Synthesis Outline Assignment
Create a detailed outline using specific evidence and analysis from at least two of the three
sources (Quindlen, Lincoln, Leutze) that takes a clear position on how America succeeds despite
being an “improbable idea.” Be sure to analyze how rhetorical devices from your sources support
your position.
I.
a.
b.
II.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
III.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
IV.
a.
b.
Introduction
Hook:
Thesis:
First Point:
Topic sentence:
Example #1 (1-5 word quotes):
Commentary (Analyze the rhetoric):
Commentary (Explain how it supports your position):
Example #2 (1-5 word quotes):
Commentary (Analyze the rhetoric):
Commentary (Explain how it supports your position):
Concluding sentence:
Second Point:
Topic sentence:
Example #1 (1-5 word quotes):
Commentary (Analyze the rhetoric):
Commentary (Explain how it supports your position):
Example #2 (1-5 word quotes):
Commentary (Analyze the rhetoric):
Commentary (Explain how it supports your position):
Concluding sentence:
Conclusion
Summary of evidence:
Why does this matter?
Once you have filled out the outline thoroughly, go back and:



Highlight your points in the thesis statement in different colors and then where they are
demonstrated in your body paragraphs in corresponding colors
Highlight, in a different color, your mention of rhetorical devices
Make sure everything is in Times New Roman, double-spaced with 1 inch margins, and
you have a proper heading
Ms. Irwin, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Molin
English II PAP
Dr. Myers
18 November 2016
Example Using Synthesis Intro Powerpoint
I.
Introduction
a. Hook: In the United States, there is now a profound divide between learning and
Your first paragraph needs to be entirely written out to practice fluency.
education.
b. Thesis: The United States education system does not prepare students for future success
because it no longer holds students accountable for authentic mastery of content and
instead relies on artificial standards to assess student ability.
II.
First Point: No longer holds students accountable
a. Topic sentence: Students‟ easy access to information via the internet and a growing
apathy of students and teachers has resulted in an institution that does not hold students
accountable for their learning.
b. Example #1 (1-5 word quotes): This is demonstrated in The Onion article when the
satirical tone of the speaker is highlighted by the interruption of what should be academic
language with allusions to CliffNote terminology. For example, the author expresses that
the student felt emotional over “plot overviews” and “character flow-charts” instead of
the actual content of the short novel, Of Mice and Men.
c. Commentary (Analyze the rhetoric): While the structure of the article mirrors a highbrow think piece on a student‟s ephemeral experience with a piece of classical literature,
these terms reflect the low-brow content of study aids that are widely familiar to modern
students.
d. Commentary (Explain how it supports your position): This juxtaposition displays the
irony of a student population that has access to more information and potential for
knowledge than any that preceded it, but that the access to this information has instead
made students less responsible for individual and unique thought. What is most shocking
about this article is that when the instructor learns of the student‟s laziness, they mirror
the laziness and apathy of the student. This further demonstrates the argument that
students are not held accountable by themselves or by the educational institutions they
are a part of.
e. Example #2 (1-5 word quotes): The irony of an education system that does not educate
is also shown in the political cartoon in which the graduate demands his dad to “read
[him]” what his diploma says. The image is made even more poignant by the graduate‟s
clear satisfaction with his „accomplishment.‟
f. Commentary (Analyze the rhetoric): The student‟s imperative sentence structure
suggests he feels entitled to receive aid from others instead of humbled to participate in
his own struggle. The celebratory attitude of the picture suggests the apathy of the
institution that has created an incompetent citizen.
g. Commentary (Explain how it supports your position): While the cartoon is intended
as a hyperbole, it highlights a serious problem with the nature of an education
environment that feels comfortable with producing students that have not been held
accountable in their learning.
h. Concluding sentence: Overall, a certain level of apathy has been produced by the
country‟s education system in students and educators alike and it is counterproductive to
Your second paragraph can more so take the shape of an outline, but should still be detailed.
authentic learning.
III.
Second Point: Artificial standards
a. Topic sentence: Pressure on teachers to show student progress on artificial standards,
whether or not it actually exists, fails to encourage authentic student learning.
b. Example #1 (1-5 word quotes): Returning to The Onion article, the professor of the
student expresses that he will end up “randomly assigning” a grade.
c. Commentary (Analyze the rhetoric): Grades can be arbitrary is the message of this
paradoxical statement
i.
Therefore, success can be arbitrary
ii.
Professor‟s comment mirrors the exasperation of teachers that feel forced
to show student progress, whether or not they have made any
d. Commentary (Explain how it supports your position): The educational institution‟s
high pressure testing and results-driven measure of progress has been counter productive
i.
Learning is not actually taking place
ii.
Students and teachers are only learning how to cheat the system in order to
avoid negative consequences
e. Example #2 (1-5 word quotes): In the cartoon the words on the diploma qualify the
student for graduate by “what we call our standards.”
f. Commentary (Analyze the rhetoric): The qualifying statement “what we call”
highlights the superficial credibility of graduation standards in the country.
g. Commentary (Explain how it supports your position): The qualifying statement can
be interpreted two ways
i.
A jab at the base level of standards for graduation that does not challenge
students to learn
ii.
A comment on the institution‟s pressure of meeting standards instead of
producing student learning
iii.
Too much emphasis on measuring student progress via “standards” does
not actually facilitate learning
iv.
Facilitates an arbitrary system of checking items off of a list to mimic
progress.
h. Concluding sentence: Progress on standards and tests do not actually reflect real
learning.
IV.
Conclusion
a. Summary of evidence: Both articles reflect:
i.
Apathy of those participating in the current education system
ii.
Flaws and challenges of the current education system
b. Why does this matter?
i.
Reflection on the American education system is needed
ii.
Make learning a priority again