Using Sources Effectively
Why Use Sources?
To show that you (the writer) are
knowledgeable about the topic you are
writing about (i.e. you want to establish
your credibility as a writer).
You Can Use Sources…
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To give readers examples.
To support your argument.
To support your counterargument.
To introduce a topic that may or may not be
familiar to your readers.
To synthesize a number of ideas expressed
in the sources themselves.
What is Synthesis?
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For the purposes of this class, think of
synthesis as a “conversation” between two or
more sources within the context of an
argumentative essay.
Well-synthesized sources use verbs of
attribution (*see the worksheet on
Blackboard) and are connected to the
supporting argument or counterargument.
How Do I Synthesize My Sources?
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Here are some steps that you can use to
synthesize your own sources. Keep in mind
that this is only one of many strategies you
can use.
Go through the step-by-step example and
create an example of synthesis.
At the end of the activity, post a copy of your
synthesis example to the class discussion
board forum.
Step #1: Choose at least 2 quotes from
different sources.
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Here are the quotes you should use for this example:
From: Roberts, Donald F. and Ulla G. Foehr. Kids &
Media in America. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2004 (pg. 135)
“In 1999, some 78 percent of kids said they are
somewhat or very interested in sending and
receiving pictures on-line, and 70 percent wanted to
have a live video conference with a friend online
(Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., 1999).”
Step #1: Choose at least 2 quotes from
different sources, cont.
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From: Friess, Steve. “Yo, can u plz help me
write English?” USA Today 1 Apr. 2003, late
ed.: D8. (pg. D8)
“Instant messenger lends itself to linguistic
shortcuts, shoddy grammar and
inappropriate or absent punctuation.”
Step #2: List a number of issues that
each quote raises.
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“In 1999, some 78 percent of kids said they are
somewhat or very interested in sending and
receiving pictures on-line, and 70 percent wanted to
have a live video conference with a friend online
(Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., 1999).”
Possible issues: internet predators, kids are more
frequent users of online technologies, etc. (List some
of the issues that this quote raises for you.)
Remember to repeat this step for BOTH quotes.
Step #3: Find areas of connection
among the issues raised.
Friess Quote (IM)
Roberts & Foehr (web)
IM makes poor writers
Internet predators
IM language is specific
to only users who are
kids
Kids are frequent tech
users
(your list should have more
than 2 issues for each
quote)
Step #4: Put your sources in
“conversation” with each other.
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Remember:
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Use verbs of attribution
(see the Blackboard
worksheet).
Introduce each source.
Explain the connection(s)
you see between the
sources.
Connect the “conversation”
to a larger issue (this could
be the CA, SA, or thesis
statement).
See the following example
with color codes.
Donald Roberts and Ulla Foehr use statistics from
Roper Starch Worldwide Inc. to show that kids are
anxious to use technology (135). This could be
dangerous however if webcams and pictures fell into
the hands of child predators. Not only are pictures
and webcams a problem for children online, but the
language they use to communicate online puts them
at risk. In an article from USA Today, Steve Friess’
comment about kids using IM language to
communicate socially describes how children have
their own language and might even be specific in
grammar and punctuation online (D8). Predators can
pick up on this and use it to lure in children. While
there are numerous dangers online there are also
many benefits; children learn to work together and
socialize as peers. Parents need to monitor online
use of their kids if they wish to keep them safe.
Now, try working with the sources
you’ve collected for Synthesis Essay
#1…