Source Synthesis

ESL501Edited by Betsy Divine

Created by Katherine Wu

Defining Synthesis

• What does it mean to synthesize?• What is the purpose of a literature review?• Why is it important to synthesize sources in a literature

review?

• Synthesis: to combine separate elements to form a whole• A literature review should show that you have understanding

about other works that are related to your research question.• In a lit review, such understanding should be demonstrated

by • Make connections and clarify relationships among the

ideas of the source materials• Organize the text topic-by-topic instead of source by

source

Source Synthesis Examination

• What are the organizing principles of text A and text B? • Which text synthesized the sources better?• What are some characteristics that make a good source

synthesis?

• To show that you have digested the information well• organize all the information by topic instead of sources• present the recurring ideas among sources.• clarify the relationship between ideas in those sources

• One strategy to help you get organized: Drawing a grid!

Using a Grid to Organize Sources

Research Question: What are the purposes of ESL classes in universities?

•Step1: List out the main ideas in each sourceSource A

• provide grammar assistance, to communicate better with native speakers, develop good organization skills in writing

Source B• to avoid plagiarism, to broaden understanding of diverse groups on campus (Other

International students)Source C

• learn basic structure of writing, to use sources appropriatelySource D

• to write effectively with good organization and with formal grammar style; to use other sources while acknowledging other people’s ideas

• Step2: Create a grid based on repeating ideas/recurring themes

What are the purposes of ESL classes in universities?

Grammar Assistance

Enhance communication w/ international students/cultures

Organization in Writing

Avoid Plagiarism

Source A

Source B

Source C

Source D

• Step 3: Based on the recurring topics in the grid, organize your source synthesis by topics instead of sources

E.g. According to recent literature that discusses the purposes of ESL classes, there are four main functions. To begin with, author A and author D point out that ESL classes help students with their grammar errors….In addition, both author A and author B states that ESL classes help students form communities and develop better relationships….Furthermore, many experts, including author A, C and D claims that one of the students learn organization skills….Finally, author B, C and D, all emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of plagiarism in ESL classes in accordance with university policies.

Grammar Assistance

Enhance communication w/ international students/cultures

Organization in Writing

Avoid Plagiarism

Source A

Source B

Source C

Source D

Steps to Creating a Grid

• Step1: List out the main ideas in each source• Step2: Create a grid based on repeating ideas• Step3: Based on the recurring topics in the grid, organize your

source synthesis by topics instead of sources

Sample Grids

• You can also create a grid based on research methods and results shown in the articles.

(Published Studies)

Research Questions

Methodology Study Results

Source ADoes explicit grammar instruction improve student writing skills?

A+B= C Same/different/Similar

Source BDo students see explicit grammar instruction as being important?

A+B=C Same/different/Similar

Source C Does explicit grammar instruction improve students writing skills? A+B+C= E Same/different/

Similar

Practice Creating a Grid!

• Research Question: Are Richer People Happier?• Fill out the grid based on the provided 5 sources.

Step1: List out the main ideas in each sourceStep2: Create a grid based on repeating ideasStep3: Based on the recurring topics in the grid, organize your source synthesis by topics instead of sources

Steps to Creating a Grid

• Step1: List out the main ideas in each source• Step2: Create a grid based on repeating ideas• Step3: Based on the recurring topics in the grid, organize your

source synthesis by topics instead of sources

Writing the Synthesis

• For each main idea that recurs among the sources, create a topic sentence that both1) Synthesize the literature to be discussed2) Describe the literature to be discussed Much of the literature points out that grammar correction feedback in composition classes does little to improve student understanding. Nevertheless, research also shows that students view it as useful and necessary.

Not only does the literature agree that explicit grammar instruction does (not)…, Prejean, Fitzpatrick and Marshall also suggests that it….