Use Your Sources: Writing as Synthesis

Now you are ready to write!

Synthesis is the process of combining ideas from different sources to create a new, unified understanding. When you synthesize information, you:

• Gather Information: Collect data and insights from various texts, articles, or other resources.
• Identify Connections: Look for relationships between the ideas, themes, or arguments presented.
• Combine Ideas: Integrate these different perspectives into a coherent whole, forming your own conclusions or arguments.

Your paper will be powerful if you effectively use outside sources along with your ideas!

What is Synthesis?

In college writing, synthesis is important because it shows that you can think critically about different viewpoints. Thinking critically means evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each idea, questioning assumptions, and considering the relevance and reliability of the information. It's not just summarizing sources but weaving them together to support your unique perspective.

Gather Your Sources

When you first started your research, you probably found some sources and checked if they were relevant and reliable. Did you make an outline and pick a source for each point?

If you notice any gaps between what you want to say and the resources you have, it might be a good idea to search for more sources or ask an MCC Librarian for help. If you're satisfied with your sources, make sure you've saved them all together with the publication info you'll need for citations later.

Keeping your research sources organized will really help when you start writing your research paper. If you printed your sources, try labeling them according to where they fit in your outline or under specific subtopics. If you have an outline, jot down where each source fits in.

The key is to stay organized in a way that works best for you.
 

Reading to Identify Connections and Patterns

Close reading is a valuable skill, helping you dig deep into texts and uncover hidden meanings and connections. This process is all about understanding not just what a text says, but how it says it, and why it matters. Here’s a list of tips to help you get started with close reading, using insights from Norton's Little Seagull Handbook, Purdue OWL, and Excelsior OWL.

Introduction to Close Reading

• Critical Reading: Think of this as getting to know the text on a deeper level. It's about figuring out the choices the author made—like their word choice or the tone they used—and how these choices shape the message.
• Annotation: Grab a pen or highlighter and make notes as you read. Jot down your thoughts, questions, or anything that stands out. This helps you stay engaged and remember the important stuff.
• Spotting Patterns: Look for themes or ideas that keep popping up. These patterns can help you see how different parts of the text connect and what the overall message might be.
• Context Clues: Understanding the background of the text—like when and where it was written—can give you a better sense of its meaning.

Practical Steps

1. Skim First: Start by quickly skimming the text to get a feel for the main ideas. Check out titles, headings, and the beginning and end of sections.
2. Read Again: Go through the text a couple of times. The first read is to understand the basics, and the next reads are for digging into details like themes and literary devices.
3. Make Notes: As you read, highlight important parts and write down your thoughts or questions in the margins. This keeps you actively engaged with the text.
4. Ask Questions: Think about what the author is trying to say and why. What’s their main point? Why did they choose certain words or structures?
5. Find Patterns: Notice any themes or ideas that repeat. These can help you understand the text’s main message.
6. Summarize and Connect: Write short summaries of key sections to clarify your understanding. Try to connect ideas from different parts of the text or from other texts you’ve read.
7. Brainstorm for Writing: Use your notes and observations to come up with ideas for essays. Think about how the patterns and connections you’ve found can support your argument.

Combine Your Ideas with Your Sources

Blending your own thoughts with ideas from your sources is key to building a strong argument in your writing. It helps you join the conversation in your field by combining what you've learned with your own insights. Here's how you can do it effectively.

Using an Outline

Revisit your outline or start by drafting an outline for your paper. Each point will turn into a paragraph, whether it's an intro, body, or conclusion. Think about where your sources fit best to back up your points. Jot down notes in your outline about which sources support which ideas.

Ways to Mix it Up

There are a few ways to weave your ideas with evidence from your sources:

• Quoting: Use the exact words from a source with quotation marks.
• Paraphrasing: Put the source's info into your own words.
• Summarizing: Give a quick rundown of the main ideas from a source.
• Signal Phrases: Use phrases to show where the ideas are coming from.

Building Paragraphs

A good paragraph sticks to one topic and flows smoothly to the next. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Unity: Stick to one main point or aspect of your topic.
• Topic Sentences: Let readers know what the paragraph is about, usually right at the start.
• Adequate Development: Use examples, evidence, stories, anecdotes, descriptions, definitions, and comparisons to flesh out your point.
• Transitions: Wrap up one paragraph and smoothly lead into the next.

Think of it like this:

1. "Here's what I'm going to tell you." + 2. "Now I'm telling you about it, linking my ideas with my sources." + 3. "Here's what I told you, and here's what's coming next."

What's Next

On the next page, you'll dive into using direct quotes from your sources and how to cite them properly. You'll also learn how to include ideas from your sources through paraphrasing or summarizing, which also needs citations.