SYNTHESIZING
INFORMATION
OBJECTIVES
1 2 3
differentiate
define the synthesized
express the
paragraph from importance
concept of unsynthesized of synthesis
synthesis. paragraph
in writing
READ AND ANALYZE!
SYNTHESIS
•
WHAT’S THE
DIFFERENCE?
To put a passage from
source material into your
own words similar in
length as the original
To break complex topic into
smaller parts. Example:
breaking down a cake into
its ingredients.
To use observation
and background to
reach a logical
conclusion
SYNTHESIS
1) A growing number of schools across the country have started
requiring the wearing of school uniforms, but there are differing
opinions about them. 2) Author 1 claims that uniforms eliminate
bullying, increase students’ attendance as well as academic
achievement. 3) Moreover, it also instills pride in one’s school. 4) In
contrast, Author 2 believes that mandatory wearing of uniforms
violates freedom of self-expression, and does not correlate to student
achievement. 5)If wearing of school uniforms be required, they need
to be evaluated if the policy is effective. 6)While school uniform
symbolizes the schools’ commitment to bring about changes, it is not
the only sure fire solution to problems in the campus.
Read two different sources about a topic and jot
down important ideas.
Edit notes and put together similar
concepts.
Synthesize by combining notes with what you already
know about the topic
Organize your Write paragraphs with
sources topic sentences
Revise, edit and
Outline your
proofread
structure
ORGANIZE YOUR SOURCES
You can get relevant information from the
following sources.
Print Sources
Digital and Electronic Sources
Organize your Write paragraphs with
sources topic sentences
Revise, edit and
Outline your
proofread
structure
OUTLINE YOUR STRUCTURE
Identify the connections of each
sources and their differences. Decide
how you’ll group them together and the
order in which you’ll discuss them
Organize your Write paragraphs with
sources topic sentences
Revise, edit and
Outline your
proofread
structure
WRITE PARAGRAPHS WITH TOPIC
SENTENCES
The easiest way to think about this is that each
paragraph should discuss a few different
sources, and you should be able to condense
the overall point of the paragraph into one
sentence.
Organize your Write paragraphs with
sources topic sentences
Revise, edit and
Outline your
proofread
structure
REVISE, EDIT AND PROOFREAD
Like any other piece of academic
writing, synthesizing literature
involves redrafting, revising,
editing and proofreading
DON’T FORGET, to use the following terms
when quoting your source.
• asserts
• portrays • explains
• conveys • illustrates
• contends • argues
• highlights • claims
• suggests
Words to be used to show agreement
• Similarly • likewise
• Equally
• also
• Furthermore
Words to be used to show disagreement
• On the other • despite
hand • where
• on the contrary • unlike
• Although • otherwise
• Conversely
WHAT’S THE
DIFFERENCE?
SEPS IN SYNTHESIZING
1. Read relevant materials and organize your sources.
2. Make brief notes using key points/keywords. This makes it
easier to compare and contrast relevant information.
3. Identify common ideas and the essential information.
4. Formulate a topic sentence. It is the main idea and
information that you want to present in your synthesis.
5. Develop a paragraph of your synthesis according to the
information you gathered. Your synthesis should show the
reader where the sources overlap and where they differ.
6. Cite (reference) all the authors you have used.
