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Synthesis Paper: Due To Elearn by 3:00 P.M. On Wednesday, December 9. Prompt
Synthesis Paper: Due To Elearn by 3:00 P.M. On Wednesday, December 9. Prompt
Prompt:
Pope Francis has a called a council of the world’s Catholic thinkers and leaders to determine a “fifth” mark of the church that will
promote diversity, equity, and inclusion—and he’s asked for your ideas! Based on your group’s research into a “new” mark of the
church, individually write a paper that demonstrates to the council why your mark is most needed for the church and/or world
today.
Essay Type:
The form of your essay must be that of a Toulmin argument as discussed in class on Tuesday, November 17. A Toulmin
essay has the following parts:
1. What are you advocating? [In other words, what is your thesis?]
2. Why do you believe that? [What reasons do you have to support your thesis?]
3. Do you have anything to back that up? [What evidence do you have?]
4. But what about . . . ? [How would a “naysayer” respond to your thesis, and what is your reply?]
Sources:
You must cite in substantial and accurate ways at least four scholarly sources (more may be necessary to make your
argument well).
These sources may be the same as those used for your group presentation; however, different or additional sources may be
necessary.
Essay Format
Keep in Mind
Note Well
All the bullet points above are criteria by which this essay will be assessed for grading. Use them as a checklist to help
insure you are submitting your best possible work.
While you have done the research with your group members, the essay’s argument and wording must be your own, and
should reflect your own understanding of the proposed mark of the church and its relevance.
Essays that include plagiarism (e.g., representing someone else’s work as your own and/or failing to properly cite that
work) will earn zero points.