Paper 3 Instructions Synthesis Paper (3-4 pages) Consider the different approach

Paper 3 Instructions
Synthesis Paper (3-4 pages)
Consider the different approaches to Nixon’s argument for vaccinations, Z’s definitions about otherness, and Gillihan’s argument about face masks. These essays are about different topics, but they offer a glimpse into human behavior, values, and discernment. You may have picked up on the human tendency to other, to define one’s identity, to fear, to protect, to defend, to take sides, or to unite, among other traits. You will now apply one of these principles to your own argument about decision-making and values.
Assignment:
Write an essay that identifies one shared characteristic of the human experience that these two texts help elucidate. (3-4 pages)
a topic sentence, the main goal of the paragraph, and a bullet list of the textual evidence. Proofread your usage: grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
The first paragraph is your introduction, ending with the thesis sentence. The second and third paragraphs analyze the author’s rhetorical approach and delivery of her message.
Write an essay that identifies one shared characteristic of the human experience that helps or harms us (e.g., decisions based on fear or on political tribes, the human need to protect or to unite, etc.). Use two of the three assigned texts to support and elucidate your claim.
Tips:
• Your essay response will be strengthened by careful, close readings of the texts. Rely on the texts as verification of your own claims and evidence.
• Do not research or quote outside sources for this paper.
• Use the craft-related advice from Style and the content-related advice from They Say, I Say.
• Resist using second person (“you”) in this essay.
• You may use first person (“I”) or the collective “we”, but do so sparingly. Focus on the arguments instead.
The paper will be graded according to the skills listed in the WRTR rubric
Some more suggestions for Paper 3
Think of Paper 3 as an opinion paper.
Think in general terms about the larger issues that the three articles raise. The following are just examples. You may find many more ideas in these articles
“Vac”: Self-preservation, fierce protectiveness of motherhood, bonding, social responsibility, empathy, fear, trust, anxiety.
“Masks”: tribalism, anger, anxieties that drive human behavior, social responsibility, the ability to reach out towards the other, patriotism, freedom, individualism, demonizing the other side,
“Otherness” – self-definition, power, alienate, identity, negotiation
Think of the strategies used in the articles – bringing in the naysayer (the counterargument) – both articles try very hard to address alternate points of view.
When you are thinking of your thesis statement – What is your “I say?” For example, you might write that “individual fear is a powerful motivator but cannot rule our decisions when the welfare of the community is at stake.” (Evidenced by the two online articles’ thesis statements and conclusions.) Or “even the most personal decisions have become politicized, which reflects a decline in critical thinking.” (Evidenced by the two online topics.) Or “Group identity” is useful in defining us as “Americans” who believe in …but … (role of critical thinking). Or “fear” vs. “empathy” etc.
Pick out some of the issues swirling around you (the authors e.g. focused on controversies about vaccinations, masks, identity) and think about peoples’ reactions to these issues. You can decide to focus on one issue or pick out two issues.
Use the articles to support your own claim. Discuss with concrete examples from these articles. Similarities and/or differences.
Show your ethos by dealing with the counterargument. (understanding and addressing the anxieties of the other side or the opposing point of view)
Section 1 – at least 2 paragraphs – Your opinion – about a larger human impulse or trait –
Paragraph 1:
Identify it – provide a context for it – a social phenomenon that you see happening around you.  You can also provide a personal anecdote to explain it.
What is your opinion about it – your thesis statement – What is your response to this social phenomenon at an individual level (self-criticism, an extension of empathy, social responsibility, viewing the issue in its complexity, and not use it in a stereotypical way)
Paragraph 2
Develop the idea of how you think one ought to respond to it or think about it.
Section 2: One or two paragraphs:
Article 1:
what does it say about your idea (human tendency to fear, group identity, empathy, anger, anxiety).
How does it seek to view it in a complex fashion? Provide some details and the nuances the author brings in here.  
Where does it meet with your thesis (social problem – individual response)?
Section 3: The same as section 2 with Article 2.