Synthesizing Sources: Entering the Conversation
o Types of Supports
Anecdote
A brief story that illustrates a point you are making
Facts
Information that is verifiable through general sources
Encyclopedia
History book
Biographical dictionary
Quantitative Data
Statistical information
More than just numbers
Give credit to- the sources where you find this information
Expert Testimony
You could quote the expert directly or put his/her points in your own words by summarizing or paraphrasing them
Citing anecdotes, facts, statistics and experts is one way to appeal to logos
Documenting such information establishes your ethos
o Writers at Work
Don’t let other writer’s points of view effect your own.
What you have to say is the main event, your position is central
o The Relationship of Sources to Audience
Make sure you know whom your audience is!
A general audience
Casual readers
The audience will expect a more formal approach for something written for a literary magazine for writers
Scholars and Researchers
The type of evidence and the way it is documented depends on audience and situation
o The Synthesis Essay
Requires you to use outside sources, sources that have been assigned to you, or sources that are part of your classroom readings
Your goal is the same as that of the more experienced writers
Use sources to support and illustrate your own ideas and to establish your credibility as a member of the academic community that values the “conversation” created by different voices
Citing your sources
Informal in-text citations
Formal in-text parenthetical documentation
End-of-paper Works Cited List
o MLA
You MUST document sources to give credit where credit is due
o Identifying the Issues: Recgnizing Complexity
A compelling argument leaves the reader thinking, questioning, considering, and reconsidering
A reasonable voice is usually a qualified one
One that is both challenged and informed by others
Anticipate objections to your position and recognize and respect the complexities of your topic
Recognize there are more than two sides to an issue
o Formulaing Your Position
Before formulating you position, take stock of the issues
Ask yourself questions to make sure you understand the writing and to help form your ideas for your argument
With these questions formulated in your mind you can now form a thesis
o Incorporating Sources: Inform Rather than Overwhelm
Don’t simply summarize or paraphrase a series of texts, but rather cite your sources
By paraphrasing or quoting directly
You’re in charge of the sources
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