Synthesizing Sources Research skills

Overview  “All writers draw on the work of others as they develop their own positions, regardless of their topic.”  You must research and read sources rather than “make a quick response that reflects an opinion based only on what you already know.”  “Then you can develop your own informed opinion, a measured response that considers multiple perspectives and possibilities.”

Overview  “Research into sources allows you to enter the conversation that society is having about your topic”  “To answer questions posed by your topic and to develop new questions, locate and read articles, editorials, and reports... Explore a wide variety of viewpoints.”

 “You enter the conversation by carefully reading and understanding the writers, and by synthesizing these views into a more informed position than the one you began with.” Overview

Types of Support  Anecdotes – a brief story that illustrates a point you are making  Facts – information that is verifiable through general sources, such as an encyclopedia, a history  Quantitative data – statistical information.  Expert testimony

Synthesis Essay  “Your goal is the same as that of the more experienced writers: to use sources to support and illustrate your own ideas and to establish your credibility as a member of the academic community that values the “conversation” created by different voices.”

Main idea  “Domenek’s own ideas and opinions dominate the essay; the sources support and inform, but they do not overwhelm.”

Sample thesis statements  Community service can be extremely valuable in the development of both character and academics, but the negative effects of forcing students to participate by making such programs a graduation requirement.  Though students may not recognize the value of community service to later in life, Carmel High School should require community service to instill a sense of civic responsibility and encourage a lifelong habit of helping others.

Thesis Statements  High schools should encourage students to participate in community service and reward those who do so without making participation mandatory for graduation.  Required community service programs are beneficial to both the individuals who participate and the communities being served, as long as students have some choice in the type of service they engage in.