AP Language 2013

Abeshaus

POVERTY

Synthesis Essay

Directions: The following prompt is based on the accompanying sources.

This question requires you to synthesize a variety of sources into a coherent well-written essay. Refer to the sources to support your position; avoid mere paraphrase or summary. Your argument should be central; the sources should support this argument.

Remember to attribute both direct and indirect citations using accurate MLA citation format.

Introduction

Is it the niggardliness of nature or the injustice of human beings that causes poverty?

Readings for Writers, Jo Ray McCuen & Anthony C. Winkler (593)

Use the sources below to explore some important aspects of poverty toward understanding its roots and effects.

Assignment

Read the following sources (including any introductory information) carefully. Then, in an essay that synthesizes at least five of the sources for support, take a position either 1) on what contributes to poverty OR 2) on what solutions are available for addressing poverty.Be sure to define abstract terms and to provide a clear focus to your argument. Note: your actual focus is up to you; just make sure that you narrow the scope of your argument to a manageable size and that you do not oversimplify.

Learning Objectives:

  • Argue: create a clear and focused argument, supporting your claims with valid and appropriate evidence

Organizational Options

  • Yes/No . . . Then list examples (Agree/Disagree)
  • (Re)Definition of key term in prompt
  • Consequence: defining the consequences of the issue at hand
  • Yes . . . But (qualified argument)
  • Narrative (not appropriate for an entire argument essay)
  • Analyze and Evaluate Sources: determine the credibility and applicability of various assigned sources
  • Synthesize: pull pertinent and credible information from multiple sources into one coherent argument

The standard essay criteria applies:

  1. Thematic statement: with a subject as broad as poverty, you need to focus on one specific angle of the problem. That angle is completely up to you as long as you specify your parameters.
  2. Briefly set the context, providing any relevant background information
  3. Identify the argument, indicating your stand (even if by implication)
  4. Indicate your organization
  5. Summarizethe argument and build argument as presented by sources (without editorializing). Create a strong chain of reasoning.
  6. Support each step in your argument with evidence from your sources.
  7. Analyzesources in terms of how their argument is presented (rhetorical strategies, appeals, etc.)
  8. Evaluate effectiveness of article(s)
  9. MLA Citations
  10. In-text parenthetical Citations
  11. ANNOTATED WORK CITED AND CONSULTED, including an annotation for all required readings

DUE: November 1, 2013

Readings

Boyle, T. C. Tortilla Curtain. NY: Penguin, 1996. Print.

Dell, Floyd. “We’re Poor” Readings for Writers. 8th ed. Eds. Jo Ray McCuen and Anthony C. Winkler. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace, 1995. 286-89. Print. Optional

Ehrenreich, Barbara. “Nickel-and-Dimed: On (not) getting by in America.” Harper’s. Jan. 1999: 37-52. Print.

Eighner, Lars. “Dumpster Diving.” 230-239. Source Unknown, 1992. Print.

Gorski, Paul. “The Myth of the Culture of Poverty.” Educational Leadership Apr. 2008: 32-36. Web. Oct. 2010.

Hardin, Garrett. “Lifeboat Ethics: The Case against Helping the Poor.” The Language of Composition. Eds. Renee H. Shea, Lawrence Scanlon, and Robin Dissin Aufses. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008. 324-333. Print.

Homeless in America. Dir. Tommy Wiseau. Perf. Tommy Wiseau, Greg Sestaro. Wiseau Films, 2004. Film. Optional.

Kozol, Jonathan. “Are the Homeless Crazy?” Harper’s. Sept. 1988: 17-19. Print.

Orwell, George. “Why Are Beggars Despised? About.com: Grammar and Composition. 1933. Web. Oct. 2010.

Parker, Jo Goodwin. “What is Poverty?” Readings for Writers. 8th ed. Eds. Jo Ray McCuen and Anthony C. Winkler. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace, 1995. 594-7. Print.

Perkins, Joseph. “Homeless: Expose the Myths.” Readings for Writers. 8th ed. Eds. Jo Ray McCuen and Anthony C. Winkler. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace, 1995. 599-600. Print.

Sachs, Jeffrey D. “The End of Poverty.” Time 14 March 2005: 42-54. Print.

Shepherd, Adam. “Introduction.” Scratch Beginnings. New York: Harper’s, 2008. Print.

Singer, Peter. “The Singer Solution to World Poverty.” The Prentice Hall Reader, 8th ed. Ed. George Miller. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.

Walls, Jeannette. The Glass Castle. New York: Scribner, 2005. Print.