Mrs.

Opaleski-DiMeo – English III

Writing Template – Value your notes

I. Introduction – MUST HAVE ALL THREE

A. Hook
B. Context
C. Thesis
II. Body Paragraphs
A. BP #1
1. Topic Sentence #1 (I)*
2. Signal Phrase plus Source #1 (C)
3. Explanation/Elaboration of Source (E)
4. Signal Phrase plus Source #2 (C)
5. Explanation/Elaboration of Source #2 (E)
6. How Sources #1 and #2 tie to your topic sentence and thesis (D)
B. BP #2
1. Transitional Phrase plus Topic Sentence #2 (I)
2. Signal Phrase plus Source #3 (C)
3. Explanation/Elaboration of Source (E)
4. Signal Phrase plus Source #4 (C)
5. Explanation/Elaboration of Source #2 (E)
6. How Sources #3 and #4 tie to your topic sentence and thesis (D)
C. BP #3
1. Transitional Phrase plus Topic Sentence #3 (I)
2. Signal Phrase plus Source #1 (C)
3. Explanation/Elaboration of Source (E)
4. Signal Phrase plus Source #3 (C)
5. Explanation/Elaboration of Source #2 (E)
6. How Sources #1 and #3 tie to your topic sentence and thesis (D)
D. BP#4 REBUTTAL
1. Transitional Phrase plus what other people say against your thesis
2. Transitional Phrase plus why your thesis is right
3. Explanation on why the other side is wrong OR a source to support why
you are right
Mrs. Opaleski-DiMeo – English III

III. Conclusion
A. Connection/Reference back to hook
B. One of the following: call to action, recommendation, predication, results
or consequences

Requirements for Revised Synthesis:

 Proper Introduction (3 parts)

 Minimum of THREE different sources total in the essay
 FOUR body paragraphs that follow the template (meaning a signal phrase plus
minimum of two integrated quotes in proper format) with effective transitions
INCLUDING a refutation paragraph
 Proper Conclusion (2 parts)
 Typed and submitted to Turnitin.com by Friday, October 6th at 7:30 am
 This is a TEST grade – be certain to revise, add a refutation paragraph and show off
all you have learned about writing thus far

*ICED is a strategy to help you expand on your ideas to be certain that all body
paragraphs are fully explained as well as connected to your thesis.

 I – Idea This is the ORIGINAL topic sentence of each body paragraph that directly
and always supports the thesis.

 C – Citation This is the textual evidence that relates to your specific idea in the
body paragraph. This should be a direct quote, embedded quote, or paraphrase
with an internal citation.

 E – Explanation The explanation and expansion of the source/textual evidence in

relation to the topic sentence. Expand on I, the idea, and how C, the citation is a
means of supporting your idea. This should be at least one sentence, often two.

 D – Defense of Thesis

 This last step is the most difficult and one that students most often forget. This is
the last sentence that connects your whole paragraph back to your thesis. How
does this whole paragraph support your thesis?
Mrs. Opaleski-DiMeo – English III

Original Synthesis Prompt Name:

Self-Reflection

Directions: Re-read your first synthesis draft done in class. Now, given that you have had
three weeks of writing instruction, reflect on the following questions. Answer in a
minimum of TWO complete sentences.

1. Based on our work with introductions, what hook strategy will you employ to
engage the reader? How will you close your essay, which “garnish” will you use?
EXPLAIN.

2. Based on our work with transitions (especially transitions between sentences),

what are your ideas for revising so your essay has more cohesion and unity? BE
SPECIFIC (look at the paragraphs and the transitions you selected).

3. Based on our work with quote integration, what are your ideas for revising your
current examples of textual evidence? BE SPECIFIC (i.e. what methods will you
employ? REMEMBER TO VARY)

4. Based on your new knowledge of counterpoint and refutation, what will your
counterpoint be? Write it here.
Mrs. Opaleski-DiMeo – English III

5. What are the strengths of your current draft? Can you enhance them further?

6. What are the areas that need improvement? BE SPECIFIC to the strategy you plan
on using to revise these areas.

7. Is there anything else you could use clarification or further instruction on to

improve your essay? BE SPECIFIC