Adapted from: Cheryl Hoy

GSW 1120

Essay # 2: Multiple Source Assignment # 1

Task/Objective
For your second essay, you will be synthesizing information from five or more sources to support your position
of an issue.
Preparation
Read Chapter 4 Explanatory Synthesis and Chapter 5 Argument Syntheis, in WARAC. Read Chapter 18
Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting Sources and Chapter 19 Synthesizing Sources in Kirzner &
Mandells The Brief Wadsworth Handbook.
Topic Choice
You must develop an issue based off only the ten articles found in WARAC, Chapter 10 The Changing
Landscape of Work in the Twenty-first Century and the list of seven approved sources listed below:
These outside sources come from Jerome Librarys EBSCO Academic Search Complete and reputable websites,
resources that student may choose to use for future essay writing.

Did You Know: Shift Happens video on globalization in the Information Age (http://youtu.be/ljbI363A2Q)

Sandra Beasleys Robo-Nation from EBSCO Academic Search Complete (http://0search.ebscohost.com.maurice.bgsu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=25502194&site=ehostlive&scope=site)

Vijay Kumars Ted Talk video Robots That FlyAnd Cooperate

(http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/vijay_kumar_robots_that_fly_and_cooperate.html)

Lindsay Blackwell embracing technology video: http://www.dearlisarudgers.com/

Interview on The Employable website (http://theemployable.com/2012/02/20/the-end-of-dear-lisarudgers-we-interview-the-job-seeker-who-launched-an-internet-campaign-to-get-her-dream-job/)

Nigel Marshs Ted Talk How To Make Work-Life Balance Work

(http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/nigel_marsh_how_to_make_work_life_balance_work.html)

Brendan I. Koerners article Coming Home (http://0search.ebscohost.com.maurice.bgsu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=67262086&site=ehostlive&scope=site

Structure or Organization
Introductory Paragraph(s)
An effective hook which makes the reader want to read the rest of the essay (i.e. an anecdote, a surprising
example or statistic, a memorable quote) and general information on the topic that leads to your thesis. The
thesis must be argumentative and should include your points/reasons that support your argument.
Point/Reason Paragraphs
Topic sentence --your point/reason in your own words, not from source --reflects what the paragraph is about -serves as a transition between points/reasons
Explain your point first
Then, incorporate sources (at least 2 different ones) --introduce sources used for the first time--full name,
information on author(s), name of work, etc.; once they're introduced the first time, you may refer to just their
last name(s) --discuss the source info you integrate (explain what the author means, its relationship to your
point/argument); don't just "stick" your quote in (no stand-alone quotes); remember to cite source info. Use
words to signal synthesis between sources and between sources and your argument. Wrap up your point in your
own words, not a source's.
Tie discussion back to your point of argument.
Counter-arguments
What does your opposition say about your argument as a whole or some of your main points/reasons that
support your argument? Explain how they disagree with you in a counter-argument paragraph.
Place counter-argument either before or after the point/reason that it addresses or if it is a counter-argument to
your argument as a whole, place it after your introduction
You must either refute (argue back) or concede (make concession that they bring up a valid point but that your
argument is still the most reasonable for certain reasons) the counter-arguments.
Make it clear to the reader that someone else is presenting the counter argument and also make it clear that
you are speaking when the answer to the counter argument begins.
Concluding Paragraph
Wrap up your argument
Highlight/Remind readers of your main points
Explain why your argument is important or should be considered
Consider pointing out consequences if your argument isn't considered

Checklist for your Multiple Source essay

Has a clear and debatable thesis--not stating a topic or making an assertion.
The focus is on an argument--not a descriptive or informative focus.
Is organized according to points and not around sources.
Shows a true synthesis and integration of sources.
Sources are not used to argue the thesis, but used for support of your argument.
Shows your involvement in the debate of the issue--the sources do not dominate the essay.
Includes all the elements of an argumentative essay.
Consistently maintains a reasonable tone and attitude--no ranting or raving.
Reads clearly, logically, smoothly, and coherently.

Due Dates for the Multiple Source essay

1. Typed Initial Proposaldue noon, Thursday (2/5)
4. Typed Rough draftdue noon, Thursday (2/12)
6. Final typed draftdue noon, Thursday (2/26) (rubric due in class 2/25).
Format / Length
The essay should be approximately 4 + pages, word-processed or typed, double-spaced using MLA page
format. The works cited page does not count toward 4 pages; itll be page 6. Use one-inch margins on all
sides of the pages, standard 12-pt. font. No handwritten, sloppily presented, or late work will be accepted.

Required:
You must have at least 5 cited sources for this essay. All sources must be a combination of articles only
from WARAC , Chapter 7 The Changing Landscape of Work in the Twenty-first Century the list of
approved library database articles.
You must document (MLA style) your sources parenthetically and on a works-cited page. Follow the MLA
documentation.

Important: Save all your prewriting, including the research proposal, assignment sheet, note synthesis sheets,
source annotations, peer review worksheets, and all rough drafts, including the rough draft with my comments.
You must submit these, along with your self-evaluation sheet and final draft, and during the portfolio
submission.

Final Comments
Final drafts receive final evaluations; however, a revised final draft can be submitted within one week after the
finals are returned in class. I encourage you to schedule conferences with me and/or with a Writing Center
tutor, as you need assistance with your essay.

Good Luck! Start early! Revise often!