Explanatory Synthesis Essay

Directions: Write a synthesis that explains what conditions foster the spread of rumors, and why people spread rumors. Then select one of the rumors treated at length in this essay collection, and briefly analyze this rumor from the perspective of the theoretical approaches of Knapp (three categories of rumor; qualities of good rumors), Rodriguez (“biased assimilation”), and Singal (basic social purposes of rumors).

1. Reread the chapter “The Explanatory Synthesis.”

2. Follow the Guidelines for Writing Syntheses on page 102.

3. When you reach your organizational step, consult the organizational advice on page 116.