Synthesis

Assert a claim in response to prompt, support it with evidence from multiple provided sources
1. Read and understand the prompt. Paraphrase into your own words to ensure your
understanding.
2. Before looking at a source, create your initial gut reaction thesis.
3. Read and annotate the sources. Identify a thesis and supporting evidence for each as
you go.
a. Does the source refute, support, or qualify your gut reaction?
4. Compare your new understanding to your gut reaction thesis and revise into a working
thesis supportable by the available evidence (still your idea).
5. Outline your argument into subclaims with a combination of sources supporting each.
Make sure you address a counterargument.
a. Have at least 2 pieces of evidence per paragraph.
6. Revise working thesis into a while, ultimately, therefore claim that fits your outline. Make
sure it is still your idea.
7. Write the essay. Cite sources appropriately (author last name).
While… ultimately… therefore…

Rhetorical Analysis
Assert a claim about how an author conveys meaning to reader using language, support it with
evidence from provided passage
In [text], [author] uses [umbrella device] to [persuasive verb + argument]

Argument
Assert a claim in response to a prompt, support it with original evidence
Format: Intro, BP1, BP2, CA, Conc
While… ultimately… therefore…

Rhetorical Devices
● Figures of Speech
○ Epic simile​: extended comparison between 2 unlike objects using like, as,
resembles, than
○ Metaphor​: comparison between 2 unlike objects stating one thing is another
○ Allusion​: reference to something directly or by implication
○ Imagery​: figurative language that appeals to any of the five senses (sight, touch,
taste, feel, hearing)
○ Symbol​: thing that stands for itself as well as something beyond itself, such as an
abstraction
● Repetition
○ Polysyndeton​: use of coordinating conjunctions in rapid succession
■ He ran and jumped and laughed
○ Anaphora​: repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
● Syntax
 ○ Parallel structure​: balance of 2 or more similar words, phrases, clauses
○ Rhetorical question​: question posed for persuasive effect without the expectation
of a reply
○ Isocolon​: phrases or clauses of a sentence are of approximately equal length as
well as similar syntactic structure
● Sound
○ Homonym​: words having the same pronunciation, but different meanings, origins,
or spelling (their, there, they’re)
○ Alliteration​: same letter or sound at beginning of adjacent or closely connected
words
● Emotional Appeal
○ Cataplexis​: scare tactics; discourse that threatens punishment, misfortune, or
disaster
● Narrative Point of View
○ First Person
○ Second Person: imperative mood and pronouns such as you, yours, and your to
address a reader or listener directly
○ Third Person
● Logos​: message- information, argument, reasons, evidence, data, structure
● Ethos​: communicator- credibility, authority, correctness, appearance, eloquence
● Pathos​: audience- beliefs, values, knowledge, experience

Events to Refer To
● Don’t talk about anything political or controversial!
● School shootings
● Me too and times up movements
● College: even though it should be valued at cost, also important to judge the knowledge
and other intellectual growth it provides