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Synthesize and Create an Argument!. Sophomore English. True Synthesis…. Taking a little of this and a little of that and creating something new! Like a recipe…sugar, flour, eggs, milk, butter= cake! You wouldn’t want a section of a pan to be flour, a section eggs, a section milk…yuck.
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Synthesize and Create an Argument! Sophomore English
True Synthesis… • Taking a little of this and a little of that and creating something new! • Like a recipe…sugar, flour, eggs, milk, butter= cake! • You wouldn’t want a section of a pan to be flour, a section eggs, a section milk…yuck. • OR: Dinner Party conversation example
Still confused? Look at the word… • What is a THESIS? • Your statement to be proved-- your argument. • “Syn”? • It’s a Latin root—means “put together”
So… • In a synthesis essay you are creating an argument (thesis) by putting together different sources.
How do we synthesize? 1. Identify common key points, ideas, or claims across multiple sources (print, audio, visual) 2. Establish a NEW argument based on the claims presented in the sources. a. Should be a central idea b. Should take a position c. Position should be clear in thesis 3. Make sure the common ideas support your new claim. 4. Organize specific material from those sources according to the big ideas that support your new claim.
1st Source Source Source Source 2nd Claim Claim Claim New Thesis/ Argument 3rd
What are WE synthesizing? • You will be synthesizing the sources we have used to analyze technology and the media • Article: Teen, Tween media use rising • 60 minute Frontline video: Growing Up Online http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/ • Article: Is Google Making Us Stupid? • 10 minute PBS video: How is technology affecting teenagers’ brains? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se8jmKHlXvU • Article: Modern Technology is changing the way our brains work • (secondary sources – can be used as a THIRD source in your argument): survey, poem: “Touchscreen”
Assignment • Establish a thesis that captures a NEW idea • You will choose at least two of the sources and write ONE body paragraph. • Accurately present source information AND cite correctly (MLA format)
Synthesis Must-haves: • A thesis statement that clearly takes a position • Key ideas/claims that represent MOST of your sources • Two or more different sources CITED in each paragraph (one direct quote, one paraphrase/summary)
How do I set up my synthesis paragraph? Topic Sentence: write your topic sentence based on what you can prove using most sources. Point #1/Reason #1 Support from Source One Analysis… “So what?” Transition Sentence Point #2/Reason #2 Support from Source Two Analysis… “So what?” Transition/ Final Analysis of the Topic Sentence… “So what?” Concluding Sentence
With a partner: Read Synthesis Example and… • Color #1: Highlight topic sentence and concluding sentence • Color #2: Highlight sentences that summarize or quote sources • Color #3: Highlight transition sentences AND the author’s thoughts that tie the sources to her thesis (analysis)
Establishing an EFFECTIVE thesis… • A good thesis statement will make a claim. Develop an interesting perspective that you can support and defend. • This perspective must be more than an observation. • “America is violent” is an observation. • “Americans are violent because they are fearful” is an argument. Why? Because it states an opinion. It makes a claim.
Example EFFECTIVE thesis statements…(Controlling ideas) • Teenagers are wired to multi-task, which should prompt American schools to reform the public school structure. • Exposure to multiple technologies is preparing young adults to better manage their lives. • Technology is detrimental to face-to-face communication. • Though multi-tasking is a necessary skill, technology is hindering teens from doing any one thing well.
Your turn! • Based on your conclusions from all sources, create an EFFECTIVE thesis statement that: • Takes a position • Can be supported by many key claims made in the above sources • Is CLEARLY communicated in ONE sentence. • Is grammatically correct
Writing Tips: • Take a position…don’t ride the fence. • Work in steps…PLAN! • Use a variety of citations—direct quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing • ALWAYS cite (give credit to) your sources. • Don’t forget the “So what” factors—they’re the meat of the argument and represent YOUR thoughts.