Synthesis Essay

Texts:

Anthem, Truman Show, "Harrison Bergernon", the lesson of the moth.

Read the following question carefully. We will discuss the way in which this paper is
set up, then you should begin drafting your essay. Your final copy of this essay will
be approximately 2 pages (double spaced) in length. Be sure to focus your essay
with a clear controlling idea and thesis and offer specific textual references to
support your ideas.

Your Task:

Consider the above texts. Write a unified essay about a controlling idea which is
established in three of the pieces. In your essay, establish your controlling idea
with a clear thesis, and use evidence from three texts to develop that idea. Show
how the author uses specific literary elements or techniques to convey his or her
ideas.

Guidelines:

• Use ideas from three texts to establish a controlling idea that is specific and
significant.
• Have a clear thesis which establishes the controlling idea.
• Use specific and relevant evidence from both texts to develop your
controlling idea.
• Show how each author uses specific literary elements (for example theme,
characterization, point of view, symbolism, irony, figurative language,
setting).
• Organize your ideas in a logical and coherent manner
• Use language that communicates effectively
• Follow conventions of standard written English.

Possible controlling ideas:

• Dystopia/Utopia
• Equality
• Standing up for what you believe in
• Going against the norm
• Power struggles
• The value of differences
• The pursuit of love
• Personal Pursuits/journeys
• Contrasting perspectives
• Controlled societies
 • Rebellion

Some Sample Claims/Thesis Statements:

(You must make an argument about the text!)

• The dream of a utopia can result in sheer dystopia.

• Standing up for what you believe in comes at a cost.
• Equality, when interpreted as sameness, is a dangerous thing.
• Power and control requires passive acceptance from society.

Organization:

Your essay will be six paragraphs in length.

• Introduction
- Capture the interest of your reader with a compelling
statement/question/etc
- Introduce your controlling idea and texts
- End with your thesis statement
• Explanation of Text One
• Explanation of Text Two
• Explanation of Text Three
• Conclusion
- Repeat the main ideas of your essay in different words
- Be sure to restate your thesis
 PREWRINTING:

CONTROLLING IDEA
YOU WILL BE
DISCUSSING

THREE TEXTS TO USE 1.

2.

3.

CONNECTION/EXPLANA
TION

TO TEXT ONE

• How does the

controlling idea
relate to this text?
• What elements
does the author
use to demonstrate
this point?
• What theme or
point is the author
making about this
idea?

CONNECTION/EXPLANA
TION

TO TEXT TWO

• How does the

controlling idea
 relate to this text?
• What elements
does the author
use to demonstrate
this point?
• What theme or
point is the author
making about this
idea?

CONNECTION/EXPLANA
TION

TO TEXT THREE

• How does the

controlling idea
relate to this text?
• What elements
does the author
use to demonstrate
this point?

What theme or point is

the author making about
this idea?