Synthesis Essay: Media & Society

Unit 1 Essay 1

Analyze one of the articles on either smartphones or social media for how well it provides facts to
support the opinions of the author, and then support, refute, or modify the author’s position.

In this 750 word essay, you will need to argue a nuanced position regarding smartphones or social
media in our society. Obviously, smartphones and social media aren’t going anywhere, so it’s pointless
to argue that we should get rid of them. Equally obvious is the fact that smartphones and social media
both have some serious detrimental effects on users and on society. Using one or two of the articles we
read, write a short argument supporting, refuting, or modifying the author’s position based on your
experience.

For example, you would analyze how Carr made his points, and you might modify his position. A
thesis statement for this essay might say “While Carr’s tone and use of data compromised his ability to
reach out to older readers, he identifies an how the use of smartphones compromises our ability to
critically think, a vital component of any democracy.” The essay that would follow would have two
paragraphs that analyzed Carr’s tone and use of data, which would then identify why this is still an
issue, and would proposed some solutions that would connect to education and democracy.

The Basics
 MLA Format with Times New Roman  Clear thesis
12 pt font and 1” margins  Different types of evidence
 Title and Works Cited Page  Analysis
 750 words  Argument

Steps

1. Choose an article, re-read it to be sure you understand it, and isolate its major claim(s).
Annotate (or use sticky notes) to identify places where the author uses particular rhetorical
strategies and appeals.

2. Identify what types of evidence the author uses and how s/he connects different types of
evidence. Identify how s/he connects the evidence back to the main claim(s).

3. Decide on your position in relation to the article. Note areas in which you agree or disagree.

4. Collect your own evidence. Think of examples from your own life, and you may also choose to
look up statistics that will support your points.

5. Write a thesis statement that identifies your argument, lays out a roadmap for the reader, and
answers the “so what?” question. You may alter it after you have developed your essay.

6. As you write, remember to balance analysis and argument. Your analysis should support your
argument, and your argument should use your analysis as evidence.