Synthesis Essay Outline

Title: Does Internet Encourage Democracy?

Format: MLA Style

Thesis: Internet nowadays DOES encourage democracy in many ways. However, there are problems that

needs to be solved. In order to maximize the encouragement of showing and explaining one's thoughts and

ideas, WE are the ones who have to make the change and encourage democracy.

Detailed Outline and Briefed Contents:

# of Paragraphs: at least 5

expected length: 800~950 words

Paragraph 1: Introduction & Hook

: People nowadays are greatly involved with Internet. Unlike ten years ago, much events in people's lives are

happening inside or through the Internet. People buy, sell products through Internet, they chat and communicate

with each other, they study and assist each other through Internet. Just like that, Internet's so close to us, we

can't even imagine daily lives without Internet. Out of all the various influences of Internet, ability to allow

people share and speak(?) their thoughts and ideas is one of the most influential and important ones. Through

that, Internet greatly encourages democracy to spread. ~ (in what ways. Briefly mention 2~3 reasons 


HOW it encourages democracy. Briefly mention few counterarguments. End with strong reemphasis


of the thesis) 

--> Need a Hook(!!!)

Paragraph 2: Body 1 -  How Internet Encourages Democracy 1


The Internet promotes the free flow of information both in and out the country, which is essential for a truly 


free democracy.


Points to Develop

• Government have many ways to control the media. Even though people don't know that the media is getting controlled, but it is happening, EVEN in the country with democracy in its roots.
• Internet makes it IMPOSSIBLE for government to control the information. (China, Egypt)
• People share and develop innumerable thoughts and ideas (Ex.Facebook, Twitter, Youtube
• Thus, Internet encourages democracy.

Paragraph 3: Body 2 - How Internet Encourages Democracy 2

The Internet allows political dissidents to communicate, organize, and grow grass-root government.

Points to Develop

• In order to develop democracy, there needs to be a complex and solid system to organize mass number of people. --> Internet is a GREAT system
• For the countries like China and Egypt, the government represses the citizens who works for democracy to come into their country (Tell an example or a story about this)
• Again, Internet is a great way to communicate and impossible for government to control how much they try since it is so big.
• Thus, Internet encourages democracy.

Paragraph 4: Body 4 - Counter to Counter-Argument(s)

The Internet can be used to quash democratic movements, and digital divide leaves the same people in 

places of influence and power.

Points to Develop

• It is true that internet can be also used to quash democratic movements. However, there is more good  than bad in internet. What I mean by this is that people share and communicate more than efforts to quash those movements effect people
• Digital divide is a story of the old days. As the technology develop day by day, more and more people are being able to access internet. Also, not the same people can be in places of influence and power. (Ex. Google)
• Thus, Internet encourages democracy, rather than discouraging it.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion & Ending

Reemphasize the thesis, briefly summarize the points for and counter-arguments.

Sources:

• Hernandez, Javier C., 'Google Calls for Action on Web Limits', The New York Times, 24 March 2010
• Joyce, Mary (Editor). “Digital Activism Decoded: New Mechanics of Change”. International Debate Education Association, New York: 2010. 
•  Economy, Elizabeth and Mondschein, Jared, "China: The New Virtual Political System", Council on Foreign Relations 2011