{"id":3113,"date":"2020-04-03T15:56:01","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T15:56:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/coreqenglish1\/chapter\/text-synthesizing-sources\/"},"modified":"2025-02-27T19:32:52","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T19:32:52","slug":"text-synthesizing-sources","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/chapter\/text-synthesizing-sources\/","title":{"raw":"Synthesizing Sources","rendered":"Synthesizing Sources"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Evaluate how good source synthesis and integration builds credibility<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>What is Synthesis?<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Key Takeaway: Synthesis<\/h3>\r\nSynthesis is the combining of two or more things to produce something new. When you read and write, you will be asked to synthesize by taking ideas from what you read and combining them to form new ideas.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Synthesizing Sources<\/h2>\r\nOnce you have analyzed the texts involved in your research and taken notes, you must turn to the task of writing your essay. The goal here is not simply to summarize your findings. <em>Critical writing requires that you communicate your analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of those findings to your audience<\/em>.\r\n\r\nYou analyze and synthesize even before you compose your first draft. In an article called, \u201cTeaching Conventions of Academic Discourse,\u201d Teresa Thonney outlines six standard features of academic writing. Use the list to help frame your purpose and to ensure that you are adopting the characteristics of a strong academic writer as you synthesize from various sources:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writers state the value of their work and announce their plan for their papers.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writers adopt a voice of authority.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Writers respond to what others have said about their topic.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Writers acknowledge that others might disagree with the position they have taken.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Writers use academic and discipline-specific vocabulary.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writers emphasize evidence, often in tables, graphs, and images.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Cooking With Your Sources<\/h3>\r\n<em>Let's return to the example of Marvin, who is working on his research assignment. Marvin already learned from the online professor that he should spend time <strong>walking<\/strong> with his sources (knowing where to find them) and <strong>talking<\/strong>\u00a0to his sources (knowing who is conversing about them and what they are saying). Now\u00a0Marvin will learn the importance of <strong>cooking<\/strong> with his sources, or creating the right recipe for an excellent paper.<\/em>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Let's take a look at the third metaphor: <i>cooking. <\/i>When you <i>cook <\/i>with sources, you process them in new ways. Cooking, like writing, involves a lot of decisions. For instance, you might decide to combine ingredients in a way that keeps the full flavor and character of each ingredient.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin: Kind of like chili cheese fries? I can taste the flavor of the chili, the cheese, and the fries separately.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Yes. But other food preparation processes can change the character of the various ingredients. You probably wouldn\u2019t enjoy gobbling down a stick of butter, two raw eggs, a cup of flour, or a cup of sugar (well, maybe the sugar!). But if you mix these ingredients and expose them to a 375-degree temperature, chemical reactions transform them into something good to eat, like a cake.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin: You\u2019re making me hungry. But what do chili cheese fries and cakes have to do with writing?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Sometimes, you might use direct quotes from your sources, as if you were throwing walnuts whole into a salad. The reader will definitely \u201ctaste\u201d your original source. Other times, you might paraphrase ideas and combine them into an intricate argument. The flavor of the original source might be more subtle in the latter case, with only your source documentation indicating where your ideas came from. In some ways, the writing assignments your professors give you are like recipes. As an apprentice writing <i>cook, <\/i>you should <\/span><span class=\"s1\">analyze your assignments to determine what \u201cingredients\u201d (sources) to use, what \u201ccooking processes\u201d to follow, and what the final \u201cdish\u201d (paper) should look like. Let\u2019s try a few sample assignments. Here\u2019s one:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Assignment 1: Critique <\/b>(given in a human development course)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\">We\u2019ve read and studied Freud\u2019s theory of how the human psyche develops; now it\u2019s time to evaluate the theory. Read at least two articles that critique Freud\u2019s theory, chosen from the list I provided in class. Then, write an essay discussing the strengths and weaknesses of Freud\u2019s theory.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\">Assume you\u2019re a student in this course. Given this assignment, how would you describe the required ingredients, processes, and product?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><i>Marvin thinks for a minute, while chewing and swallowing a mouthful of apple.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin: Let\u2019s see if I can break it down:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ingredients<\/b><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>everything we\u2019ve read about Freud\u2019s theory<\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\">\u00a0our class discussions about the theory\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li>two articles of my choice taken from the list provided by\u00a0the instructor<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Processes<\/b>: I have to read those two articles to see their criticisms of Freud\u2019s theory. I can also review my notes from class, since we discussed various critiques. I have to think about what aspects of Freud\u2019s theory explain human development well, and where the theory falls short\u2014like in class, we discussed how Freud\u2019s theory reduces human development to sexuality alone. <\/span><span class=\"s2\">\r\n<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Product<\/b>: The final essay needs to include both strengths and weaknesses of Freud\u2019s theory. The professor didn\u2019t specifically say this, but it\u2019s also clear I need to incorporate some ideas from the two articles I read\u2014otherwise why would she have assigned those articles? <\/span><span class=\"s2\">\r\n<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Good. How about this one?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Assignment 3: Research Paper <\/b>(given in a health and environment course)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\">Write a 6\u20138-page paper in which you explain a health problem related to water pollution (e.g., arsenic poisoning, gastrointestinal illness, skin disease, etc.). Recommend a potential\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s1\">way or ways this health problem might be addressed. Be sure to cite and document the sources you use for your paper.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ingredients<\/b>: No specific guidance here, except that sources have to relate to water pollution and health. I\u2019ve already decided I\u2019m interested in how bottled water might help with health where there\u2019s water pollution. I\u2019ll have to pick a health problem and find sources about how water pollution can cause that problem. Gastrointestinal illness sounds promising. I\u2019ll ask the reference librarian where I\u2019d be likely to find good articles about water pollution, bottled water, and gastrointestinal illness.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Process<\/b>: There\u2019s not very specific information here about what process to use, but our conversation\u2019s given me some ideas. I\u2019ll use scholarly articles to find the connection between water pollution and gastrointestinal problems, and whether bottled water could prevent those problems.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Product<\/b>: Obviously, my paper will explain the connection between water and gastrointestinal health. It\u2019ll evaluate whether bottled water provides a good option in places where the water\u2019s polluted, then give a recommendation about what people should do. The professor did say I should address any objections readers might raise\u2014for instance, bottled water may turn out to be a good option, but it\u2019s a lot more expensive than tap water. Finally, I\u2019ll need to provide in-text citations and document my sources in a reference list.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: You\u2019re on your way. Think for a minute about these assignments. Did you notice that the \u201crecipes\u201d varied in their specificity?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin: Yeah. The first assignment gave me very specific information about exactly what source \u201cingredients\u201d to use. But in the second assignment, I had to figure it out on my own. And the processes varied, too. In the second assignment\u2014my own assignment\u2014I\u2019ll have to use content from my sources to support my recommendation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Different professors provide different levels of specificity in their writing assignments. If you have trouble figuring out the \u201crecipe,\u201d ask the professor for more information. Keep in mind that when<\/span><span class=\"s1\">\u00a0it comes to \u201ccooking with sources,\u201d no one expects you to be an executive chef the first day you get to college. Over time, you\u2019ll become more expert at writing with sources, more able to choose and use sources on your own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Watch It<\/h3>\r\nWatch this video to learn more about the synthesis process.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sLhkalJe7Zc\" width=\"800\" height=\"470\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nYou can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/Synthesis-Definition%26Examples_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \"Synthesis: Definition &amp; Examples\" here (opens in new window)<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Building Credibility through Source Integration<\/h2>\r\nWriters are delighted when they find good sources because they know they can use those sources to make their writing stronger. Skillful integration of those sources adds to an argument\u2019s persuasiveness but also builds the credibility of the argument and the writer.\r\n\r\nWell-integrated sources build credibility in several ways. First, the source material adds evidence and support to your argument, making it more persuasive. Second, the signal phrase highlights the reputation and qualifications of the source, thereby adding to the source material\u2019s credibility. Third, effective citation makes it easy for your reader to find and investigate the original source, building your credibility as a trustworthy writer. Finally, your thorough explanation of the source\u2019s relevance to your argument demonstrates <strong>your critical thinking and reasoning<\/strong>, another avenue to increased credibility.\r\n\r\nNotice in the example below how the student is able to synthesize multiple sources on the minimum wage in the United States in order to demonstrate familiarity with and respond to other voices on the topic. The writer is also able to state with authority their own perspective on the minimum wage and economic inequality based on the effective discussion and synthesis of sources.\r\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\r\n<h3>Student Example<\/h3>\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2298 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/06\/19225525\/Credibility-Annotated-Paragraph-Revised-1024x617.png\" alt=\"Download link for accessible PDF is below this image.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"617\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/oerfiles.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/WM+English+Composition+I\/Excelsior+Resources\/Credibility+Annotated+Paragraph+Revised.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Open student example in GoogleDocs<\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn the activity below, you\u2019ll practice building your synthesis based on your analysis and thinking about other source material.\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nExamine the use of signal phrases, direct quotations from an outside source, citation, and explanation of relevance to consider how well the writer\u2019s source integration builds credibility.\r\n\r\n[embed]https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/content\/1291006520432442118\/embed[\/embed]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nSynthesis, then, is the final step in the process of using sources. Good writers strive to include other voices in conversation, and they do so using direct quotes, paraphrase, and summary. The most important step, however, in integrating source material, is synthesis where we compare, contrast, and combine those other voices in order to fairly and accurately represent the existing conversation on the topic and thus to demonstrate how our ideas fit into or respond to that existing conversation.\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Evaluate how good source synthesis and integration builds credibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What is Synthesis?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Key Takeaway: Synthesis<\/h3>\n<p>Synthesis is the combining of two or more things to produce something new. When you read and write, you will be asked to synthesize by taking ideas from what you read and combining them to form new ideas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Synthesizing Sources<\/h2>\n<p>Once you have analyzed the texts involved in your research and taken notes, you must turn to the task of writing your essay. The goal here is not simply to summarize your findings. <em>Critical writing requires that you communicate your analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of those findings to your audience<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>You analyze and synthesize even before you compose your first draft. In an article called, \u201cTeaching Conventions of Academic Discourse,\u201d Teresa Thonney outlines six standard features of academic writing. Use the list to help frame your purpose and to ensure that you are adopting the characteristics of a strong academic writer as you synthesize from various sources:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writers state the value of their work and announce their plan for their papers.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writers adopt a voice of authority.<\/li>\n<li>Writers respond to what others have said about their topic.<\/li>\n<li>Writers acknowledge that others might disagree with the position they have taken.<\/li>\n<li>Writers use academic and discipline-specific vocabulary.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writers emphasize evidence, often in tables, graphs, and images.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Cooking With Your Sources<\/h3>\n<p><em>Let&#8217;s return to the example of Marvin, who is working on his research assignment. Marvin already learned from the online professor that he should spend time <strong>walking<\/strong> with his sources (knowing where to find them) and <strong>talking<\/strong>\u00a0to his sources (knowing who is conversing about them and what they are saying). Now\u00a0Marvin will learn the importance of <strong>cooking<\/strong> with his sources, or creating the right recipe for an excellent paper.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Let&#8217;s take a look at the third metaphor: <i>cooking. <\/i>When you <i>cook <\/i>with sources, you process them in new ways. Cooking, like writing, involves a lot of decisions. For instance, you might decide to combine ingredients in a way that keeps the full flavor and character of each ingredient.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin: Kind of like chili cheese fries? I can taste the flavor of the chili, the cheese, and the fries separately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Yes. But other food preparation processes can change the character of the various ingredients. You probably wouldn\u2019t enjoy gobbling down a stick of butter, two raw eggs, a cup of flour, or a cup of sugar (well, maybe the sugar!). But if you mix these ingredients and expose them to a 375-degree temperature, chemical reactions transform them into something good to eat, like a cake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin: You\u2019re making me hungry. But what do chili cheese fries and cakes have to do with writing?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Sometimes, you might use direct quotes from your sources, as if you were throwing walnuts whole into a salad. The reader will definitely \u201ctaste\u201d your original source. Other times, you might paraphrase ideas and combine them into an intricate argument. The flavor of the original source might be more subtle in the latter case, with only your source documentation indicating where your ideas came from. In some ways, the writing assignments your professors give you are like recipes. As an apprentice writing <i>cook, <\/i>you should <\/span><span class=\"s1\">analyze your assignments to determine what \u201cingredients\u201d (sources) to use, what \u201ccooking processes\u201d to follow, and what the final \u201cdish\u201d (paper) should look like. Let\u2019s try a few sample assignments. Here\u2019s one:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Assignment 1: Critique <\/b>(given in a human development course)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\">We\u2019ve read and studied Freud\u2019s theory of how the human psyche develops; now it\u2019s time to evaluate the theory. Read at least two articles that critique Freud\u2019s theory, chosen from the list I provided in class. Then, write an essay discussing the strengths and weaknesses of Freud\u2019s theory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\">Assume you\u2019re a student in this course. Given this assignment, how would you describe the required ingredients, processes, and product?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><i>Marvin thinks for a minute, while chewing and swallowing a mouthful of apple.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin: Let\u2019s see if I can break it down:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ingredients<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>everything we\u2019ve read about Freud\u2019s theory<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">\u00a0our class discussions about the theory\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>two articles of my choice taken from the list provided by\u00a0the instructor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Processes<\/b>: I have to read those two articles to see their criticisms of Freud\u2019s theory. I can also review my notes from class, since we discussed various critiques. I have to think about what aspects of Freud\u2019s theory explain human development well, and where the theory falls short\u2014like in class, we discussed how Freud\u2019s theory reduces human development to sexuality alone. <\/span><span class=\"s2\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Product<\/b>: The final essay needs to include both strengths and weaknesses of Freud\u2019s theory. The professor didn\u2019t specifically say this, but it\u2019s also clear I need to incorporate some ideas from the two articles I read\u2014otherwise why would she have assigned those articles? <\/span><span class=\"s2\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Good. How about this one?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Assignment 3: Research Paper <\/b>(given in a health and environment course)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\">Write a 6\u20138-page paper in which you explain a health problem related to water pollution (e.g., arsenic poisoning, gastrointestinal illness, skin disease, etc.). Recommend a potential\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s1\">way or ways this health problem might be addressed. Be sure to cite and document the sources you use for your paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ingredients<\/b>: No specific guidance here, except that sources have to relate to water pollution and health. I\u2019ve already decided I\u2019m interested in how bottled water might help with health where there\u2019s water pollution. I\u2019ll have to pick a health problem and find sources about how water pollution can cause that problem. Gastrointestinal illness sounds promising. I\u2019ll ask the reference librarian where I\u2019d be likely to find good articles about water pollution, bottled water, and gastrointestinal illness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Process<\/b>: There\u2019s not very specific information here about what process to use, but our conversation\u2019s given me some ideas. I\u2019ll use scholarly articles to find the connection between water pollution and gastrointestinal problems, and whether bottled water could prevent those problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Product<\/b>: Obviously, my paper will explain the connection between water and gastrointestinal health. It\u2019ll evaluate whether bottled water provides a good option in places where the water\u2019s polluted, then give a recommendation about what people should do. The professor did say I should address any objections readers might raise\u2014for instance, bottled water may turn out to be a good option, but it\u2019s a lot more expensive than tap water. Finally, I\u2019ll need to provide in-text citations and document my sources in a reference list.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: You\u2019re on your way. Think for a minute about these assignments. Did you notice that the \u201crecipes\u201d varied in their specificity?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">Marvin: Yeah. The first assignment gave me very specific information about exactly what source \u201cingredients\u201d to use. But in the second assignment, I had to figure it out on my own. And the processes varied, too. In the second assignment\u2014my own assignment\u2014I\u2019ll have to use content from my sources to support my recommendation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 hanging-indent\"><span class=\"s1\">O-Prof: Different professors provide different levels of specificity in their writing assignments. If you have trouble figuring out the \u201crecipe,\u201d ask the professor for more information. Keep in mind that when<\/span><span class=\"s1\">\u00a0it comes to \u201ccooking with sources,\u201d no one expects you to be an executive chef the first day you get to college. Over time, you\u2019ll become more expert at writing with sources, more able to choose and use sources on your own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Watch It<\/h3>\n<p>Watch this video to learn more about the synthesis process.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sLhkalJe7Zc\" width=\"800\" height=\"470\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>You can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/Synthesis-Definition%26Examples_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for &#8220;Synthesis: Definition &amp; Examples&#8221; here (opens in new window)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Building Credibility through Source Integration<\/h2>\n<p>Writers are delighted when they find good sources because they know they can use those sources to make their writing stronger. Skillful integration of those sources adds to an argument\u2019s persuasiveness but also builds the credibility of the argument and the writer.<\/p>\n<p>Well-integrated sources build credibility in several ways. First, the source material adds evidence and support to your argument, making it more persuasive. Second, the signal phrase highlights the reputation and qualifications of the source, thereby adding to the source material\u2019s credibility. Third, effective citation makes it easy for your reader to find and investigate the original source, building your credibility as a trustworthy writer. Finally, your thorough explanation of the source\u2019s relevance to your argument demonstrates <strong>your critical thinking and reasoning<\/strong>, another avenue to increased credibility.<\/p>\n<p>Notice in the example below how the student is able to synthesize multiple sources on the minimum wage in the United States in order to demonstrate familiarity with and respond to other voices on the topic. The writer is also able to state with authority their own perspective on the minimum wage and economic inequality based on the effective discussion and synthesis of sources.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\n<h3>Student Example<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2298 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/06\/19225525\/Credibility-Annotated-Paragraph-Revised-1024x617.png\" alt=\"Download link for accessible PDF is below this image.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"617\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/oerfiles.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/WM+English+Composition+I\/Excelsior+Resources\/Credibility+Annotated+Paragraph+Revised.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Open student example in GoogleDocs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In the activity below, you\u2019ll practice building your synthesis based on your analysis and thinking about other source material.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>Examine the use of signal phrases, direct quotations from an outside source, citation, and explanation of relevance to consider how well the writer\u2019s source integration builds credibility.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/content\/1291006520432442118\/embed\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"500\" height=\"750\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Synthesis, then, is the final step in the process of using sources. Good writers strive to include other voices in conversation, and they do so using direct quotes, paraphrase, and summary. The most important step, however, in integrating source material, is synthesis where we compare, contrast, and combine those other voices in order to fairly and accurately represent the existing conversation on the topic and thus to demonstrate how our ideas fit into or respond to that existing conversation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-3113\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Original<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Revision and Adaptation. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Lumen Learning. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Incorporating Your Sources Into Your Paper. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Boundless. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boundless.com\/writing\/textbooks\/boundless-writing-textbook\/the-research-process-2\/understanding-your-sources-265\/understanding-your-sources-62-8498\/\">https:\/\/www.boundless.com\/writing\/textbooks\/boundless-writing-textbook\/the-research-process-2\/understanding-your-sources-265\/understanding-your-sources-62-8498\/<\/a>. <strong>Project<\/strong>: Boundless Writing. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Synthesizing Sources from Chapter 4 and Integrating Sources from Chapter 5: Critical Thinking, Source Evaluations, and Analyzing Academic Writing. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Denise Snee, Kristin Houlton, Nancy Heckel. Edited by Kimberly Jacobs. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/lgdata.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/docs\/679\/734444\/Snee_2012_Research_Analysis_and_Writing.pdf\">http:\/\/lgdata.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/docs\/679\/734444\/Snee_2012_Research_Analysis_and_Writing.pdf<\/a>. <strong>Project<\/strong>: Research, Analysis, and Writing. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Critical Thinking, Source Evaluations, and Analyzing Academic Writing. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Denise Snee, Kristin Houlton, Nancy Heckel. Edited by Kim Jacobs. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/digitalcommons.apus.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&#038;context=epresscoursematerials\">http:\/\/digitalcommons.apus.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&#038;context=epresscoursematerials<\/a>. <strong>Project<\/strong>: Research, Analysis, and Writing. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>OWL at Excelsior College: Signal Phrases Activity. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Excelsior College OWL. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/research-and-citations\/drafting-and-integrating\/drafting-and-integrating-signal-phrases-activity\/\">http:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/research-and-citations\/drafting-and-integrating\/drafting-and-integrating-signal-phrases-activity\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Synthesizing Activity. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Excelsior OWL. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/orc\/what-to-do-after-reading\/synthesizing\/synthesizing-activity-1\/\">https:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/orc\/what-to-do-after-reading\/synthesizing\/synthesizing-activity-1\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Walk, Talk, Cook, Eat: A Guide to Using Sources. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Cynthia R. Haller. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.saylor.org\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/writing-spaces-readings-on-writing-vol-2.pd\">http:\/\/www.saylor.org\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/writing-spaces-readings-on-writing-vol-2.pd<\/a>. <strong>Project<\/strong>: Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing Vol. 2.. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">All rights reserved content<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Synthesis: Definition &amp; Examples. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: WUWriting Center. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sLhkalJe7Zc\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sLhkalJe7Zc<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em>All Rights Reserved<\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>: Standard YouTube License<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":29,"menu_order":7,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Incorporating Your Sources Into Your Paper\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Boundless\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.boundless.com\/writing\/textbooks\/boundless-writing-textbook\/the-research-process-2\/understanding-your-sources-265\/understanding-your-sources-62-8498\/\",\"project\":\"Boundless Writing\",\"license\":\"cc-by-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Synthesizing Sources from Chapter 4 and Integrating Sources from Chapter 5: Critical Thinking, Source Evaluations, and Analyzing Academic Writing\",\"author\":\"Denise Snee, Kristin Houlton, Nancy Heckel. 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Haller\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/www.saylor.org\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/writing-spaces-readings-on-writing-vol-2.pd\",\"project\":\"Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing Vol. 2.\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"5148fe2b-c81a-4cf8-90c9-ddceae5d39d0, 92414e82-06a7-4395-8d2d-876d818b3e7d","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-3113","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":133,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/3113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/3113\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6363,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/3113\/revisions\/6363"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/133"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/3113\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=3113"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=3113"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=3113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}