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

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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).

10. 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.

11. 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
for ideas.

12. 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.

13. 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.