Synthesis Essay Outline

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
Topic sentence: (Capture the readers attention. Use a quote, or a description, or anything interesting to hook the reader in.)
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Connecting sentence(s): (Give a little background information about the topic being argued/explain why the topic is controversial.)
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Thesis statement: (Should include the logic behind your argument. Consider including the word because in order to depict your reasons.)
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BODY PARAGARPH #1: Offer support for your argument/thesis.
Topic sentence: (select one of the reasons in support of your thesis to state first.)
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Supportive Explanation: (Write a sentence using a quote from one of your sources that supports your idea. Remember to include the parenthetical
citation.)

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Connection: (write sentence(s) of commentary that explain how the quoted info supports your thesis.)
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Supportive Explanation: (Write a sentence using a quote from one of your sources that supports your idea. Remember to include the parenthetical
citation.)

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Connection: (write sentence(s) of commentary that explain how the quoted info supports your thesis.)
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Conclusion/Transition: (write a sentence that sums up this reason and moves the reader to the next reason.)
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BODY PARAGARPH #2: Offer support for your argument/thesis.

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Connection: (write sentence(s) of commentary that explain how the quoted info supports your thesis.)
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Supportive Explanation: (Write a sentence using a quote from one of your sources that supports your idea. Remember to include the parenthetical
citation.)

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Connection: (write sentence(s) of commentary that explain how the quoted info supports your thesis.)
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Conclusion/Transition: (write a sentence that sums up this reason and moves the reader to the next reason.)
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BODY PARAGARPH #3: Address the counter-argument (Identify the opposing view and present
information that you can use to show how/why your reasons are stronger.)
Topic sentence: (identify the counter-argument.)
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Supportive Explanation: (Write a sentence using a quote from one of your sources that depicts the opposing argument. Remember to include the
parenthetical citation.)

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Commentary: (explain why this reason or idea may be good but is not as valid or as good as your thesis.)
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Supportive Explanation: (Write a sentence using a quote from one of your sources that depicts the opposing argument.. Remember to include the
parenthetical citation.)

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Commentary: (explain why this reason or idea may be good but is not as valid or as good as your thesis.)
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Conclusion/Transition: (write a sentence that sums up this reason and moves the reader to the next reason.)
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CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH: Call the reader to action; remind the reader of your essay why he/she
should agree with you.
Re-state your thesis: (Summarize the argument you are trying to make, by reusing two or three key concept words from your thesis in a different way.)
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Sum up your argument: (Consider using ethos or pathos to play on the sensibilities of the reader of your essay.)
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Clincher: (The final thought should resonate with the reader and not be a sweeping generalization.)
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