Ive attached the instructions, please follow them perfectly. The two articles and ted talks have been linked. Only one ted talk is required.

Synthesis Assignment Instructions for ESL1070

1. Description

A Synthesis Essay examines articles with a similar topic critically, states a personal claim, supports that claim, refutes potential points made by the opposition side, and effectively persuades others. For this assignment students will evaluate solutions to major environmental problems and propose a solution of their own. The essay will begin with an introductory paragraph which introduces the overall topic and ends with a thesis statement. In the body of the essay there will be three summary paragraphs, one for each article, followed by an analysis of the connections (similarities and differences) between them. The student’s own solution to an environmental problem will then be persuasively stated and supported, and possible points of contention will be refuted. A conclusion paragraph will review the main points from the body of the essay before restating the student’s proposed solution.

The synthesis essay is based off two articles and an appropriate, teacher-approved TED talk. If you choose the TED talk from the media lists given by the teacher, you do not need to get the teacher’s approval.

Articles: 

1. How Farmers Are Going to Save Civilization: https://this.org/2009/07/03/permaculture-farming-local-agriculture/

2. Attention Whole Foods Shoppers:

https://foreignpolicy.com/2010/04/26/attention-whole-foods-shoppers/

   TED Talks         Pick ONE only

1. Clea Chandmal: Permaculture – from forest to farm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI3haUOkP-I
2. Louise Fresco: We need to feed the whole world https://www.ted.com/talks/louise_fresco_we_need_to_feed_the_whole_world?language=en

1. Structure

The steps for writing the Synthesis Essay are:

1. Introduction/Thesis Announcement Paragraph (Paragraph 1)
2. The first sentence will introduce the broad topic/environmental problem discussed in the articles.
3. The following sentences should introduce the titles and authors of the 2 readings and a TED talk.
4. The final sentence of the paragraph will state the thesis—the student’s proposed solution to the problem.
5. Summary Paragraphs (Paragraphs 2-4)
6. Each article/video should have its own one paragraph summary.
7. Each summary should start with an introduction sentence and be at least five sentences long.
8. Synthesis Paragraph (Paragraph 5)
9. This paragraph should discuss the connections between the articles (the major or meaningful similarities and differences).
10. This paragraph should critically examine the articles. What do you agree and disagree with?
11. Solution Proposal Paragraph (Paragraph 6)
12. The first sentence should state the thesis. What is the proposal for solving the environmental problem?
13. The following sentences should both provide support for the proposal and explain why opponents who might disagree with it are incorrect.
14. The paragraph should be written persuasively, and should end with a strong conclusion sentence.
15. Conclusion Paragraph (Paragraph 7)
16. The conclusion should begin with a restatement of the thesis/solution.
17. The remainder of the conclusion should summarize the support for the solution.
18. The conclusion should end with a strong conclusion sentence which ties together with the introduction.

• Requirements

1. Length—between 700 – 1,000 words, around 3 to 4 pages
2. MLA Format

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

3. One inch margins, Times New Roman font, size 12 text, double spaced
4. Introductory sentences contain all required publication information (e.g., title, author’s name, date, place of publication)
5. Do not state your opinions using the pronouns I, we, or you.