Synthesizing Sources Entering the Conversation Chapter 3 Why

Synthesizing Sources: Entering the Conversation, Chapter 3

Why does this skill even matter n Well, you have been and will continue to synthesize information for the rest of your life, and the more refined your ability the persuasive (and generally smarter) you will be. n Synthesis Video!

How You’ll Spend Your Time n 15 minutes to read annotate your prompt and sources n n During that time you should n Decide your position on the issue n Decide which three (3) sources you want to use n Write a very rough thesis n Annotate your text and find your quotes 40 minutes to plan and draft your essay n During that time you should n Plan your ARGUMENTATIVE essay using six part oration or 5 paragraph essay (regardless of which model you use you MUST plan a refutation n Write your essay incorporating QUOTES from three (3) of your sources to back up your thinking OR to argue against the sources thinking

Reading and Planning n As you read, place check marks by pieces of evidence (quotes from the texts) that you could to support your opinion n Place minuses by pieces of evidence (quotes from the texts) that you could use in your refutation (to argue against and disprove) n Skim read all of the sources (you only have 15 minutes) n Then choose three sources (hopefully not A, B, C) and look at those sources in greater detail

You Are in Control "Words — so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them. ” — Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 -1864).

An Informed Opinion n Research into sources lets you enter the conversation that society is having about your topic. n By creating a new essay you are (whether you realize it or not entering that worldly conversation) so you want to appear informed n An informed opinion considers multiple perspectives and possibilities.

Types of Support n You should use many types of information to support your argument. (Both from the packet and from your worldly reading) n Details and examples. n You MUST use three of your provided sources n You should also bring in evidence from your own brain (just like with argument

Types of Support n Anecdote: a brief story illustrating a point n Facts: information that is verifiable through general sources n Quantitative Data: statistical information. You should cite your sources n Expert Testimony: quote an expert by summarizing or paraphrasing their words n All of these types of support may be found in your sources or in your own brain AS LONG AS YOU incorporate three of your written sources

Citing and Documenting n Using anecdotes, facts, statistics and experts is one way to appeal to logos. n Documenting and citing your sources establishes your ethos. n You must cite your sources. The rising cost of homes will “soon make homeownership an impossibility” for many working families. (Source A)

Sources enhance not replace your n Should argument; n Should inform, support, illustrate your ideas; n Demonstrate your understanding of world view n Illustrate your understanding of at least one opposing viewpoint (refutation)

Your Position n Is central n Your sources are your wingmen

The Synthesis Essay n Your goal is use sources to support and illustrate your own ideas; n And to establish your credibility as a member of the academic community.

A Reasoned Voice n To engage your audience, present your position as reasonable and valuable; n In a voice that is reasoned, sincere, informed; n And all of the rhetorical devices at your disposal n Using classic appeals to ethos, logos and pathos.

A Written Argument n READERS ARE STUBBORN! n Is not likely to change the view of the reader, radically or immediately…. n That’s why it’s important to give them food-forthought in your conclusion OR a call-to-action in your conclusion

A Compelling Argument n Will leave the reader thinking, questioning, considering, reconsidering.

Formulating Your Position n Take stock of the issues. What questions come up in reading the sources? n With questions in mind, begin formulating your thesis statement. n Your thesis statement (claim) captures your position on the topic.

Incorporating Sources n Don’t simply summarize or paraphrase a series of texts. n Cite sources by paraphrasing or quoting directly in the service of your own argument. n Give credit where credit is due. If it’s someone else’s idea, cite it. n Rely on your excellent brain! YOU ARE VERY SMART AND CAN DO THIS!!! <3

Work Cited Shea, Renee, Lawrence Scanlon, and Robin Aufses. The Language of Composition. 1 st ed. NY: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008. 61 -85. Print.