Explanation:
Synthesis
Process of developing your own informed opinion by creating a measured response that considers multiple perspectives and possibilities; Not a summary
Entering a Conversation
Carefully reading and understanding the perspectives and ideas surrounding an issue, examining your own ideas on the matter, and then synthesizing these views into a more informed position than the one you began with
Bias
When you are learning about a subject, look for reliable sources; No personal gain for the author
Using Sources to Inform an Argument
Sources should enhance, not replace, your argument; Sources should demonstrate your understanding of opposing positions; "What you have to say is the main event; your position is central"
"Seabiscuit" by Laura Hillenbrand
A champion racehorse beats the odds; Hillenbrand maintains her own voice although she uses some works from experts; She turned to authorities-sources-to deepen and supplement her own knowledge about the mechanics and physics of how a racehorse and a jockey move as one entity
"A Level Playing Field: African American Athletes and Republic of SPorts" by Gerald L. Early
Passage about the complex character of Jackie Robinson who was the first black athlete in MLB
Using Sources to Appeal to an Audience
A writer must analyse the rhetorical situation in order to determine what sources and documentation is appropriate; Type of evidence depends on audience and situation
Using Sources to Appeal to a general audience of readers interested primarily in understanding the basics of Pinker's ideas
No formal sources cited
Technical terms are introduced but not cited to academic origin
Does no go into research that led to conclusion
Goal is to inform readers and keep moving
Ex. Words Don't Mean What They Mean
Using Sources to Appeal to a general audience of readers interested in exploring his subject more deeply
Citation of sources becomes correspondingly more extensive and formal
Audience has some interest in this topic - they have chosen to read about the subject
Summarizing the latest thinking, but introducing terminology common to the subject
Fully and formally cites his sources using endnotes
Ex. "Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature" by Steven Pinker
Using Sources to Appeal to a academic audience of researchers and scholars who bring a good deal of prior knowledge to the text
Sources are embedded throughout the work for direct reference
Sources are other scholarly works
Works cited page at the end
Seems more authoritative
Ex. "The Evolutionary Social Psychology of Off-Record Indirect Speech Acts" by Steven Pinker
Conversation: Mandatory Community Service
Prompt: Using the following documents on community service requirements in high schools, write an essay explaining whether you believe that high schools in general-or your specific school or district-should make community service mandatory. Incorporate references to or quotations from a minimum of three of these sources in your essay
Writing a Synthesis Essay
1. Read and analyze sources and make connections
2. Identify issues in the sources (contradictions, bias, relevancy, etc.)
3. Select which sources you want to integrate into your essay
4. Consider complexities - do not develop a one-sided argument
5. Formulate your position (thesis and claim)
6. Integrating quotes-make it clear and interesting-smooth transition
7. Citing sources: MLA format and a works cited page
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Identifying the Issues: Recognizing Complexity
You might not be able to change a reader's mind, but you want to aim for a compelling argument that leaves the reader thinking, questioning, considering, and reconsidering
Acknowledge issues at hand as a complex one with no easy solutions and a variety of valid perspectives on the matter
Present a reasonable idea that is logical, sincere and informered
Anticipate objections
Formulating Your Position
Make sure you take stock of the issues at hand
Do not make your argument polarized or one-sided
Formulate a thesis or claim that captures the position on the topic
Clear focus while acknowledging the complexity of issue
Framing Quotations
When writing sources, do not simply summarize or paraphrase sources
Include a sentence or two of explanation or commentary with each quote
Use a lead-in sentence and/or sentence or two of commentary to remind readers of the point and how to quote reinforces it
Integrating Quotations
Incorporate quotations in a way that is clear and interesting
Transition from your voice to other's words smoothly and naturally
Citing Sources
Keep track of sources used for your reader
Timed writing only needs source number or author's name in parentheses
Paraphrasing needs citation
Formal writing needs MLA documentation, including a works cited page
A Sample Synthesis Essay
A brief synthesis essay about community services that includes all the above points
