The Synthesis Checklist

Is it an argument?

Does it have a clear, complex claim?

Is the claim supported by logical reasons?

Are the reasons supported by convincing, sophisticated evidence?

Does the evidence come from an effective variety of sources?

Does the evidence come from college level resources?

Does it explore the subject thoroughly and draw reasonable conclusions?

 

Is the synthesis effective?

Do the synthesis paragraphs support the author’s opinion with direct quotations from two different sources?

Are the sources clearly established (author and author’s ethos, title, date of publication, purpose of source text, context of quotation)?

Are the quotations properly punctuated?

Is the analysis longer than the quotation?

Does the author avoid plagiarism, both intentional and accidental?

Are the non-synthesis paragraphs as thoroughly developed as the synthesis paragraphs?

 

Is it well organized?

Do the ideas come in the best order?

Are the transitions between ideas smooth and logical?

Is the opening precise, specific, and engaging? Is it the intro that only this author can write?

Are paragraphs fully developed with thoroughly analyzed examples?

Does the closing effectively emphasize, elaborate, or illuminate the author’s claim?

 

Is the language interesting?

Does the writer make precise, powerful diction choices?

Does the writer employ rhetorical strategies that engage the reader and emphasize the purpose?

Are appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos balanced, effective, and appropriate for audience and purpose?

Does the writer include a sufficient amount of showing?

Does the writer take risks?

 

Does this look like a college paper?

Does it follow MLA format?

Does it display a college-level control of spelling, grammar, and punctuation?

Did the writer meet the requirements of the assignment, including the nit-picky details?