AP English Language and Composition The Language of Composition Chapter 3: Synthesizing Sources: Entering the Conversation AP English Language and Composition

Synthesizing Sources All writers use the work of others to develop their own ideas and position.

Synthesizing Sources The speaker must be as knowledgeable as possible about his/her subject in order to develop ethos with the audience.

Synthesizing Sources The speaker must research and use the work of others to develop his/her own understanding of the subject.

Synthesizing Sources By engaging with a variety of sources and developing questions (annotations, etc.) you enter a larger conversation.

Synthesizing Sources As a writer, the synthesis of these sources will provide strong support for your position.

Types of Sources A multi-faceted collection of sources will provide more detailed and specific examples to help establish your position.

Types of Sources Anecdotes are brief stories that illustrate a point. They can be about personal experiences or about something that happened to somebody else.

Types of Sources Facts represent information that is verifiable through general sources, such as encyclopedia, history books, or biographical dictionaries.

Types of Sources Since facts are available in numerous reference books, they represent a general cultural knowledge called “Common Knowledge.” Common knowledge does not need to be cited.

Types of Sources Quantitative Data are typically represented as statistical information. Quantitative Data must be cited because they represent the work of others.

Types of Sources Expert Testimony represents the opinions of those with extensive knowledge of a subject. It should be quoted directly or paraphrased and must be cited.

Types of Sources Citing anecdotes, facts, data, and expert testimony helps to establish logos between the speaker and the subject. Speaker Logos Audience Subject

Types of Sources It also adds to the development of ethos between the speaker and the audience since you are giving credit to those who have developed these ideas. Speaker Ethos Audience Subject

Types of Sources No matter how helpful sources may be in informing you about your topic, in supporting your position, or in demonstrating your awareness of conflicting viewpoints, your argument must always be central.

Relationship of Sources to the Audience When determining the type of sources to use within your writing, and even the format by which to cite those sources, we need to refer back to the Rhetorical Triangle. Audience Speaker Subject Ethos Logos Pathos

Relationship of Sources to the Audience The level of formality in the documentation of sources is determined by who the audience is and what the context of the piece is… In-class essay vs. formal research paper

Relationship of Sources to the Audience The types of sources included should also vary in order to build rapport (ethos) with the audience. Stress those sources that are likely to engage your audience. Speaker Ethos Audience Subject

Relationship of Sources to the Audience These tips will establish both logos and ethos between the author and audience. Speaker Ethos Logos Audience Subject

The Synthesis Essay The Synthesis Essay is the typical school research paper where a student must make use of multiple sources to support a position, or thesis.

The Synthesis Essay The key to the synthesis essay is to make your argument central. What is it you want to prove? What is your message? Start from this perspective.

The Synthesis Essay If you are uninformed about a given topic, then make ample use of the sources provided/researched to develop an adequate understanding before attempting to develop a position.

The Synthesis Essay Once you have developed a position, a thesis, weave (synthesize) the sources into the paper to support your position.

The Synthesis Essay 1. Assess how the sources will help you complete your task. Can the sources provide you with information that backs up your position? Do they provide you with an opposing argument that you can refute?

The Synthesis Essay It’s extremely important to keep an open mind to the information provided by all the sources as this will reveal your ability to understand the complexity of the issue.

The Synthesis Essay 2. “Take stock” of the various issues surrounding the task. Arguments rarely have only two sides Separating the task will provide greater scope to your position

The Synthesis Essay 3. Present your thesis reasonably, logically, and clearly. Apply the rhetorical triangle A reasonable voice is an informed voice Anticipate objections and respect the multiple perspectives within the task

The Synthesis Essay 4. Incorporate the sources within your argument. Use direct quotations and paraphrases. Cite sources to establish ethos and logos. Most importantly, be sure that the sources are used in the service of your argument.