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Boost Synthesis Writing with These Tips

Home » Blog » English Language Arts » Boost Synthesis Writing with These Tips
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January 14, 2017 //  by Lindsay Ann//  Leave a Comment

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synthesis-writingWriting instruction is challenging, yet rewarding.  Synthesis writing, an important common core skill, occurs when several sources are used and evaluated.  Synthesis typically occurs in expository writing where researched sources are brought together to prove a thesis statement or answer an inquiry question.

Framing Synthesis Writing for Students

After reading to understand different sources and arguments, students often struggle with bringing them all together.  I tell students to imagine the synthesis writing process as a dinner table conversation:

Imagine you’ve just invited several different authors over to your house to discuss their ideas on a topic.  What perspectives would be represented?  What evidence would each one bring to the table?  How would they interact with and respond to each other.  And, overall, what would your voice say as you enter this conversation?  

This way of framing source synthesis makes it seem less intimidating and more accessible.  It also shows the value of each “voice” or source in the discussion and teaches students that they aren’t discussing each source in isolation – there is a larger purpose to their writing, a “big picture” to consider.

Structure for Synthesis

Here is an effective structure for students to use for synthesis.  Feel free to share on social media and check out this FREE expanded guide for synthesis writing.

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Category: English Language ArtsTag: Academic Conversation, Analysis, Free Resource, Infographic, Research, Sentence Stems, TpT, Writing

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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