Answer to Question #197486 in English for Charles Raven

Question

how to answere synthesis essays when multiple sources have been provided

Answer 1

Synthesis is learning how to actively engage in various texts, think critically about authors’ different perspectives and develop our own meanings.

In order to write a synthesis essay, you need to follow the following steps;

(1) The first step in the synthesis is to have at least two sources. Sometimes, your instructor will provide these texts for you. Other times, you will find them on your own through something we like to call research. 

(2) The second step in the synthesis is reading, annotating, and analyzing the two texts. This involves close reading, or what I like to call reading with a pen.  When you read with a pen, you are able to mark passages of significance and make notes (also called annotations) that will help you synthesize the reading later.

(3) The third step in the synthesis is to recognize themes or traits that these texts have in common. How do they compare with each other based on these traits you’ve recognized? What would one author say about these themes or traits? What would the other say? In what ways would one author disagree with the other?