foundation for an effective source-based argument Synthesis Essay: The Evidential Block

Transcription

1 synthesis essays the evidential block foundation for an effective source-based argument

2 what is an evidential block? It is usually a single paragraph that contains a claim, evidence, and analysis of the evidence. It is the space in your essay where you present, evince, and analyze your claims. While claim and evidence are essential, the focus is on analysis of said evidence. (In synthesis, evidence is from source material) It is argumentative and specific to the text in question.

3 evidential block (synth): part one These examples are taken from the released exam from This sample is from the anchor paper given a score of 8. For more examples or to see anchor papers with other scores, go to: public/repository/ap11_english_language_q1.pdf The Claim: is one of the primary points in your argument- one reason your thesis is valid is aligned with the requirements of the prompt is argumentative: can be refuted supports your position on the issue The nutritional value of food grown locally is far superior to that of alien products shipped over oceans, countries, and borders. Prompt: Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources

4 evidential block (synth): part two These examples are taken from the released exam from This sample is from the anchor paper given a score of 8. For more examples or to see anchor papers with other scores, go to: public/repository/ap11_english_language_q1.pdf The Evidence: is specific quotation(s) or paraphrased section(s) from the sources is a clear, relevant example of your position, specifically supporting your claim (even if you are refuting via counter) is properly cited (by source name or letter) is properly formatted and punctuated The majority of food at the [farmer s] market was harvested less than 24 hours ago (source A), which has several implications. First, the food has had less time off the vine to lose its nutrition (source B*). Prompt: Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources

5 evidential block (synth): part three These examples are taken from the released exam from This sample is from the anchor paper given a score of 8. For more examples or to see anchor papers with other scores, go to: public/repository/ap11_english_language_q1.pdf The Analysis: explains how or why the evidence supports the claim explains how or why the evidence supports the overall position explains how or why the claim supports the overall position Sample analysis next slide Prompt: Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources

6 evidential block (synth): part three The Analysis: * Even though we may not be malnourished, and although healthy choices can be made with both produce grown in Flippin, Arkansas and Central America, local food is better; when given the choice between five dollars and ten dollars, the obvious decision would be the ten dollars because it is simply worth more, just as a local orange is worth more to your health than a foreign orange. Second, fresh produce tastes better. One strawberry vender at the local market recently sold me a carton with a swift wink and a tip of his hat. Come back tomorrow and tell me what you think, he said. The strawberries were unbelieveable. Certainly, the Walmart brand may be good, but the local brand is unbeatable. Prompt: Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources

7 evidential block (synth: repair) This student sample is consistent with the repair model of analysis. See next slide for a challenge. Prompt: Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources The nutritional value of food grown locally is far superior to that of alien products shipped over oceans, countries, and borders. The majority of food at the [farmer s] market was harvested less than 24 hours ago (source A), which has several implications. First, the food has had less time off the vine to lose its nutrition (source B). Even though we may not be malnourished, and although healthy choices can be made with both produce grown in Flippin, Arkansas and Central America, local food is better; when given the choice between five dollars and ten dollars, the obvious decision would be the ten dollars because it is simply worth more, just as a local orange is worth more to your health than a foreign orange. Second, fresh produce tastes better. One strawberry vender at the local market recently sold me a carton with a swift wink and a tip of his hat. Come back tomorrow and tell me what you think, he said. The strawberries were unbelieveable. Certainly, the Walmart brand may be good, but the local brand is unbeatable.

8 evidential block (synth: challenge) This student sample is consistent with the challenge model of analysis. See previous slide for a repair. Prompt: Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources...locavores enrich their local economies. Small farmers benefit from consumers who choose them over Walmart s aisles of imports, and these small farmers are getting help from the government (Source E). While some argue that buying local threatens small farmers elsewhere in the world, such as Kenya (Source C), they ignore that if everyone bought local food, everyone s local economies would improve. The Kenyan farmers are in close proximity to an area of the world where people are malnourished - their beans could stay local, or at least closer and [more] local than England, and save lives. Can be developed further: Government help argument How loss of international buyer mitigated by local Crop variety argument