Synthesizing Sources: Effectively, Efficiently Beal AP Language and Composition Notes Derived from ch. 4 of Good Reasons with Contemporary Arguments

Synthesis: DEFINITION: “The act of incorporating and integrating ideas from multiple sources into a writer’s own work.” (Faigley, Selzer, Pirrone 614) Why is this important? Evidence from several sources strengthens an argument Forces us to carefully choose evidence to use/support in our arguments

How will we be using synthesis in class? After learning how to synthesize from multiple sources in our own writing, we will: Look at a student sample of a synthesis essay and analyze how effective it is. Conduct a “rough” synthesis on three sources related to the Crucible (next week) Write practice Synthesis essays in class (in 2 weeks) Remember—synthesis is one of the essays on the AP Language Test!

Steps in synthesizing: 1) Explore the assignment All synthesis assignments will begin with a prompt--one which provides you with the focus for your argument Read and re-read the prompt Identify the topic Identify the task The level Ask yourself: What do I already know regarding this topic?

2) Explore your sources Examine how the sources… agree and disagree with one another regarding the topic. Reach conclusions about the topic—do they reach the same conclusion Are alike and different (in terms of style, voice, rhetorical strategies, etc.) See Box to the right for more ideas in comparing sources. As you compare sources, you should be forming your own point of view regarding the assignment. Courtesy of http://cengagesites.com/academic/assets/sites/142826213x_wh_synthesizing_watermark.pdf

3) Summarize and Paraphrase Looking back at each of your sources, determine the information that helped you form and understanding of the topic, and reach a conclusion as to your position. Summarize sources you’ll examine Summarize key argument, and add your opinion Paraphrase sources you’ll use extensively Cover all main points and extensive details, and add your opinion separately after doing so.

4) State your Position After summarizing or paraphrasing your sources on your own, you must form an explicit position to take on the topic you’ve read up on This thesis statement should address: Your position on the topic Who you agree with Whose ideas you are challenging

5) Choose appropriate evidence Look back at your summaries/ paraphrases. Make a list of the evidence that: Lines up closest to your views Is likely to resonate with your audience Will be easily integrated into your writing Think—will you use several reasons to support your position, or only a few? NEVER misrepresent the intent of the source you’re citing.

5) Choose appropriate evidence (cont’d) As you choose evidence from your sources, also look to integrate examples that will: Help you establish credibility Reliable sources=Reliable writers=Ethos Be compelling and convincing to audience who might not necessarily agree with your stance. Will balance your argument Health blend of logos and pathos Acknowledge the opposing viewpoint Don’t be dismissive of the counterpoint Acknowledge what the counterpoint says respectfully “Treat those who disagree with you as misinformed rather than immoral” (42).

6) Choose an Organizational strategy Choose between: Sequential-list all of your main points first, then go back and give supporting information for each one. Alternating—List your main point, and follow it immediately with the appropriate explanation and evidence. Follow this with the next main point and its explanation and evidence. The organizational strategy you choose to employ will totally depend upon your sources—how many, what kind, and the information you select from them.

7) Writing the Synthesis What we DON’T want the synthesis to be: A bunch of quotes strung together without explanation of how each piece fits together to craft your argument A) State your thesis You MAY use a quote, some context information or an appropriate attention getting device, but A thesis MUST come before the evidence. B) Begin citing your evidence Identify the source- Name the speaker you are quoting, list additional information that helps establish the person’s expertise on the subject Signal Your Attitude Choose verbs and modifiers that reflect your attitude toward the subject Rather than “Said” or “States” Use signal verbs that indicate your feeling regarding the texts—see http://www.isu.edu/success/esol/handouts/Verbs%20Used%20in%20Signal%20Phrases.pdf for ideas.

7) Writing the Synthesis (cont’d) C) Explain the connection between your thesis and the passages you quote. Clearly explain the basis of your beliefs based on what you’re seeing in the source. This is where Pathos and Logos come into play—you will need to craft an emotional or logical argument regarding our sources. If the evidence you’re using is contrary to your thesis, remember to handle the counterpoint respectfully Revisit Step 5—choose appropriate evidence.

8) Finishing Touches Look to ensure that throughout your synthesis, you are: Close the writing with a concise, simple statement that encapsulates your entire argument. The main points of your argument are detailed and have enough information from your sources to fall back upon. Upholding your argument with every piece of evidence you use and explain. Using evidence that gives your readers information, is compelling, and is easy to connect to your argument.