Synthesis Chart
Student Guide
Assignment Summary
For this assignment, you will complete a synthesis chart about the information you learned from reading
the following sources, as well as additional readings from pp. 147–158.

The Dumbest Generation by Mark Bauerlein
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“Is ‘Screen Time’ Dangerous for Children?” by Alison Gopnik
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“Are We Getting Our Share of the Best?” by R. Smith Simpson

“This Is How the Internet Is Rewiring Your Brain” by Jacqueline Howard

“The Illusion of Knowledge” by Nicolas Carr

Interview: Clive Thompson’s Smarter Than You Think by Michael Agger

“Stop Googling. Let’s Talk.” by Sherry Turkle

Chart: “Americans’ Cell Phone Use during Social Activity” by Pew Research Center

Irresistible by Adam Alter (optional)
In the synthesis chart, you will identify at least five major issues the sources discuss about technology’s
effects on human intelligence. For each issue, you will choose a quote or piece of information from at
least three of the texts to illustrate the authors’ thoughts or positions on the issue.
Materials

The Language of Composition, 3rd ed.

Irresistible by Adam Alter (optional)

Writing utensils
Assignment Instructions
For this project, you are expected to submit the following.
1. Your completed graphic organizer with at least five central issues and, for each issue, quotations
or pieces of evidence that reflect three authors’ thoughts or viewpoints
Step 1: Prepare for the project.
a) Read through the guide before you begin so you know the expectations for this project.
b) If anything is not clear to you, ask your teacher for assistance.
Step 2: Complete a close reading and rhetorical analysis of each source.
a) Ask questions of the sources, keeping an open mind.
b) Annotate sources to help you recall the thoughts you had while reading.
c) Use your annotations to connect ideas while you read.
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Student Guide (continued)
Step 3: Complete the synthesis chart by listing issues and information from sources.
a) List at least five key issues raised about technology’s impact on human intelligence in the sources
you read.
b) Provide a quotation or piece of evidence that reflects three authors’ thoughts or viewpoints for
each issue.
Step 4: Use this checklist to evaluate your project.
If you can check each box below, you are ready to submit your project.
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Did you conduct a close reading of each source?
Did you annotate the sources as part of your reading?
Did you list at least five issues in your graphic organizer?
Did you list at least three quotations or pieces of evidence for each of your five issues
(minimum 15 total)?
Step 5: Revise and submit your project.
a) If you were unable to check off all of the requirements on the checklist, go back and make
sure that your project is complete. Save your project before submitting it.
b) Turn in your graphic organizer. Be sure that your name is on it.
c) Congratulations! You have completed your project.
Scoring Guide
 Total points: 100 (20 points per completed row)
 Points will be deducted for weak or incomplete information.
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Student Guide (continued)
Graphic Organizer
Use this graphic organizer to organize your issues and information from the sources. Be sure to include at
least five issues and to use quotations or pieces of evidence from three different sources for each issue.
Issue
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Source
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