AGENDA 3/4

Turn in annotated passages from The Great Gatsby today.

SYNTHESIS TIMED WRITE TOMORROW! Bring blue or black ink pens, notebook paper, and any notes or handouts you wish to have.


Click here to print out the Anatomy of a Synthesis Body Paragraph
Here it is, color-coded for your convenience (see samples below!!!)
1. Open with claim
2. Use meaningful ½ sentence and an argument verb to introduce quotation
3. Include “direct quotation” from source packet
4. Give citation in parentheses, followed by period (Source A).
5. Provide analysis of evidence: What does this quotation demonstrate, reveal, or suggest?
6. Reaffirm link to Thesis: How does all of this reinforce and advance your argument?


Sample Body Paragraphs: (COLOR CODED TO ABOVE!!!)
(SPECIAL THANKS to Neda N. for providing the direct quotations via email since I unwittingly left my synthesis packet at school. What a fortuitous circumstance for me that she checked her email and saw my request!)

SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH USING ONE PIECE OF EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF MY THESIS: (thesis--term limits = good)

Two-term limits help safeguard democracy—we can prevent one person from becoming corrupt and amassing too much power. Dennis Roddy, in his article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, argues that "George Washington could have been elected to a third term, but declined it, suggesting two terms of four years were enough for any president.... His two-term example became an unwritten rule in the realm of presidential politics until 1940" (Source A). This implies that two-term limits for the Presidency are essential for promoting unchecked power and preventing corruption. For our government to remain for and by the people, we must ensure that no one man can amass or exert too much power, and so we should not alter the 22nd Amendment.


SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH REFUTING THE COUNTERARGUMENT, MAKING A CONCESSION, AND USING TWO PIECES OF EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF MY THESIS: (thesis--term limits = bad)
NOTE: Same color-coding as above. Language that indicates a counter-argument and refutation is in BOLD.

Some people may think that term limits will prevent corruption and the abuse of power. Dennis Roddy, in his article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, argues that "George Washington could have been elected to a third term, but declined it, suggesting two terms of four years were enough for any president.... His two-term example became an unwritten rule in the realm of presidential politics until 1940" (Source A). Admittedly, term limits would help ensure that ineffective presidents do not remain in power indefinitely, but would also greatly harm America, as term limits would make effective presidents have only a transitory period in office. What the proponents of term limits fail to recognize is that the presidency is a unique position--and those who have held this office have invaluable experience, enabling them to tackle challenges more effectively than someone new would. As former President Bill Clinton asserts, "since people are living much longer...the 22nd Amendment should probably be modified to say two consecutive terms instead of two terms for a lifetime" (Source B). Former President Clinton recognizes that the 22nd Amendment may be outdated given the extended life span of Americans today, and surely knows firsthand how important it is to have someone with experience guiding the country through difficult times. With the removal of the two-term limit on the presidency, we could have the opportunity to re-elect a qualified, effective, experienced candidate when needed. America would benefit greatly from this change.

Old Synthesis handouts:
Notes on Synthesis Essays
Sample student essays on "flag burning amendment"