Essay 3: Synthesis Essay (150 points, due on Apr. 25)
Essay 3 is a “synthesis” assignment — it will require you to work back-and-forth between the two
textbooks utilized in this course (Wlodkowski and Wilson). Refer to page 145 in the Wilson
textbook — you should see 10. The Adult Educator which covers most of the page (for our
purposes you can think of Developmental Education as Adult Education). Read Section 10 and
for each of the five subsections (a, b, c, d, and e) you are to examine the Wlodkowsk textbook
for at least one strategy that you believe supports, exemplifies, or epitomizes the concept in the
Wilson subsection (a-e). Moreover, you will need to explain WHY you think so. Thus, Essay 3
will have a cover page as usual and consist of five sections (one for each Wilson #10 subsection
a-e) — in each section, quote verbatim the Wilson statement, then cite Wlodkowski’s strategy by
name and number that you believe is related to Wilson’s statement, THEN write a brief
paragraph explaining your thinking as to why the Wlodkowski strategy you selected does in fact
relate to Wilson’s statement. Then do the same thing for the next four Wilson subsections a-e.
For detailed format requirements, please refer to the General Criteria for all Documents section
in the syllabus (pp. 6 – 7). The length of your report should be at least five pages, double-spaced,
not including cover and reference pages. Below is the evaluation rubric for this assignment.
Please follow the rubric closely to avoid losing points. When you write the essay, please
remember the policy regarding plagiarism. Refer to the syllabus for details (COURSE
POLICIES -> Academic Honesty).
Essay 3 Rubric
CRITERIA Explanation Points
Possible
Introduction
Having an introduction, which includes a clear
statement of essay purpose. 15
Appropriate
strategies
Identify appropriate strategies in Wlodkowski’s
textbook that support, exemplify, or epitomize the
five suggestions in Wilson’s book
30
Argument
Provide convincing and detailed arguments on why
the strategy of your choice supports, exemplifies, or
epitomizes the suggestions. Provide example(s) to
support your point(s) in each strategy.
45
CRITERIA Explanation Points
Possible
Conclusions
Draws insightful and thoughtful conclusions for
your readers; the reader “knows” something after
reading the essay that he/she would not have known
simply by reading them separately.
15
Interest Level
Vocabulary varied, supporting details vivid,
generally well written with smooth and consistent
transitions, etc.; graphics are a plus, but not
required; the same for color.
15
Grammar &
Spelling
All grammar and spelling are correct, that is, no
errors
15
Format
Follows closely APA formatting/style as well as the
specific instructions contained in the Syllabus. 15
150
