Approach First, you will need to locate one or two articles you would like to write with. To do this, choose one that presents an idea or topic you are working with. Then, choose another that, perhaps, discusses the topic in a similar

Approach First, you will need to locate one or two articles you would like to write with. To do this, choose one that presents an idea or topic you are working with. Then, choose another that, perhaps, discusses the topic in a similar way or in a different way. Note: the articles do not need to be opposites or arguing with one another. They can be in agreement. The only requirement be that they be on the same topic or idea. They also can be ones you used in your Annotated Bibliography, but do not have to be from that assignment. Next, you will need to craft a thesis that establishes the relationship between the sources and what you are going to say about them. This should establish how you are going to write about the two sources, as well as indicate what you are going to say as a result of bringing the sources together. Then you will craft your paper. You will need to summarize and then quote each source as you work, making specific reference to the sources as you write about them. While the summary and detailing of a specific point or two will take up much of your paper, you will also need to, likely as part of the end of the paper, arrive at your own conclusions about the sources and the topic or issue. The paper The paper should include the following: An introduction where you contextualize the broader issue both articles are discussing, introduce the two articles you are using, and present a thesis that summarizes the connections you are going to make between the articles. Body Paragraphs (the number will vary) in which you discuss what each of the two articles has to say about the issue at hand. You can discuss the articles one at a time, or go back and forth for different points, as you see fit. In the paragraph, however, you should include quotes and paraphrases of ideas and points from the articles as support for what you are saying. A conclusion in which you briefly summarize the differences/connections between the two sources, and then in which you offer sense of which source is more valid or presents a more compelling take on the issue. Here, you will be offering your evaluation of the sources. Some Comments Choose articles that surround the idea or topic you have been working with through. This paper will help you to continue to think through these ideas and what you have to say. Don’t worry about how this may or may not lead to the final paper. Start early. Give yourself time to think, write, think some more, and then rewrite. Let me offer a couple of thoughts on the introduction and structure of the multi source essay for you to think about as you finish writing it. For the introduction, you can follow this basic model: Set up the context – Provide one or two sentences to being with that establish the issue you are writing about and that the two sources are exploring. Be general here, and cover the broad sense of the topic or thing you are writing about. Introduce the sources – Next, provide a one sentence summary of the two sources you are writing about. Include the name and title of the source in the sentence, and provide a very general overview of what each is saying. Establish the Thesis / Direction of paper – Finally, provide some sense of how you are putting the two sources into conversation. Offer a sentence that shows the reader where you see agreement / disagreement between the sources as a means of establishing the organization of the paper (more on that below). After that, the organization of the paper can take two forms (at least): The first option deals with the two sources in succession. That is, you will present the argument and points of source 1 (S1) in a few paragraphs, then follow that with the arguments and points of source 2 (S2) in several paragraphs. Your discussion of S2 will reference back to S1 as a means of presenting contrast and difference. A second option deals with the two sources by presenting their arguments in tandem. In this pattern, you will start by presenting the ides of both S1 and S2 around point one, in one or more paragraphs, followed by their ideas on point two, and so on through the paper. Here, your discussion would focus on the points and present both sources at each point in the paper where you discuss the points. Either of these models of organization work. Choose the one that feels best for you as a writer and for the material you are addressing.