Synthesize and Paraphrase

1. Synthesize and Paraphrase RC 2.4- Synthesize the content from several sources or works by a single author dealing with a single issue; paraphrase the ideas and connect them to other sources and related topics to demonstrate comprehension.

2. Target/ Objective • Students will paraphrase an article about Migrant Workers in California and synthesize the information from the article with information they already know about the Great Depression.

3. Big Idea • To paraphrase means to put something into your own words. • To synthesize means to combine, connect, or unite with other information.

4. Paraphrasing • Paraphrasing what you read, or putting it in your own words, not only demonstrates that you understand the material, it can also make it easier for you to handle information and thereby make connections. • A summary is also a type of paraphrase. A summary paraphrases an entire passage or article. A good summary covers the main points of the selection and touches on important details. It does not cover every detail in a story or article, but rather gives an overall view of what the material is about.

5. Synthesizing • In order to synthesize information, ideas, or theories from selections you read, it is helpful to think about: • How things are alike and how they are different • The causes of events and the results of actions • The order in which events happen • The way the parts relate to the whole

6. Paraphrasing example • Example: • It was a ghastly night, lightning ripped the sky, winds tore through tree limbs, and torrential rains beat the ground. • You could paraphrase the sentence as follows: • That night, there was a terrible storm.

7. Synthesizing example • Going one step further and synthesizing this information, you might make the logical connection that it wasn’t a good night to be outside. You might also connect this sentence and the mood it establishes to the setting of mystery stories that you have read. Or, you might combine this information with other things you have read or experiences you have had, such as your own experiences with winter storms.

8. Practice #1 • Read the first paragraph of the “Great Depression” article. • Paraphrase the information into 1-2 sentences. • Synthesize the information with something else you have read or information that you know about the great depression.

9. Practice #2 • Read the second paragraph of the “Great Depression” article. • Paraphrase the information into 1-2 sentences. • Synthesize the information with something else you have read or information that you know about the great depression.

10. Practice #3 • Read the third paragraph of the “Great Depression” article. • Paraphrase the information into 1-2 sentences. • Synthesize the information with something else you have read or information that you know about the great depression.

11. Practice #4 • Read the fourth paragraph of the “Great Depression” article. • Paraphrase the information into 1-2 sentences. • Synthesize the information with something else you have read or information that you know about the great depression.

12. Review • What does it mean to paraphrase? • What does it mean to synthesize? • How do we paraphrase? • How do we synthesize?

13. Independent Practice • Read the “Migrant Workers” article. • Choose three paragraphs to paraphrase and synthesize. (Synthesize the information with the information from the “Great Depression” article.)