This paper proved difficult in that it was hard finding a thesis that both articles could support. I liked my thesis, but I feel I could have done it better if it were an argumentative essay. I learned just how important it is to have a good thesis, so that you have enough facts to keep the cohesiveness and structure maintained. Additionally, the importance of smooth transitioning became apparent in this paper. I had to revise many times before I was mildly satisfied with my transitions. It is not so much a matter of finding transition words to use, but how to insert those words eloquently into my paper. Fortunately, the synthesis essay that I completed last semester really helped. It gave me a clear idea of what the goal of synthesizing is, and how to effectively execute it. I will use what I have learned from this paper for other classes because I now know what the process looks like to create a strong, clear thesis. Also, identifying key concepts and ideas in the given sources before hand really helped me support my topic sentences. Synthesizing is crucial, in that it shows you how to support and incorporate many things into an argument.
