Chapter 3

Overview

The Chapter focuses on Synthesis's and how to write them. It outlines how to use sources in a synthesis and which ones are appropriate. The book also discusses the different types of synthesis. within the documents, the writer has to discuss how to write a thesis and plan out the information according to the plan of the synthesis. Summary Statements are mentioned in chapter along with topic sentences. The topics that I think will be most useful for me are how to write a thesis statement and focusing my paper on one purpose.

Response

A synthesis is a written document that draws on two or more sources. The purpose of a synthesis is stated in the question being asked. Key words to "discus", "argue the following" and "Evaluated". Using acceptable sources is discussed in the chapter and it says to only focus on sources that are related to your thesis statement. In a "Cause and Effect" paper, the sources used need to relate to each other in that type of relationship. The same is applied with questions started with "Describe". How to write a synthesis is outlined and there are seven steps to make sure your taking. One: Consider your purpose. You should know what your papers focus should be one. Two: Select and carefully read sources. Make sure you understand what your sources are explaining. Three: Take notes while reading. It helps you remember what the article was about and its important parts. Four: Formulate a Thesis. A Thesis is the main focus of the paper. Five: Describe how you use your sources. Six: Develop a organized plan. You should know how your essay is going to lay out and what facts go into which paragraph. Seven: Make topic sentences for each main section. You should always introduce the paragraph with a topic sentence. There are two types of synthesis's, explanatory and argument. An explanatory synthesis helps the reader understand the topic, the questions where, when and how it took place. An Argument synthesis's purpose is to argue for one side of a topic. There should always be a purpose of the paper. The writer should always answer the question "why?" before "How?". The difference between having a purpose to a paper and having a thesis is focused on within the chapter as well. It states that a purpose provides direction for the paper but the actual thesis sharpens the focus. The thesis does this by narrowing the focus and formulating it in words in a statement. The synthesis should always be organized with ideas and facts. There should be one paragraph for each section of ideas. There are two questions writers should ask when writing a synthesis. "What information does the reader need to understand first?" and also, "How do I build on this first section? What block of information will follow?"

I think topics that could appear on test would be the two questions writers should ask themselves when writing. The two main types of synthesis papers are important information along with the difference between having a purpose to a paper and having a thesis.