Week 2B - Synthesize and Paraphrase Research 3

Activity 1 | Activity 2 | Activity 3 | Activity 4

Activity 3: Websites

Here are some additional sources on paraphrasing and synthesis:

• “Paraphrase: Write it in Your Own Words” at Purdue University OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/619/01/. This web site has a good definition of paraphrasing and “Six Steps to Effective Paraphrasing.”

• Arizona State University West http://www.west.asu.edu/johnso/synthesis/learners.html

  Read the articles at this website to learn about the important skill of synthesizing. Be sure to define any vocabulary, clarify any confusing topics, and answer all of the listed questions (if applicable), using the learning community for support as needed. Pay close attention to and take notes in your study journal on the following questions, concepts, and ideas as you read these selections.    Review a very practical approach to paraphrasing and synthesizing material you read for your papers.

   

  Practice the skill of synthesis for your chosen article by doing the following:

  • Determine the major ideas of your article.
  • Highlight the most important aspects of your article.
  • Use your own words to make a short outline of the major ideas.
  • See the big picture of the article and the main contribution it offers.
  • Combine all of these steps into one or more paragraphs for a synthesis.

   

  Review this worksheet from the University of San Francisco about how you can apply synthesis: http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/instruction/ela/6-12/Tools/keyconceptsynthesis.PDF.  

   

  Here are some additional phrases you can use to synthesize your article: 

  • This research paper is a compilation of five major points which the author carefully put together. 
  • The report carefully reveals that what is often missed by readers of this topic ____________
  • The main point of the article is___________
  • Main issues within the article can reveal that___________
  • One would wonder if ____________
  • There are creative ways of acknowledging various contributors to this author ____________
  • Though the author presented six points, there is room for more research in the area of _________________