Practice with Synthesis
Synthesize the following sentences into a coherent paragraph. Introduce
sources with signal phrases and verbs, connecting ideas with appropriate
transitions. Remember to move from the general to the specific and back to the
general, “sandwiching” the source material between your own words.
1.
People are changing jobs and occupations at an unprecedented rate, causing a constant
churning of labor in the marketplace. Societal influences encourage people to job hop,
regardless of the person’s own motivations. (Direct quote)
2.
Although the authors point out that turnover can’t be completely eliminated, they do
agree that it can be reduced to a manageable degree. (Student writer’s own words.)
3.
Organizations can expect to replace the equivalent of their entire part-time staff every
three to four years and replace the entire full-time staff every six to seven years.
(Paraphrase.)
4.
The literature is consistent in pointing out that turnover is inevitable and can never be
entirely eliminated. (Student writer’s own words.)
5.
Turnover is a natural part of organizational functioning (paraphrase/source summary)
6.
Turnover affects small businesses as well as large ones. (Paraphrase.)
7.
Ultimately, turnover visits every company regardless of the cause. (Paraphrase/source
summary.)
Sources used in the paragraph:
John Baillie (1996) – Vice President of Marketing at Herrold Enterprises
Jeffrey Mount (1994) – President of Wright’s Gourmet House
Sylvia Kelley (1998) – Harvard business professor
Roger Herman (1997) – researcher
page numbers cited in the paragraph: p.15 and p. 27