Explanatory Synthesis Checklist
Click for: Synthesis Writing or Synthesis Writing Assignment
Introduction: provides essential information about the
article(s) and author(s); includes a focus sentence; lays out main
points to be covered later in the paper; indicates why
readers should care about the topic
Focus Sentence: is clear and precise; indicates writer’s synthesis
of sources’ information on the topic
Body: includes information from more than one source; explains
clearly and thoroughly each of the main ideas; presents information
in a helpful and logical way
Organization: follows an appropriate organizational
scheme (e.g. chronological, pro vs. con, least important
to most important, etc.)
Supporting information: contains quotations, paraphrases,
and examples from appropriate sources
Quotations: incorporates quotations by introducing them
smoothly and explaining/demonstrating their relevance
Paragraphs: start with a topic or transitional sentence;
contain only information relevant to the paragraph’s
main idea
Transitions: move the reader smoothly from one idea to
the next
Conclusion: presents final thoughts on the topic; reminds
readers of the most significant themes you have found and the
ways they connect to the overall topic
Citation: cites in correct MLA style, both in-text and in
the works cited page
Revising: shows significant improvement from the
rough draft to the final draft
Editing & Proofreading: demonstrates careful reading
and correcting of awkward sentences as well as grammar
and punctuation errors
*checklist adapted from rubric by:
Whalen,
Lisa. “Sample Rubric for Informative/Explanatory Papers”
Concordia,
<http://concordia.csp.edu/WritingCenter/_Documents/Rubric_for_Informati.pdf.> 16, May 2006.