Posted: March 31st, 2023

WRTG391 WA2 Writing Assignment #2: The Six-Source Essay: Expanded Synthesis

WRTG391 WA2 Writing Assignment #2 The Six-Source Essay:

Expanded Synthesis

Summary of assignment

• Task: The six-source essay asks you to synthesize the arguments of six sources • Length: Minimum of 1300 words. The instructor will give you comments on the first

draft and let you know if you need more development beyond 1300 words. • Format: APA • Sources: A total of six sources, all of which you will find through library searches.

Please use the same topic that you used for writing assignment #1. You will continue with the topic you have selected and will conduct additional searches in the library databases, hopefully focus the topic more, and determine the six or more sources to use in this essay.

o Please use only six sources. Please do not incorporate more than six sources into this essay.

Articles to Use for the Essay

For this essay, you will select at least six articles on a topic of your choice. The articles should be on the same topic but feature different perspectives, research methods, opinions, or conclusions about some aspects of the topic.

For example, if you are majoring in cybersecurity, you might locate six articles about the need for improved training for employees on mobile security issues. The six articles might take different angles on the topic. The articles might disagree on certain points, possibly disagreeing on the need for more employee training in this area, how to train employees in this area, or when to integrate training during an employee’s tenure.

To use another example, if you are majoring in criminal justice, you might locate six articles on the CSI Effect. The articles should take different perspectives on the topic. Perhaps three of four of them will say that the CSI Effect exists and one or two will argue that it does not exist. Or perhaps all agree that it exists but they all take slightly different approaches to addressing the problem. Perhaps some were qualitative research studies, others were quantitative research studies, and others were mixed-methods research studies.

Overall, try to determine categories of themes into which you can divide your six articles.

You are strongly encouraged to write on the same topic on which you wrote writing assignment #1. You can simply expand on that topic for writing assignment #2. Please communicate with the professor if you are considering any significant changes in your topic.

Point of view

For this essay, you will use third-person point of view.

Please do not use first person point of view (e.g., “I,” “me,” “we”) in writing this essay.

In addition, please do not use second-person point of view (“you” or “your”) in writing this essay. For example, instead of “Smith argues that, as a director, you have a duty to coordinate cybersecurity efforts…” you would write, “Smith argues that directors have a duty to coordinate cybersecurity efforts…”

APA Style

The paper should be formatted in APA style. The link “APA 7th edition example student paper” from Week 3 will be a helpful resource. In summary, you should observe the following:

• Use one-inch margins.

Double space.

• Use size 12 Times New Roman font. • Include a running head. • Include page numbers. • Include a title page. • Include a “References” page on which you list the articles in APA style • Do not include an abstract. This paper is not long enough to warrant an abstract.

Submitting the assignment:

You will submit a first draft of the essay to the assignment folder. The first draft will not be graded. The instructor will provide comments to it.

After receiving comments from the instructor, you will submit a revised draft. The final draft will be graded.

Helpful Resources

• Kennedy, M.L. and Kennedy, W., “Synthesis,” from Writing in the disciplines: A reader and rhetoric for academic writers. This chapter in in the e-reserves of our class. It provides an excellent description of an exploratory synthesis essay, a literature review, and a thesis-driven synthesis essay.

• Graff, G. and Birkenstein, C., They Say / I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing with Readings. This chapter in in the e-reserves of our class. It mentions various techniques to apply in stating what an author said and your response to the author. It is recommended that you read through that chapter so that you might apply these techniques to this essay.

WRTG391 WA2 Writing Assignment #2: The Six-Source Essay: Expanded Synthesis

Introduction

Welcome to the second phase of your writing assignment! Building upon the groundwork laid in the previous task, you will now embark on crafting a comprehensive six-source essay. In this expanded synthesis, you are encouraged to explore your chosen topic further and delve into various perspectives, research methods, opinions, or conclusions related to the subject matter.

Selecting Relevant Articles

For this essay, you are required to choose six scholarly articles from reputable sources. These articles should center around your chosen topic while presenting diverse viewpoints, research methodologies, or conclusions. Let us consider an example to illustrate this point. Suppose you are majoring in cybersecurity, and your topic revolves around the need for improved training for employees on mobile security issues.

In such a case, your selected articles may tackle the topic from different angles. Some might argue for the urgency of enhanced employee training, while others may dissent, questioning the need for more training or proposing alternative approaches. Additionally, the chosen articles could encompass qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research studies, providing a holistic understanding of the topic.

Categorizing Themes

To enhance the cohesiveness of your essay, endeavor to identify overarching themes or categories that can neatly organize your six sources. By categorizing these themes, you create a roadmap for structuring your essay and promoting a more coherent narrative.

For instance, in the cybersecurity context, you might identify categories like “Employee Training Necessity,” “Training Methods,” and “Training Integration.” Each category should be supported by corresponding articles that share common themes, opinions, or methodologies.

Third-Person Point of View

Maintaining a third-person point of view throughout your essay is vital for ensuring objectivity and academic rigor. Refrain from using first-person pronouns like “I,” “me,” or “we.” Instead, adopt a more impersonal approach, focusing on the arguments and evidence presented in the six sources. As you develop your analysis, remember to steer clear of second-person pronouns (“you” or “your”) as well.

APA Formatting

Your essay should adhere to APA style guidelines for a polished and scholarly presentation. Pay attention to key formatting elements, such as one-inch margins, double spacing, and a 12-point Times New Roman font. Include a running head and page numbers for easy identification. Remember to furnish a title page and a “References” page where you list the six articles in APA style.

Essay Submission Process

This assignment follows a two-step submission process. Begin by submitting a first draft to the assignment folder. This draft will not receive a grade but will be returned with comments from the instructor to aid your revision process. Following the feedback received, you will submit a revised draft as your final version, which will be assessed for grading.

Valuable Resources

To strengthen your synthesis skills and academic writing prowess, consider referring to the following resources:

Kennedy, M.L. and Kennedy, W. (Year). “Synthesis.” In Writing in the Disciplines: A Reader and Rhetoric for Academic Writers. (Publication details).

Graff, G. and Birkenstein, C. (Year). “They Say / I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing with Readings.” (Chapter Title). (Publication details).

By leveraging these resources, you can enhance your ability to create an exploratory synthesis essay, conduct a literature review, and craft a thesis-driven synthesis essay effectively.

Conclusion

As you delve into this expanded synthesis, remember to build upon the foundation of your previous assignment, enriching your analysis with the newfound depth from the six sources you select. Adhere to the APA style guidelines, maintain a third-person perspective, and organize your essay coherently around identified themes. Through meticulous research and skillful writing, your essay will showcase your expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness on the chosen topic, making it a compelling and valuable contribution to your academic journey.

APA References: