Day 24: Source Synthesis

Today we will be talking about "source synthesis". This is an integral component of not only writing a good essay, but, writing and critical thinking in general. In order to write a high-quality, coherent, source based essay, you should be able to combine information from multiple sources into each of your paragraphs (and give appropriate credit to the individual authors of each source). 

An outline of today's class can be found below: 

Source Synthesis

Clarification on Jeopardy "disaster": Let's look at the final Jeopardy question one last time and compare it to what it says in the APA Student Handbook and OWL Purdue. I think all three say the same thing…

General Formula:

Author.+ (date of publication). + Article title (only capitalize first word and proper names). + Journal Name (italicized and capitalized),+ journal volume number + (journal issue number), journal page numbers.

I. Brainstorming

What does "synthesis" mean? Can you give an example to help illustrate that definition? What does "source synthesis" mean? Why is this an important concept? How can it improve your writing? 

II. Source Synthesis Defined 

Let's take a look at this short presentation that explains the concept of source synthesis. It begins with examples and then moves on to a more detailed explanation of what the concepts involved mean. It also explains about how to synthesize sources and the different reasons you might have for synthesizing. 

III. Source Synthesis Practice (Part I: PIE-C)

Look here for the outline for the IRP paper. In total, there will be 11 paragraphs in your essay (plus the title page and a final reference list). For each paragraph, you should incorporate at least one source. But  for many paragraphs, you will want to incorporate more than one source (in order to be as coherent as possible). Let's take a look at the following paragraphs from a research paper done last semester on protecting the rights of celebrities. In groups of three, identify the PIE-C structure for each of the three paragraphs. 

Use yellow  for the P's (Point/Topic Sentences)

Use green for the I's (Illustrations/Examples)

Use blue for the E' (Explanations (in the author's word)

Use pink for the C's (Concluding Sentences) 

Once you have finished highlighting, 'copy/paste' your work into this organizer. The 'Point' for the first paragraph has already been added as an example. We'll compare answers once everyone has finished. The answers can be found here.

IV. Source Synthesis Practice (Part II: Synthesizing Folk Tales)
Now, let's look at the different reasons why people synthesize sources in this short ppt. Once we've finished, we can move on to the practice activity.

To practice, first read these three folktales. Once you've read the stories get into groups of three and fill out this chart. The chart has three lessons. You group's job will involve two steps. Find information about each of these lessons from the stories. Be sure to put the information into your own words! Finally, choose one lesson and write a short paragraph on it based on the information you included in the chart. Be sure to follow the PIE-C structure. When you finish, please name the final "Synthesis Paragraph_GroupNames" and email me your paragraph (jk.esl.uiuc@gmail.com).

If there is time once everyone has finished, we will compare paragraphs here.

Housekeeping Details and Homework for Tuesday (11/19/2013)
-Do two (of the four) "Writer's Help" on "Integrating Sources into APA Papers". As usual, you need to receive an 80% to get credit for doing this assignment (these are our final two "Writer's Help" exercises this semester!).

-Please read this short article for our in-class activities on Tuesday.

-Fill out this source synthesis outline with quotes and paraphrases from your sources (making sure to include the appropriate bibliographic information). You will need to refer to your Pre-Research Portfolios to fill out this organizer. This will be due by class time and will count towards the final grade for the research paper.

Looking Ahead: Next Thursday (by 11:55pm), a first draft of your first three body paragraphs will be due. This will also count towards your final grade for the research paper.