Grade: Grade 7 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Synthesis Writing Lesson: 3 of 6 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Text Practice: Combining Sources

Learn

In this lesson, you will practice the core skill of synthesis: combining information from multiple sources to create a unified understanding of a topic.

What is Source Combination?

Source combination goes beyond simply summarizing each text separately. Instead, you look for:

  • Connections: How do the sources relate to each other?
  • Agreements: Where do the sources support the same idea?
  • Disagreements: Where do the sources present different perspectives?
  • Gaps: What does one source explain that another leaves out?

The CONNECT Strategy

Use this framework when working with multiple texts:

  1. Clarify the main idea of each source
  2. Organize sources by theme or perspective
  3. Note overlapping ideas and evidence
  4. Notice differences and contradictions
  5. Evaluate the strength of each source
  6. Combine ideas into your own argument
  7. Transition smoothly between sources

Key Synthesis Phrases

Use these phrases to show relationships between sources:

  • "Both Source A and Source B agree that..."
  • "While Source A argues..., Source B presents a different view..."
  • "Source A provides evidence that supports Source B's claim about..."
  • "Although the sources differ on..., they both acknowledge..."

Examples

Example 1: Finding Common Ground

Source A: "Regular exercise improves memory by increasing blood flow to the brain."

Source B: "Students who participate in sports often show better academic performance."

Synthesis: "Both sources support the connection between physical activity and cognitive benefits. While Source A focuses on the biological mechanism of increased blood flow, Source B demonstrates this effect in real-world academic outcomes."

Example 2: Addressing Conflicting Views

Source A: "Technology in classrooms distracts students from learning."

Source B: "Digital tools can enhance student engagement when used properly."

Synthesis: "The sources present contrasting perspectives on classroom technology. Source A emphasizes the potential for distraction, while Source B suggests that proper implementation can actually increase engagement. Together, they suggest that the effectiveness of technology depends on how it is used."

Example 3: Building on Information

Source A: "Coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate."

Source B: "Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching."

Synthesis: "Source B provides a scientific explanation for the crisis described in Source A. Together, these sources establish that rising ocean temperatures are causing coral bleaching, which contributes to the alarming rate of coral reef decline."

Practice

Complete the following exercises to strengthen your synthesis skills.

Practice 1: Identify the Relationship

Source A: "Homework helps students develop time management skills."

Source B: "Excessive homework can lead to student stress and burnout."

Question: What type of relationship exists between these sources? (Agreement, Disagreement, or Complementary)

Practice 2: Write a Synthesis Statement

Source A: "Reading fiction improves empathy by allowing readers to experience different perspectives."

Source B: "Students who read regularly score higher on emotional intelligence tests."

Task: Write a 2-3 sentence synthesis that combines these sources.

Practice 3: Find the Gap

Source A: "Social media use among teens has increased 300% in the past decade."

Source B: "Teenagers report feeling more connected to friends through online platforms."

Question: What important information might be missing from these sources that would give a fuller picture?

Practice 4: Choose the Best Synthesis

Source A: "Recycling reduces landfill waste."

Source B: "Many recyclable materials still end up in landfills due to contamination."

Which synthesis is strongest?

  1. "Recycling is good for the environment."
  2. "While recycling can reduce landfill waste, contamination issues mean that the actual impact may be less than expected."
  3. "Source A and Source B both talk about landfills."

Practice 5: Combine Three Sources

Source A: "Sleep deprivation affects memory consolidation."

Source B: "Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep per night."

Source C: "The average teen gets only 6.5 hours of sleep on school nights."

Task: Write a synthesis paragraph that incorporates all three sources.

Practice 6: Evaluate Source Strength

Source A: "A 2023 study of 10,000 students found that outdoor learning improved test scores by 15%."

Source B: "My neighbor said her kids love learning outside."

Task: How would you incorporate these sources differently in a synthesis? Which would you rely on more heavily, and why?

Practice 7: Create Transitions

Rewrite this choppy paragraph using synthesis transitions:

"Source A says video games improve problem-solving. Source B says video games can be addictive. Source C says parents should monitor gaming time."

Practice 8: Synthesize Opposing Views

Source A: "School uniforms reduce bullying and create equality."

Source B: "School uniforms suppress individual expression and creativity."

Task: Write a balanced synthesis that acknowledges both perspectives without choosing a side.

Practice 9: Identify Synthesis Errors

What is wrong with this synthesis attempt?

"Source A talks about climate change. Source B talks about renewable energy. Source C talks about electric cars. All three sources are about the environment."

Practice 10: Real-World Application

Find two articles on a topic that interests you (sports, music, science, etc.). Write a paragraph that synthesizes the main ideas from both sources, using at least two synthesis phrases from the lesson.

Check Your Understanding

1. What is the difference between summarizing and synthesizing?

2. Name three types of relationships you might find between sources.

3. Why is it important to acknowledge when sources disagree?

4. What does the "E" in the CONNECT strategy stand for, and why is it important?

5. Write one synthesis phrase you could use to show that two sources support the same idea.

Next Steps

  • Review the CONNECT strategy and practice using it with texts you read in other classes
  • Start a collection of synthesis phrases you can use in your writing
  • Move on to the next lesson to apply these skills in extended writing