Unit Checkpoint: Synthesis Writing Assessment

Item 1: Identify Source Relationships

Read these source excerpts on artificial intelligence in hiring. Label each pair's relationship (agreement, contrast, extension, or qualification).

Source A: "AI screening tools can review thousands of applications efficiently, reducing hiring time by 75%."

Source B: "AI hiring algorithms have been shown to perpetuate existing biases present in historical hiring data."

Source C: "When properly audited and monitored, AI hiring tools can actually reduce human bias in initial screening."

Identify: A-B relationship? B-C relationship? A-C relationship?

Item 2: Find the Synthesis Opportunity

These three sources seem to disagree. Identify the synthesis opportunity that could reconcile them.

Source A: "Social media has democratized information access."

Source B: "Social media has created dangerous echo chambers."

Source C: "Social media's effects depend on algorithmic design and user behavior."

Write one sentence explaining how these sources can be synthesized.

Item 3: Evaluate Synthesis Quality

Rate this synthesis paragraph as weak, adequate, or strong. Explain your reasoning in 2-3 sentences.

"The question of whether to require foreign language study in schools has generated significant debate. Proponents argue that language learning improves cognitive flexibility and cultural understanding (Garcia, 2021), while critics contend that limited class time should prioritize STEM subjects (Thompson, 2020). However, emerging research suggests this may be a false choice: Wilson's 2022 study found that students who studied foreign languages actually performed better in math and science, possibly due to enhanced pattern recognition skills. Thus, rather than competing with other subjects, language requirements may strengthen overall academic performance."

Item 4: Identify Missing Perspectives

This synthesis covers two perspectives but misses important viewpoints. Identify at least two perspectives that should be included for a complete synthesis.

Topic: Should voting be mandatory?

Current sources: One argues mandatory voting increases democratic participation. Another argues mandatory voting violates individual freedom.

What voices or perspectives are missing?

Item 5: Write a Synthesis Thesis

Create a thesis statement that synthesizes these three positions on technology in education:

• Source 1: Technology enables personalized learning at scale
• Source 2: Screen time negatively affects student attention and wellbeing
• Source 3: Teacher training determines whether technology helps or hinders learning

Your thesis must acknowledge all three perspectives while taking a clear position.

Item 6: Write a Body Paragraph

Using the thesis you created in Item 5, write one body paragraph (150-200 words) that integrates at least two of the sources with your own analysis.

Item 7: Write an Introduction

Write an introduction paragraph for a synthesis essay on this topic: "What is the most effective approach to reducing youth vaping?"

Sources to synthesize:

• Education campaigns targeting health risks
• Stricter regulations on sales and marketing
• Addressing underlying mental health issues that drive addiction

Your introduction must include a hook, context, and synthesized thesis.

Item 8: Write a Conclusion

Write a conclusion paragraph for this thesis:

"While standardized testing provides valuable data for measuring academic progress, its current implementation prioritizes narrow metrics over holistic student development. Reform should focus not on eliminating testing, but on developing assessments that measure critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration alongside traditional academic skills."

Your conclusion must synthesize the essay's argument and offer implications.

Item 9: Fix Source Dumping

Revise this paragraph to add connecting analysis and synthesis:

"According to Smith (2021), renewable energy creates jobs. Jones (2022) reports that renewable energy reduces carbon emissions. Brown (2020) notes that renewable energy can be unreliable. Lee (2023) argues that battery technology is improving."

Item 10: Strengthen Voice

Revise this paragraph to include the writer's perspective and analysis:

"Experts have studied whether homework is beneficial. Some researchers say homework improves learning. Other researchers say homework causes stress. The research is mixed. Parents have different opinions too."

Item 11: Edit for Concision

Reduce this paragraph to approximately half its length while preserving meaning:

"In my personal opinion, I believe that the use of social media by young people and teenagers in today's modern society has both positive benefits and negative drawbacks that should be carefully considered and examined. On the one hand, there are those who argue and maintain that social media provides valuable opportunities for connection and communication with others. On the other hand, there are critics who point out and emphasize that excessive use of social media platforms can potentially lead to various mental health issues and problems. It is therefore important and necessary to find a careful balance between these two different perspectives and viewpoints."

Item 12: Complete Revision

Apply all editing skills to revise this paragraph for argument, synthesis, voice, and style:

"Many people have opinions about whether college should be free. According to one source, free college would help students. Another source says free college would cost too much money. A third source mentions that some countries have free college and it works well for them. According to a fourth source, there are alternatives like income-based repayment. In conclusion, this is a complicated issue with many different perspectives and viewpoints that should be considered."