Synthesis Essay/Commentary

For an Essay Format, what is the structure?

You start with context, give your main claim (sc1 and sc2 preview). Then write supporting claim 1 fully, give evidence, then commentary. Do the same for supporting claim 2 then also conclude with a summary.

What is the commentary?

Where you make your argument and persuade the reader to agree with your two related ideas.

How to have better analysis in commentary?

Have a stronger supporting claim and thesis. The stronger/more defensible it is, the more you will have to explain.

Order in commentary?

Explain the supporting claim first then explain how it supports the thesis statement.

How to integrate supporting/main claim into commentary?

Use key words/phrases from the thesis statement and supporting claim.

Strong transition words examples:

Use transition words in their context and words that flow nice with the sentence. Don’t just robotically use the same words.

after,eventually,above,accordingally, for that reason, etc.

What transition word should you avoid?

Using “this shows” - robotic and not good

Should your commentary have loaded language?

YES, your commentary should have VERY loaded language when explaining your points.

How to make evidence stronger?

Make it specific to the claim statement instead of just typing in the quote by providing CONTEXT.