.
Assignment Requirements Deductable
Essay is 4–6 pages. Folder includes process materials:
prewriting/brainstorming, drafts with peers’ feedback,
process memo, reflection memo. Ten points will be
deducted if any process materials are missing.
Process materials show substantial improvement
between first and second drafts.

– Below expectations
√– Almost meets expectations
√ Meets expectations
+ Exceeds expectations Total: _________/100