Synthesis Assignment

Here is a pdf file of the synthesis assignment.

Engl101SynthesisAsngmt.

Description: According to Behrens and Rosen, “a synthesis is a written discussion that draws on two or more sources. […] You ability to write synthesis depends on your ability to infer relationships among sources […]” (87).

As with the last assignment, this one is in two parts. Be sure to complete both parts even though I will only be grading the essay portion. The bibliography entries will be graded when the final ten are collected, but you need to turn in the first 6 with this assignment. As with the last assignment, I will comment on your entries so that you can revise them before the final bibliography is due.

Part 1

For this portion of the assignment you need to write an essay-length synthesis that incorporates at least 4 of your sources. The synthesis should be about 800-1200 words. Syntheses include summaries, paraphrases, and quotes from original sources. Proper in-text and works cited citations are expected.

You will need to determine what purpose you have for writing your synthesis. For example, if you want to compare and contrast existing arguments about your theme, then you will need to have sources that offer two/multiple/conflicting viewpoints. It is your job, then to show these sides of the issue. Another example would be that you wish to clarify a definition of a term or concept within your theme. By combining definitions from various sources, you can help further the understanding of something. See your textbook (pgs 87-88) for some other ideas. We will discuss this further in class.

Part 2

You will add 2 more entries to your annotated bibliography bringing the number of entries to 6. In addition, you will revise the first 4 entries to include your reflection on the source.  As with the last assignment, this time you are required to find 2 sources from academic sources—journals, books, etc, As you collect research, you should be avoiding reviews, opinion pieces, blog/forum posts, or anything else that is simply opinion-based. Find reliable, credible sources. Use the library resources and the writing center for addition assistance with finding research.

For this submission of the Annotated Bibliography, each entry must be at least 3 paragraphs (can be more) and include a summary, a critique/evaluation, and a reflection. The reflection should be your viewpoint on the usefulness of this source to your project (how it will aide you) and/or to anyone doing research on a similar topic. Your reflection should consider the following questions: How is this source related to other sources in your bibliography? Was this source helpful to you? How does it help you shape your argument? How can you use this source in your research project? Has it changed how you think about your topic? Would this be a good source for someone who was also doing research on your topic? Why or why not?