Revise a synthesis essay in 3 passes with formal writing conferences (CCSS W.8.5)
Exercise
Difficulty 4
~12 min
eng.g8.f.ex_31
Pass One Content Audit
Prompt
Apply Pass 1 (CONTENT) audit to your synthesis essay draft. Mark in margin: (1) is the thesis a synthesis claim or a topic? (2) does each body paragraph use a They-Say/I-Say move? (3) do the sources CONVERSE or sit side by side? (4) is the so-what offered? (5) is source-type variety achieved?
Answer criteria
type
rubric
rubric
All 5 Pass-1 criteria audited + revisions noted = mastery; 3-4 = practicing
Hints
- Pass 1 catches synthesis-quality issues no mechanics polish can fix.
- If sources don't converse, your essay isn't synthesis.
Misconceptions to watch
- Skips Pass 1 because essay 'feels done.'
- Audits mechanics instead of content.
Used in lessons